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The Best Luxury Hotels In San Francisco

Varun Sharma Varun Sharma Sep 17, 2021
The Best Luxury Hotels In San Francisco

San Francisco continues to captivate discerning travelers with its vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and cosmopolitan flair. The city’s luxury hotel scene is a testament to its cultural richness and commitment to exceptional hospitality. From the rolling hills of Nob Hill to the bustling streets of SoMa, San Francisco offers an exclusive selection of five-star properties for those seeking the ultimate in comfort and style. 

Take a classic cable car ride from Powell to Hyde, discover the culinary treasures of Chinatown, or admire panoramic views from Russian Hill. Relish fresh Pacific seafood, unwind with world-class Napa Valley wines just an hour’s drive away, or stroll through the city’s lush parks and scenic beaches. Art aficionados will appreciate the city’s wealth of museums, including the renowned Cartoon Art Museum and the historic Cable Car Museum. 

Explore our expert selection of the best luxury hotels in San Francisco for 2025: 

The Businessclass guide to the best hotels in San Francisco:

Since 1907, the Fairmont San Francisco has welcomed presidents, dignitaries, and celebrities to its legendary Nob Hill address. Perched above the city, the property is renowned for sweeping vistas of the skyline and bay. The hotel features 606 rooms and suites across 19 categories, beginning with Signature Rooms—spacious at 34 sqm and located in the Tower Building, each boasting floor-to-ceiling windows framing dramatic Bay Area views. The Cambridge Suite, measuring 102 sqm, offers an elevated perspective of Nob Hill’s architectural beauty. Every room is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, plush linens, top-tier Keurig or Nespresso machines, oversized marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, and a generous workspace.

Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar delivers seasonal California cuisine for breakfast and dinner, while the iconic Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar serves Polynesian-inspired dishes with nightly live music and dancing. The Live Fit Gym & Wellness Spa, on the Terrace Level, features a comprehensive range of fitness equipment and wellness treatments—including massage, facials, chiropractic, and acupuncture. Stroll through the rooftop culinary and herb gardens, home to aromatic plants and nine active beehives producing the hotel’s signature honey. The Fairmont’s legacy and recent sustainability initiatives continue to set the benchmark for luxury hospitality in San Francisco.

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Hotels Toplists - The Best Luxury Hotels In San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco- 9/10

Perfectly positioned in the heart of SoMa, adjacent to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, The St. Regis San Francisco offers an experience that blends contemporary luxury with an artistic sensibility. Each of the 260 guest rooms is adorned with Bella Crema marble, hand-stitched leather panels, and custom artwork evoking California’s natural beauty. All rooms include a spacious workspace, high-speed connectivity, and 55-inch smart TVs. Bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and signature robes and slippers. Suite guests benefit from the renowned St. Regis butler service and access to the hotel’s luxury house car for travel within a 3.5 km radius. The Family Traditions program continues to delight younger guests with curated amenities and activities.

The Grill at St. Regis offers refined California cuisine, while the Lobby Lounge serves as a vibrant spot for breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails. The 570 sqm fitness center is outfitted with Peloton bikes and state-of-the-art equipment, affording city views through expansive windows. The sunlit infinity pool provides a tranquil escape, and the Remède Spa delivers a full menu of sensory treatments, facials, and beauty services. The St. Regis remains a favored address for both business and leisure travelers seeking sophistication and personalized service in San Francisco.

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The St Regis San Francisco- 9/10

Occupying a stately neoclassical building dating to 1909, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco stands as a beacon of luxury in the city’s downtown core, just steps from Union Square. The hotel offers 336 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, many with panoramic downtown or bay views. Interiors are finished in sophisticated palettes of silver, blue, and grey, accented by artwork celebrating local culture. Guests enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, 400-thread-count linens, and Nespresso machines. Bathrooms are finished in Italian marble and feature rain showers, soaking tubs, and exclusive Asprey amenities.

