The Fairmont San Francisco

Description:

• The granddaddy of Nob Hill's elite cadre of ritzy hotels -- and the only spot in San Francisco where each of the city's cable car lines meet -- the century-old Fairmont is a must-visit if only to marvel at the incredibly glamorous lobby with its vaulted ceilings, Corinthian columns, a spectacular spiral staircase, and rococo furniture (it's easy to feel underdressed in such opulent surroundings). And yes, such decadence carries to the guest rooms where luxuries abound: oversized marble bathrooms, thick down blankets, goose-down king pillows, extra-long mattresses, and large walk-in closets. Because it's perched at the top of Nob Hill, there are spectacular city views from every guest room, but nuances such as a health club and spa, a 24-hour concierge, twice-daily maid service, babysitting services, and a business center enhance every guest's stay. Within the lobby is the ornate Laurel Court restaurant and lounge, which serves as the hotel's centerpiece. (It's fun to indulge in afternoon tea here, served daily 2:30-4:30pm.) A local institution that's been around since I was a kid is the hotel's Tonga Room, a fantastically kitsch Disneyland-like tropical bar and restaurant where happy hour hops and "rain" falls every 30 minutes.

  Facilities: 2 restaurants/bars; health club (free for Fairmont President's Club members; $15/day or $20/2 days, non-members); concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; business center; Wi-Fi in lobby; shopping arcade; salon; room service; massage; babysitting; same-day laundry service/dry cleaning.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Travel + Leisure 500

•  Best Hotel 2009

CitySearch

•  Hotel Staff 2007

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010

Other features:

Concierge service. Five restaurants, bars, lounges, including The Tonga Room with its Polynesian music and hourly rainstorm. Upstairs, from the Fairmont Crown Room and the rooftop gardens, the city views are spectacular. Theaters, shops, restaurants and attractions are all within easy reach of this fine hotel. Fitness center with free weights, sauna, whirlpool and professional trainer. Suites include parlors, fresh flowers, fruit baskets, and whirlpool tubs. The penthouse suite features a personal maid, butler and limousine service.