The Ritz-Carlton’s Presidential Suite is one of good hotel suites in Bay area / (c)Ritz-Carlton
San Francisco proudly bears an identity among the most diverse and quirkiest cities in the US.
The city and also the neighboring Silicon Valley would be the epicenter of worldwide technology; there's a strong cultural presence with world-class museums and galleries; its Chinatown may be the oldest and largest in the US. There isn't any lack of incredible sights in and close towards the city, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the nearby Muir Woods, home to an ancient redwood forest.
It embraces its unusual weather – there's a famous quote saying, “The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco” – and its denizens have even named the fog, which matches through the name Karl. If Karl is visiting, you will need to have an opulent hideaway. You're sure to find exactly what you're looking for in our roundup from the city's most over-the-top suites.
In a landmark building dating to 1909, The Ritz-Carlton Bay area sits close to charming Nob Hill, where it takes benefit of its enviable location at the center of it all. It's a short walk towards the Embarcadero and Union Square, and the city's cable cars stop right out front. Inside, the home blends history with contemporary elegance, from its stunning lobby full of imposing marble columns and crystal chandeliers to the refined restaurant, Parallel 37, and its traditional and opulent lounge, which pairs a red-lit bar with a carved marble fireplace.
On the ninth floor, the highlight of the impressive Presidential Suite is undoubtedly the large 1,200-sq-ft furnished terrace with pristine views from the Financial District. Using its penthouse location and also the hotel's position up in Nob Hill, you will have a unique vantage point for gazing at the top of the city skyline.
The suite's expansive family room is well-appointed in blue and gray with modern furniture and art. On one side, French doors open to an elegant dining room having a large, oval-shaped marble dining table. Alternatively, they lead to the beautifully decorated master suite – where you can also admire the city views from bed – and the marble-clad bathroom, with a large whirlpool tub and rain-forest shower.
San Francisco Sights
If you don't have time for you to reach Even romantic cruises, make sure to go to the JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset Tasting Lounge. (Boisset has won numerous accolades including being deemed among the 50 most important people in the wine world for over a decade.) The dark and sexy space is full of velvety, gold accents and more chandeliers – it is the perfect space to have an intimate wine-flight tasting.
Rate: From $8,000 per night
Contact: Taylor Lee, director of sales, taylor.lee@ritzcarlton.com, +1 415 296 7465, ritzcarlton.com
A St Regis hotel conjures ideas of old-school glamour, full of over-the-top crown molding and opulent fabrics. The St Regis San Francisco turns that idea on its head, while maintaining the impeccable service and luxury the brand is known for. When building the hotel, the architects must have taken inspiration from the neighbor, the Bay area Museum of contemporary Art, because the decor is contemporary, and the artwork and installations are, well, modern.
As expected, the pampering remains top-notch: The house car is really a Bentley, the Remède Spa is probably the best in the city and the hotel includes a 50-ft heated saltwater pool. The one-bedroom Presidential Suite occupies a prime corner from the building and features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the verdant Yerba Buena Gardens. The large, light-filled living space has two sitting areas full of contemporary furnishings and modern art.
For those traveling on business, there is a separate, elegant office having a leather-topped desk along with a printer. It's easy to entertain in the 3,200-sq-ft suite: There's a dining table for 10, along with a butler will arrange every detail from a discreet post within the butler's pantry. The butler can arrange any type of custom experience for you and can greet you each morning with coffee or tea.
San Francisco sights
If it's a beautiful day, visit a park close to the Golden Gate Bridge for a picnic in true St Regis style. A butler will go to the park early and hang up a table, filled with white tablecloth as well as an umbrella, where one can have a delectable meal while admiring uninterrupted views of the Bay and also the city's famous landmarks.
Rate: From $16,000 per night
Contact: Lilian Wagner, director of sales and marketing, lilian.wagner@stregis.com, +1 415 284 4000, st-regis.marriott.com
Step back in time to 19th-century San Francisco's glamorous post-Gold-Rush heyday in the Palace Hotel. It has a prestigious history dating to 1875, when it opened as the city's first luxury hotel. Since then, the grande dame has undergone several renovations (the newest in 2020), keeping its service and offerings consistent with its royal pedigree.
Its impressive public spaces have an enormous marble promenade, a gracious lobby with arched ceilings and also the iconic Garden Court, which is the city's only indoor historic landmark. The breathtaking Paris-inspired court is stuffed with mirrors, gold, ornate marble columns, a domed glass ceiling and more chandeliers than you are able to count. It is a dreamy location for brunch or perhaps a tea service.
