We had the opportunity to stay at the Fairmont San Francisco recently and dine in its restaurant, the Laurel Court. When we first arrived, the first thing that struck me was its incredible location. Sitting high atop Nob Hill, the hotel has a commanding presence that’s hard to miss, and the views from the surrounding streets are worth slowing down for. The building itself feels like a true San Francisco landmark, with its grand architecture and historic character setting the tone before you even step through the front doors. It’s one of those places that immediately makes you feel like you’re staying somewhere with a story to tell.
Its grand façade reflects the elegance of a bygone era, with impressive architectural details, sweeping entrances, and a sense of scale that conveys both history and distinction. There are 606 graceful guestrooms and lavish suites available in the main building or in their luxe contemporary tower.
It’s also worth noting that the hotel’s elevated location offers a striking vantage point, placing guests within easy reach of many of San Francisco’s iconic neighborhoods and landmarks.
The Lobby at the Fairmont San Francisco. Credit: The Fairmont.
Walking into the lobby, I understood why so many people speak highly of this hotel. The space feels elegant without being intimidating, with soaring ceilings, beautiful architectural details, and plenty of comfortable places to sit and take it all in. I found myself lingering longer than I expected, simply enjoying the atmosphere and watching guests come and go. The guest rooms continue that feeling, blending classic style with modern comforts to create a space that’s both relaxing and refined after a day of exploring the city. Natural light, polished finishes, and comfortable seating areas invite you to experience its grandeur.
The Lobby at the Fairmont San Francisco. Credit: The Fairmont.
I fell in love with the marble pillars and the detailed ornate ceilings, making me feel as if I was in a European city rather than the City-by-the-Bay.
Art & Creative Spirit
One of my favorite surprises was discovering how much the hotel embraces San Francisco’s artistic spirit and culture. These thoughtful touches gave the hotel a personality beyond its beautiful architecture, making it feel less like just a luxury hotel and more like a place that reflects the heart and history of the city itself.
As I wandered through the public spaces, I noticed artwork and displays that celebrate the city’s rich cultural history, including a tribute to Tony Bennett and the iconic heart inspired by his signature song, I Left My Heart in San Francisco. It was sentimental for me to see his face plastered on the wall as I made my way to the elevators because I worked for him back in the day.
Together with the hotel’s curated collection of artwork and historic touches, these displays contribute to an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and distinctly rooted in the artistic heritage of San Francisco.
The Rooms
The guest rooms at the Fairmont San Francisco exude a calm sophistication. I appreciated how they balance historic charm with everyday comfort. Rather than feeling overly formal, the space felt welcoming and thoughtfully designed, with classic furnishings, soft color tones, and plenty of natural light. It had the kind of atmosphere that made it easy to unwind, making it feel like a retreat that honored the hotel’s history without sacrificing the conveniences travelers expect during their stay.
High ceilings and generous windows create an airy atmosphere, while classic architectural details are paired with refined furnishings that reflect the hotel’s historic character. A palette of soft neutrals, rich wood finishes, and carefully chosen accents gives each room a warm, inviting feel. Other great kudos for their comfortable bedding, well-planned work and seating areas, and tasteful refined details.
Main Building Balcony Suite:. Credit: The Fairmont.
The Fairmont Presidential Suite. Credit: The Fairmont.
The thoughtful design encourages both relaxation and productivity, making it a great option for a business stay as well. The interiors emphasize understated luxury rather than excess, creating spaces that feel both distinguished and approachable, with many rooms offering sweeping views that enhance the overall sense of place.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the rooms offer a quiet sense of retreat that complements the energy of the city beyond the hotel. Whether beginning the day with natural light filtering through the windows or unwinding after exploring San Francisco’s neighborhoods, the rooms encourage rest, reflection, and comfort.
Although our stay was on a weeknight, rather than a busy weekend, it was very quiet. We didn’t hear a peep from neighboring rooms nor from hallway traffic.
We loved the combination of historic charm, thoughtful design, and contemporary amenities. There’s also a mini bar with a coffee maker and I have to say that the coffee quality was much better than I expected, so much so that we each had two cups.
One of the queen beds in our room upon arrival.
Below, the bathroom in our 20th floor room. Note the beautiful tiling, fixtures and small but elegant touches.
Then, there are the views from the rooms . . . better on a higher floor facing the Bay (we were on the 20th). Needless to say, opening the drapes was the first order of the day when we woke up.
Dining at Laurel Court
On the main floor, you’ll find the Laurel Court Restaurant which we dined in for both breakfast and dinner. (below during daylight hours). The restaurant carries the same sense of timeless sophistication found throughout the property while remaining relaxed. The menu celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients with dishes that feel both approachable and thoughtfully prepared.