Parallel 37 serves both classic and contemporary breakfast options, while The Lounge is a gathering place for elevated American fare and expertly crafted cocktails. The JCB Tasting Lounge, a collaboration with winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset, offers curated wine flights for oenophiles. The hotel’s well-equipped fitness center is open 24/7, and a complimentary chauffeured car service is available for destinations within 1.6 km. Chinatown and the iconic California Street cable car are moments away, providing effortless access to San Francisco’s top attractions and shopping districts.

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Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco- 9/10

Located on bustling Market Street, the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco offers a refined sanctuary in the heart of the city. The property features 277 rooms and suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of downtown, Market Street, Yerba Buena Gardens, or San Francisco Bay. Decor is modern yet inviting, with blue and metallic accents and brass detailing. Rooms include king beds with down duvets, expansive dressing areas, complimentary Wi-Fi, and multiple USB charging ports for seamless connectivity.

MKT Restaurant & Bar is a favorite for all-day dining, spotlighting sustainable seafood and locally sourced meats. The hotel’s rooftop beehives supply honey for signature dishes and craft cocktails. Guests have access to the expansive Equinox Sports Club, featuring a 25-meter pool, diverse fitness classes, boxing and yoga studios, and top-tier cardio and weight equipment. The spa, open Thursday through Sunday, invites relaxation with candle-lit ambiance and a menu of rejuvenating therapies. A dedicated Kid’s Concierge crafts bespoke itineraries, and families enjoy thoughtful amenities for younger guests, ensuring every member feels pampered during their stay.

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Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero- 9/10

Occupying the uppermost 11 floors of a 48-story skyscraper in the Financial District, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero delivers unmatched vistas of the city, bay, and iconic bridges. Originally opened in 2020 following a comprehensive renovation, the hotel presents 155 contemporary rooms and suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and natural wood finishes. Guests can gaze out at the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and the Transamerica Pyramid from the comfort of their room. Each space is outfitted with king or queen beds, a work and dining table, secure laptop safe, Nespresso machine, private bar, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Marble bathrooms feature walk-in showers, plush robes and slippers, and deluxe Codage Paris toiletries.

The third-floor gym is bright and modern, equipped with the latest cardio and strength-training machines. In-room dining is available throughout the day, offering a curated menu for breakfast and beyond. The hotel’s location places guests steps from the city’s historic restaurants and acclaimed dining destinations, making it ideal for both business travelers and those seeking the best of San Francisco’s culinary scene.

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Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco- 9/10

As San Francisco’s original luxury hotel, the Palace Hotel blends historic grandeur with contemporary refinement. Established in 1875 and beautifully restored, the property’s centerpiece is the breathtaking Garden Court—a gilded atrium recognized as the city’s only indoor historic landmark. Guest rooms and suites are accessed through solid oak doors and feature soaring 11-foot ceilings, intricate fabrics, and Californian Impressionist-inspired decor. Frette linens, pillowtop mattresses, and leather headboards ensure restful nights, while marble bathrooms include Jacuzzi-style tubs, rainfall showers, plush robes, and premium designer amenities.

The Garden Court is famed for its signature Afternoon Tea and lavish City Brunch, serving breakfast and lunch in a palatial setting. The Pied Piper Bar exudes old-world charm with mosaic floors and dark wood paneling, offering expertly mixed cocktails and curated wines alongside shareable plates. The indoor heated pool and whirlpool spa sit beneath a stunning glass dome, creating a tranquil urban escape. The comprehensive fitness center is outfitted with the latest cardio and strength equipment, catering to wellness-focused travelers.

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Taj Campton Place, San Francisco- 9/10

Set on Stockton Street at the edge of Union Square, Taj Campton Place is an intimate luxury hotel comprising two historic buildings. With only 110 rooms and suites across eight room types, the property promises personalized service and a tranquil atmosphere. Entry-level California King rooms feature contemporary design with pear wood accents, high-thread-count linens, a pillow menu, dedicated workspace, complimentary Wi-Fi, Nespresso machine, and fully stocked minibar. Bathrooms are appointed with limestone tiles, deep soaking tubs, walk-in showers, plush robes, slippers, and Molton Brown amenities.