The Presidential Suite naturally also showcases the hotel's storied past. The family room has large arched windows, an infant grand piano, a carved marble fireplace and delightful moldings throughout. There is a formal dining room for six, a cozy media room and one elegant bedroom within the 2,000-sq-ft corner space. A few pieces of modern art and several brightly colored carpets keep your suite firmly planted these days.
San Francisco Sights
Choose your favorite grape varietal and allow the hotel's well-connected concierges arrange a unique day trip to Napa Valley. A personal driver will give you towards the US's premier wine country, where you'll embark on a hot-air balloon ride to admire the rolling hills and vineyards, and revel in VIP tours and tastings at exclusive wineries.
Rate: From $7,500 per night
Contact Nicole Fondry, marketing manager, nicole.fondry@marriott.com, +1 415 512 1111, marriott.com
High atop Nob Hill, Fairmont Bay area, the city's grande dame, overlooks the sprawling metropolis below. The charming Beaux-Arts white facade from the main building is instantly recognizable to locals and travelers alike. Its illustrious history is honored inside a hallway, in which the walls are lined with images of famous travelers, scenes from famous movies filmed there, and quotes from luminaries who adore the hotel – like Anthony Bourdain, who was obsessive about the tiki bar, The Tonga Room.
The most well-known suite in Bay area includes a residential feel, making sense: The hotel's previous owners called it home for over 3 decades. The whole 6,000-sq-ft space, in the grand library of original books, towards the Alhambra-inspired billiards room and large family room, enables you to seem like you're stepping back in time, visiting a very well-appointed home.
The suite has three bedrooms, each with unique decor; the most charming has walls painted by having an antique map from 1927. There is a large catering kitchen, which the staff will fully stock for your exact specifications. On top of that is the stunning terrace, that has played a starring role in many movies, and that offers superb views of the city skyline and also the Golden Gate Bridge.
San Francisco Sights
Oracle Park, the place to find the Bay area Giants, is one of baseball's most beloved stadiums. Head behind the curtain on the private tour of the stadium, where you will explore the dugout, clubhouse and museum, as well as can have a change the bases. And if you're searching for an ideal space for that big moment, you can book the stadium therefore the Park and Jumbotron are yours and yours alone.
Rate: From $18,000 per night
Contact Colleen O'Neill, director of individual travel sales, colleen.oneill@fairmont.com, +1 415 772 5489, fairmont.com
Image credit: Matthew Millman
Nestled inconspicuously on Battery Street near Jackson Square and also the Financial District, The Battery is an exclusive members' club and hotel founded by husband-and-wife tech entrepreneurs to create the best hideaway for Bay Area and Silicon Valley tech gurus. The only method for non-members to get in the doorway is by booking certainly one of its 14 rooms in hotels – but even guests must abide by its rules, including a strict no photos with no social-media sharing policy.
The chic, modernly appointed hotel has four dining venues, such as the rooftop hotspot, Garden Bar, and a wine cellar headed with a member of the Société Nationale des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (he is one of only 22 sommeliers on the planet with this honor). The 6,200-sq-ft Penthouse is one of the most exclusive in the city.
You will be hard-pressed to locate an accommodation as epic because this: The living room is encased in floor-to-ceiling glass windows with contemporary elements of design (like exposed steel beams) and connects to an incredibly spacious patio that doubles as an events space once the Penthouse isn't being used. Outside, a fire pit and infinity hot tub would be the perfect vantage points for taking in the panoramic views over the city.
San Francisco Sights
Become a Resident Member throughout your stay with exclusive use of member activities and events. No matter when you go, you'll have use of contemporary art exhibitions, concerts, member showcases and discussions on politics and activism from notable San francisco bay area figures.
Elite Tip: You are able to rent out the other two suites about this floor for a completely private experience.
Rate: From $10,000 per night
Contact: Anna Kuhn, hotel director, anna@thebatterysf.com, +1 415 230 8000, thebatterysf.com
The located Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco has nearly everything you need within a two-block radius, which makes it an ideal place to stay for business travelers and vacationers alike. Though it's situated on bustling Market Street (home to the iconic cable cars that guide you through the city), the hotel is ideally found on floors five to 17 of a 42-story building, so most of the noise disappears as soon as you step foot within the wood-paneled lobby.