The Fairmont Hotel’s restaurant: Laurel Court. Credit Fairmont.
You can also savor scones and cucumber sandwiches with Victorian flair during afternoon tea, which wasn’t open when we were there, but the staff rave about the experience. It has apparently been a tradition in San Francisco since 1907. You can also grab a coffee in their historic Cirque Bar.
Afternoon tea at the Fairmont
Next door is the Tonga Room, which offers a tropical and festive atmosphere with live entertainment, dancing and a rain storm. The restaurant serves exceptional Pacific Rim Asian Cuisine in a tropical setting and although we didn’t experience it during our recent stay, I’ve been on three previous occasions, all of them memorable.
Tonga Room’s Hurricane Bar is also a lively and fun spot as is Top of the Mark across the street. I hadn’t been in years, but we used to go regularly when I lived in San Francisco for live swing music, which is apparently still going strong on Saturday nights. During our short visit this time around, they were celebrating 100 years, which meant they had a menu with 100 martinis (yes, really). I ordered a gin basil and cucumber combo! Need I say more?
For breakfast at the Laurel Court, there are a couple of options: a la carte or the buffet, which at the time of this writing, was $45 a head. The buffet includes your likely suspects, such as French Toast, croissants, eggs, sausage, and bacon, but there’s also a fruit “bar” with yoghurt, raisins, etc. and optional milks, such as almond.
I went for smoked salmon, onions and cream which was perfect with a pot of black tea. (herbal options are also available)
Mimosa anyone?
For dinner, the ambiance was obviously dimmer than a brightly lit morning dining room. Appetizers included a couple of salad options, 
such as a traditional Caesar and the Fairmont salad, which they make with gem lettuce, apples, candied walnuts, celery roasted grapes, and bleu cheese.
We opted for the Niman Ranch Steak Tartare (to share—pictured on the right), prepared with shallots, herbs, egg yolk, black garlic aioli, pickled mustard seeds, arugula and a side of grilled sourdough.
They also offered a Citrus Poached Shrimp starter with caper remoulade, horseradish cocktail sauce and lemon as well as a Dungeness Crab Dip with garlic, cheddar, parmesan and scallions.
We paired the appetizer with their Roeder Rose, offered by the glass and bottle. For my entree of Seared Scottish Salmon, I went for the Carpe Diem Chardonnay, a tasty and balanced accompaniment. It came with brussels, carrots and roasted squash.
My friend Deanne decided to try the Ribeye, which they prepared with maple glazed crispy brussel sprouts in a rosemary au jus. (below). Vegetarians can try their Artichoke Ravioli with spinach, toasted almonds, sage brown butter and vegan parmesan cheese.
Niman Ranch Ribeye at the Fairmont
Our server Shane was ever so accommodating. Are you sure? Carpe Diem or the Fantesca Chardonnay from Russian River Valley? We went for the Carpe Diem.
They partner with San Francisco’s premier day spa which offers facials, manicures, pedicures, and body services featuring Biologique Recherche, MBR Cosmetics, Bellefontaine, Dazzle Dry and others. On the terrace level, you’ll find the Live Fit Gym & Wellness Spa which is available for fitness workouts and massages. Use of fitness center is complimentary for members of ALL Accor Live Limitless or for those paying the Urban Experience fee and only $20 a day for other guests, which is very reasonable for a 4 star property.
The gym at the Fairmont San Francisco. Credit: Fairmont.
There are other beautiful parts to explore within the hotel as well, such as the roof garden with its stunning views and serene ambiance.
The Roof Garden. Credit: Fairmont.
Surrounded by beautifully maintained grounds and framed by panoramic city vistas, the hotel’s exterior creates a memorable first impression before you ever step inside. The combination of classic architecture, landscaped terraces, and the vibrant energy of the surrounding neighborhood gives the property a timeless appeal.
Let’s just say that it embodies the grace, character, and enduring legacy of one of the city’s most recognizable and might I add, epic, historic hotels. It makes a great weekend escape for anyone staying in Sonoma, Napa or coming in from nearby western cities such as Las Vegas, Denver, Phoenix, San Diego and Los Angeles.
Outside view of The Fairmont. Credit Fairmont.
THE DETAILS
The Fairmont Hotel San Francisco
950 Mason Street
San Francisco CA 94108
(800) 257-7544
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored over 90, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity. She is also the founder of the Magdalene Collection, a jewelry line dedicated to women’s unsung voices and stories, and the award-winning author of the bestselling book Magdalene’s Journey
She is founder of Blue Soul Media and co-founder of Blue Soul Earth as well as the producer and host of the award-winning Blue Soul CHATS podcast, that bridges science, technology and spirituality. Renee also founded Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
