We had the opportunity to stay at the Fairmont San Francisco recently and dine in its restaurant, the Laurel Court. The hotel commands a prominent position atop Nob Hill, where its stately presence has become an enduring part of the city’s skyline. Its grand façade reflects the elegance of a bygone era, with impressive architectural details, sweeping entrances, and a sense of scale that immediately conveys both history and distinction.
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. There are 606 graceful guestrooms and lavish suites available across the main building or our luxe contemporary tower.
Stepping into the lobby is an experience that immediately conveys the hotel’s sense of grandeur and heritage. Soaring ceilings, elegant architectural details, and thoughtfully curated furnishings create a welcoming space that feels both majestic and inviting. Natural light, polished finishes, and comfortable seating areas encourage guests to pause and take in the atmosphere, while the lobby’s timeless design reflects the hotel’s long-standing place in the city’s history.
Despite its impressive scale, the lobby maintains a warm and approachable ambiance. The blend of classic elegance and contemporary hospitality creates an environment where the hotel’s rich legacy pops.
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
Art and culture are woven naturally into the hotel experience, with thoughtfully displayed artwork and decorative elements that celebrate both the hotel’s history and its connection to the city. Throughout the public spaces, guests encounter pieces that reflect San Francisco’s creative spirit, adding moments of discovery as they move through the property.
Among the memorable displays are tributes to legendary singer Tony Bennett, whose enduring association with the city is celebrated through his portrait and the iconic heart sculpture inspired by his beloved 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 blend timeless elegance with a sense of calm sophistication. 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, offering a balance of traditional luxury and modern comfort.
Main Building Balcony Suite:. Credit: The Fairmont.
The Fairmont Presidential Suite. Credit: The Fairmont.
When we walked into the room, the first thing we naturally noticed were the sweeping, breathtaking city views. 
The thoughtful design encourages both relaxation and productivity, making it a great option for a business stay as well.
Plush bedding (very comfortable mattresses), seating areas, and well-appointed workspaces provide a welcoming retreat after a day in the city. 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 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
Also not open when we were there was the Tonga Room, which offers a tropical and festive atmosphere with live entertainment, dancing and a rain storm. Tonga Room serves exceptional Pacific Rim Asian Cuisine in a tropical setting and although we didn’t experience it during our recent stay at the Fairmont, 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 went for 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. It was perfect with a pot of black tea. (herbal options available)
Mimosa anyone?
Dinner, the ambiance was obviously dimmer than the brightness of a morning dining room. Appetizers included a couple of salad options, 
such as a traditional Caesar and the Fairmont salad which was made 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), which they served with shallots, herbs, egg yolk, black garlic aioli, pickled mustard seeds, and arugula, with a side of grilled sourdough.
They also offered a Citrus Poached Shrimp starter with caper remoulade, horseradish cocktail sauce and lemon and a Dungeness Crab Dip with garlic, cheddar, parmesan and scallions.
We paired the appetizer with their Roeder Rose, offered by the glass and for my entree of Seared Scottish Salmon, I went for the Carpe Diem Chardonnay, a lovely accompaniment. It came with brussels, carrots and roasted squash.
My friend Deanne went for the Ribeye, which they prepared with maple glazed crispy brussel sprouts in a rosemary au jus. (below). Vegetarians can go for 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?
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 is located on our Terrace Level and 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, 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 guests ever step inside. The combination of classic architecture, landscaped terraces, and the vibrant energy of the surrounding neighborhood gives the property a timeless appeal. The architecture embodies the grace, character, and enduring legacy of one of the city’s most recognizable and might I add, epic, historic hotels.
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 and Managing Editor of We Blog the World, a global travel, culture and lifestyle publication exploring the world through the lens of meaningful experiences, human connection and cultural depth. Having lived in 10 countries and traveled to 95, Renee has spent much of her life immersed in the people, traditions, landscapes and ideas that shape how we experience the world.
Since launching We Blog the World in 2007, she has written and produced extensive editorial coverage spanning boutique and luxury travel, culinary experiences, arts and culture, wellness, adventure, technology, spiritual traditions and transformative travel. Her work is rooted in the belief that travel is about more than where we go—it is also about what a place, culture or encounter awakens within us.
Renee brings more than three decades of experience across journalism, photography, media, brand strategy, technology, wellness and global storytelling. She has worked with companies and organizations around the world on brand positioning, communications, product launches, media strategy, speaker positioning and storytelling. Through Blue Soul Media, she works with authors, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and purpose-driven brands to clarify their message and expand their impact, which includes speaker coaching/training for high-profile stages such as TED and bringing authors’ work to market while retaining authors rights.
She is also the co-founder of Blue Soul Earth, an educational platform exploring consciousness, ancient wisdom, spirituality, healing and the intersection between science and the nature of reality. Renee is the producer and host of the award-winning Blue Soul CHATS, a conversational series bringing together leading voices in science, technology, consciousness, wellness and spirituality.
Her growing body of work also includes Blue Soul Living, which extends her interest in consciousness and well-being into the spaces we inhabit, exploring how intentional design, energy and environment can support greater harmony and connection.
Renee is the award-winning co-author of the bestselling Magdalene’s Journey and founder of the Magdalene Collection, inspired by women’s voices, stories and wisdom across cultures and generations.
A longtime photographer and storyteller, Renee has documented people, places and cultures around the world and produced photographic collections focused on destinations including the Galápagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome and Ecuador. She also co-founded Traveling Geeks, an international initiative that brought entrepreneurs, journalists, creators and technology leaders together with their counterparts in other countries to exchange ideas and explore innovation across cultures.
Renee’s work has been recognized by Forbes, the United Nations and others for her influence in media and social storytelling. Across her work in travel, media, consciousness and culture, a common thread remains: curiosity about the world, the stories that connect us and the ways meaningful experiences can change how we see ourselves and one another.