Campton Place Restaurant, honored with two Michelin stars, is helmed by Chef Srijith Gopinathan and celebrates a unique fusion of Californian and Indian flavors. The curated wine list by Sommelier Patrick Miner features over 1,500 labels, with more than 40 available by the glass. The Bistro and Bar present a concise yet impressive menu for lighter fare. The 9th-floor rooftop terrace houses a tented fitness center equipped with TechnoGym machines and Peloton bikes, offering open-air workouts with Union Square views on clear days.

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Hotel Drisco– 9/10

Perched in the exclusive Pacific Heights enclave, Hotel Drisco has been an understated luxury retreat since 1903. With just 48 rooms and suites, this Edwardian gem is celebrated for its serene ambiance and highly personalized service. Guests enjoy a gourmet continental breakfast each morning and a complimentary evening wine reception featuring local wines, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day for added comfort. 

Rooms are decorated in soothing neutral tones, with Egyptian cotton sheets, goose down duvets, merino wool throws, and hotel-exclusive pillows. Classic accommodations offer king beds, club chairs, work desks, and views over Pacific Heights or the peaceful courtyard. Marble-accented bathrooms feature heated floors and walk-in showers. The hotel provides complimentary luxury car service for one-way trips within San Francisco, as well as loaner bicycles for guests wishing to explore the city’s neighborhoods independently. The fitness center, though compact, is well-equipped with Peloton, TRX, and free weights, ensuring guests can maintain wellness routines while traveling.

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Hotel Zetta San Francisco a Viceroy Urban Retreat– 9/10

Hotel Zetta San Francisco by Viceroy is a vibrant, design-forward retreat in the heart of SoMa, just minutes from the Moscone Center. The hotel’s 116 rooms and suites are styled with a modern city aesthetic and feature king beds, premium linens, Illy espresso machines, plush robes, and ROIL by Amanda George bath amenities. Well + Away rooms are tailored for wellness travelers, offering Peloton bikes, hypoallergenic bedding, and Dyson air purifiers. Designed with business and leisure in mind, accommodations include oversized butcher-block desks, voice-activated Amazon Alexa assistants, and smart TVs with seamless mobile streaming.

Salvage & Rescue, the dynamic two-level lobby lounge, buzzes with energy and offers everything from classic games and shuffleboard to communal workspaces. The Cavalier, a British-inspired brasserie, presents a menu of elevated comfort food, including fish and chips, meat pies, and decadent desserts. The hotel’s fitness studio offers the latest in ARKE core training, spin and yoga classes, and top-tier equipment including Peloton and Excite Run machines. Guests can also book in-room spa therapies, from relaxing massages to signature lavender body treatments, ensuring a restorative stay in the city’s creative epicenter.

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Cavallo Point Hotel– 9/10

Nestled at the northern foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, Cavallo Point is a unique eco-luxury resort offering the city’s most breathtaking views. Since opening in 2008, the property has blended historic military architecture with contemporary green design across 170 rooms and suites. Nearly half the accommodations are set in meticulously restored early 20th-century buildings, while the remainder occupy sleek, eco-friendly lodges. All rooms feature organic bedding and showcase stunning vistas of San Francisco Bay and the city skyline.

Murray Circle, the resort’s acclaimed restaurant, is helmed by Executive Chef Michael Garcia and delivers innovative cuisine with local ingredients. Farley Bar offers casual fare and craft cocktails, while the Tea Bar inside the Healing Arts Center & Spa provides a tranquil setting for wellness teas. Cavallo Point’s renowned cooking school hosts hands-on classes for culinary enthusiasts. The Healing Arts Center & Spa offers therapies including acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and holistic consultations with licensed practitioners. The resort’s location—formerly Fort Baker—makes it an ideal base for wine country excursions and outdoor adventures, all while offering unparalleled perspectives of the city, Bay, and Golden Gate Bridge day or night.

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Businessclass compares hundreds of travel sites to help you secure exclusive deals on premium flights and top-tier accommodations in San Francisco. 

Hotels Toplists - The Best Luxury Hotels In San Francisco