Fairmont San Francisco Hotel

Lea Groom

I contacted the hotel to inform them of our negative experiences (beyond that most would consider acceptable of a normal hotel experience). They swiftly responded and Mai (front desk assistant manager) exceeded any expectation of changing our minds of the Fairmont, a feat which I did not think would happen. We’ve celebrated all but one of my daughter’s birthdays at this Fairmont, due to the gingerbread house; and the hotel staff made this such a special birthday for her. They went beyond making it personal and “extra”. I had a reservation for brunch in the laurel court for us, family, and friends - and they upgraded us to the gingerbread room. It was so cute and the wait staff was so attentive (Rakesh, I believe was his name). They even brought my daughter, her sister, and their friend little Fairmont build a bears. My daughter got this card from the staff and an ornament. Mai and the staff were extremely responsive and apologetic. I was not expecting such generosity in response for my grievances. The hospitality we received is truly that of an affluent hotel. I will note our grievances had to do with the fact we had very long guest service lines, rooms were not ready on time, guest service initially was unable to fulfill an upgrade they had offered, the concierge experience delays upon delivering our luggage, as well as a hotel security concern (to which they responded swiftly to my knowledge). The hotel seemed overbooked and understaffed at the time we checked in. while the lobby was chaos with aspiring influencers and tourists. Our favorite gingerbread house in the lobby was the one two years ago with a little kitchen made of gingerbread the kids could play in. I suppose all the people being disrespectful are probably the reason why the hotel cannot design more interactive gingerbread houses anymore. Nevertheless staying at the fairmont in sf during December is something our family loves to do.

Bryanna Gallagher

It’s always been my dream to stay here and we were finally able to make it come true this December! My sister and I were attending an event at the Masonic which is walking distance from the Fairmont. With the combination of that and it being decorated for the holidays it was a no brainer and we knew we had to stay here! The lobby is so magical during the holidays with the decorations and huge gingerbread house. Our room was very nice and had comfy beds. All of the hotel staff was exceptionally kind and very helpful. I would definitely stay here again! They also are home to the Tonga room restaurant and if you have time I HIGHLY recommend you go!

Julio Garcia

I stayed at the Fairmont San Francisco during a recent trip, and it really does live up to its reputation. The hotel itself feels like a historic landmark, and walking into the lobby is almost like stepping into another era. Everything is polished, elegant, and very well kept. The staff greeted me right away, helped with bags, and made the check in process simple. It was clear they took pride in taking care of people. My room had a great view over the city, and the space felt comfortable and quiet. The bed was probably one of the best I have slept in during a hotel stay, and the bathroom had plenty of counter space and good lighting. Housekeeping kept everything spotless the entire time, and every request I made was handled quickly. Even something small like asking for extra towels felt like it mattered to them. The location on Nob Hill is also perfect if you want to explore. You can walk to a lot of places if you do not mind the hills, and it is easy to grab a cable car or rideshare when you want to get across town. I enjoyed the restaurants inside the hotel as well, especially for breakfast. The Fairmont is not the cheapest option in the city, but for a special trip or a visit where you want everything to feel a little elevated, it is definitely worth it. I would stay here again without hesitation.

Bridget

Travelled from Melbourne , Australia to stay here for 2 nights 12th and 13th December. The hotel itself is visibly stunning! It felt so festive & lovely when we walked in. Unfortunately due to the level of popularity the Christmas display attracts - it’s makes it very difficult for hotel guests to walk around without disrupting photos being taken & bumping into families with children. Would recommend having select times for access. Check in process - not great - although the staff member was delightful, we were given poor directions resulting in quite a delay getting into our room when it was late. The room was lovely looking HOWEVER noticed the bathroom sink had green mildew in it. (The hole at the front). The hairdryer - likely from when the hotel was first constructed - for such a lovely hotel, would strongly recommend upgrading these for female guests - not to mention it being a fire hazard with so much dust built up on the filter. TV - very small for such a large room and difficult to see when you are in bed. Beds were very comfortable, lovely linen and toiletries were beautiful. We were really looking forward to enjoying a drink in the palm court restaurant , however after purchasing -was told we were unable to sit on the tables as they were being set up for “a full lunch service”. This left hotel guests no where to sit. Disappointing for paying guests, unable to use facilities freely due to it “being a popular time of year “.

Max Markham

The building is gorgeous, and the history displayed on the hallway walls is tremendous. Lobby interior is ornate and striking. Check-in experience is totally chaotic, especially if you are arriving at the usual 2-6pm window. No clear lines for queuing — entitled guests “just asking a quick question” would cut the line and then delay for 10 mins while the overwhelmed front desk staff were too meek to tell them to go to the back of the line. Check in staff were hit or miss. Mine gave me ZERO information about what they were charging me, incidental costs, any amenities. Ended up with the wrong charge that I later had to come back down to correct. Amenities — nothing is included. Wifi is extra. In 2026! Gym is extra (and outsourced to another company, so you can’t even take a towel back to your room - instead dripping sweat throughout the entire carpeted hotel as you return from your workout). They force you to sign up for their rewards program in order to gain access to amenities. Gym hours are awful (opens at 6am, it is absolutely MOBBED at that time - no treadmills or bikes open when I arrived at 6:10am). It is also on the other side of the building, so if you’re staying in the tower, it’s almost a 10 minute walk just to get there. Signs are inconclusive. Room had a beautiful view of the bay. Old charm. But it was grubby around the edges. In need of a deep clean. Lots of dust, all of the wood materials were totally scratched and banged up. Poor outlet location for the desk. All of the upholstered fabrics were worn and not particularly clean. Cleaners themselves were punctual and thorough but clearly there needs to be more coverage and more regular deep cleans of rooms.