The best luxury hotels in San Francisco, from historic grande dames to slick skyscrapers (2024)

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Simply San Francisco’s best hotel. Situated within a private members' club, guests get an all-access pass to The Battery’s exclusive facilities and regular events. Super-stylish interiors are by designer-to-the-stars Ken Fulk, and everything from the food to the tea is world-class. The 14 rooms are flooded with natural light thanks to large factory windows, and have been styled with custom and vintage pieces, while natural stone tile bathrooms have both a walk-in shower and standalone tub. Unsurprisingly, the Penthouse goes all-out. Its wraparound rooftop terrace has a hot tub, barbecue, fireplace and enormous dining table, plus there’s a full-sized bar in the living room.

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From£452

per night

This historic hotel occupies a coveted spot atop well-heeled Nob Hill, commanding impressive views of both city and bay. The original building’s exterior resembles a Beaux-Arts palace, with iron lace balconies; the tower building, added in 1962, is more functional. The lobby is classic grande dame: imposing pillars, ornate ceilings, and large, potted palms. Comfort and service are what you’d expect of a Fairmont, while the sunny rooftop garden is an added perk. The hotel’s kitsch tiki Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar dates back to 1945 and is an institution in itself. Ship’s mast nets, thatched cabanas and totems set the mood, while tropical co*cktails are expertly mixed (and strong).

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From£242

per night

Over the decades countless Hollywood stars and visiting royalty have slept at The Palace, San Francisco’s most historic hotel. Gorgeous Beaux Arts architectural details mix with contemporary style at this downtown dame and the 600 high-ceilinged rooms are elegantly designed for comfort. The hotel occupies an entire city block, so be prepared to do some walking. The centerpiece is the lustrous Garden Court, where diners and co*cktail-drinkers linger underneath Austrian glass chandeliers and a stained-glass dome that lets in sunshine – don’t miss the signature Saturday afternoon tea here. The indoor pool, covered by a glass roof, is also a stunner.

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From£374

per night

This Four Seasons outpost has a more modern feel than the brand’s usual classic luxury style. The communal-style lobby, where guests tap at laptops on shared benches, or sofas with outlet-equipped side tables, is surrounded by bright, contemporary canvases and sculptures. Generously proportioned rooms are flooded with natural light, and feature cushioned window seats for soaking up city views. Guests have unlimited access to the on-site Equinox, a private health club that’s so swanky, it’s actually a pleasure to work out there. There’s also a full-size basketball court, 25-yard swimming pool, various yoga rooms, a barre room and a complimentary class schedule. The MKT restaurant is another highlight – the zingy coconut curry soup with charred fat prawns is highly recommended.

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From£384

per night

This 40-storey new-build hotel is as contemporary as they come and offers some of the city’s best rooms: large, light-filled and luxurious. Bedside touch controls operate everything from the window blinds to ‘do not disturb’ notices and views either face skyscrapers or look over Yerba Buena Gardens, while generously sized bathrooms offer a large walk-in rain shower and separate deep tub. The hotel is set in one of the better parts of ‘up-and coming’ SOMA (South of Market) and the city’s fantastic modern art museum is next door. The common areas are bright and white, with lots of glass plus some interesting sculptures and installations dotted about, which keep it in tune with the surrounding area.

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From£525

per night

Despite a renovation, this landmark hotel in wealthy Nob Hill feels like an old classic. The 17-column, nine-storey neoclassical building and its large, landscaped inner courtyard add a touch of historic pomp to future-facing, tech-obsessed San Francisco. Design giant Hirsch Bedner Associates’ modern interiors are a counterpoint to the hotel’s stately exterior. Each of the 336 rooms feels large and luxurious; all are similarly attired and offer docking stations, espresso machines, Netflix-enabled televisions, and couture Frette sheets. The food at restaurant Parallel 37 is very good, fusing California produce with Asian flourishes. The five-course chef’s menu shows off Rotondo’s best cooking – Sonoma Liberty Farm's duck and foie gras in a fluffy Korean bao bun stands out.

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From£456

per night

The Mark Hopkins holds a coveted space atop the city's tiny Nob Hill, sitting on the same block as the Gothic-style Grace Cathedral and removed from downtown's bustle by the steep streets that surround it. This luxury landmark property sports a combination of French château and Spanish Renaissance décor, with original features such as terracotta ornamentation and a working mail slot on every floor. In the rooms expect plush, king-sized beds that are extremely comfortable and cosy, with pillows that you literally sink into. Most offer views of downtown San Francisco, while some higher floors have rooms looking out toward the Golden Gate Bridge. The iconic Top of the Mark co*cktail bar on the hotel's 19th floor hosts live entertainment most nights.

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From£236

per night

A stay at the Loews Regency feels like living in the cloud – the hotel is spread over the top 10 floors of one of the city’s tallest buildings. The ground-floor lobby aspires to a ‘wow factor’, and succeeds in setting a smart, contemporary tone. From here, guests are whizzed in a lift at ear-popping speed to the building’s uppermost floors. All rooms give grand, sweeping views over the city’s greatest landmarks and binoculars are provided to make the most of this. Most impressive is the Bridge to Bridge category, with its broad, Golden Gate to Bay Bridge vista taking in most of the bay. The sparky street-level restaurant adds a contemporary edge.

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From£553

per night