The hotel boasts Four Seasons elegance through its contemporary, clean design and has thoughtful details that evoke the initial spirit of Bay area – abstract art sculptures; pale color palettes that recall the fog, ocean and redwood trees; and light-oak flooring and wispy curtains. This sensibility is also reflected within the hotel's crown jewel: the Presidential Suite. Its chic design is as pristine since it's views through the floor-to-ceiling windows that encircle the suite.
Vistas of Yerba Buena Gardens and Bay area Bay act as the setting for your perfectly polished one-bedroom suite, which boasts metal and mirrored accents in the spacious living room, marble bathroom and guest powder room. Take advantage of the diner, full pantry and wine fridge, which holds a lot more than 30 bottles hand-selected by the hotel's resident sommelier. You have the option of expanding the suite in one bedroom to 3 bedrooms during your stay.
San Francisco Sights
The best way to see Bay area is via a luxury yacht, obviously. Sail round the bay while you view the city's best attractions in the water, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Throughout the private tour, a Four Seasons chef will prepare lunch or dinner with wine pairings.
Rate: From $10,000 per night
Contact: Joerg Rodig, gm, joerg.rodig@fourseasons.com, +1 415 633 3494, fourseasons.com
Image credit: Don Riddle Images
The century-old hotel, dating back to 1915, has had many lives (it had been formerly a Four Seasons and boutique hotel) and, in 2020, it officially reopened as the Clift Royal Sonesta. The hotel was created by French interior designer extraordinaire Philippe Starck and boasts a glam Art Deco influence with avant-garde sculptures and furniture. Pieces from cult label Ray and Charles Eames and artwork by Salvador Dalí are dotted throughout the hotel.
Its notable history is referenced everywhere, specially in the 1934 former nightclub turned bar, the Redwood Room (perhaps the most well-known bar within the city). We suggest ordering the Gold Rush cocktail, an homage to San Francisco's gold-mining era, in the legendary bar before retreating to the sumptuous Private Apartment. The one-bedroom apartment evokes a Parisian sensibility with clean walls and simple decor, as well as a neutral color palette of white and ivory with pops of color like orange lucite side tables and pastel purple chairs.
Its understated glamour really shines in the details, for example Venetian Murano glass and Starck-designed custom English sycamore furniture. The apartment perfectly pairs modernity with the rich history of the building.
San Francisco Sights
Guests of the Private Apartment can dine on a four-course meal during an exclusive dinner. End the night with a tasting of Louis XIII – white-glove service included. This is mostly of the hotels within the city where one can sip on the beloved cognac.
Rate: From $2,500 per night
Contact: Jill Plemons, director of sales and marketing, jplemons@sonesta.com, +1 415 929 2365, sonesta.com
The InterContinental Bay area in the SoMa (South of Market Street) neighborhood is housed inside a 32-story, blue-glass tower within walking distance of Union Square, Yerba Buena Gardens, Museum of contemporary Art and plenty of sightseeing.
While it is a spot for business travelers, it still manages to feel inviting for families and friends with its ultra-modern design: think mirrored Art Deco-style tables, gray velvet sofas, funky art and towering flower arrangements. Locals and tourists alike come for the Michelin-starred, New American-style restaurant, Luce, and the hotel's swanky lounge, Bar 888, known for its comprehensive grappa list. Should you spend a few nights here, you must stay in the newly renovated Presidential Suite.
The bi-level penthouse's updates include stone flooring, a stone-slab fireplace, new world-class art, accent walls, and a larger living and dining area allow it a residential feel. The one-bedroom suite has two private outdoor terraces where one can take in prime San Franciscan vistas, in addition to two master bathrooms, each with a walk-in closet and soaking tub. Encompassing more than 2,000 sq . ft ., the fashionable and contemporary space feels like your personal apartment in the sky.
San Francisco Sights
Thanks to InterContinental's convenient location, you will have closeness to the city's main shopping districts, such as the designer boutique-laden Union Square. Your concierge will arrange a personal shopping experience at your boutique(s) of preference.
Rate: From $3,500 per night
Contact: Gail Gerber, area director of sales and marketing, gail.gerber@ihg.com, +1 415 616 6622, ihg.com
With an excellent location in the middle of the city, Union Square, JW Marriott is perfectly positioned for exploring. You could even spend each day wandering around the square itself, visiting its myriad shops or salivating at the Museum of Frozen treats. During the hotel, you're greeted by a modern lobby by having an inviting fireplace and a bronze-and-marble fountain.
There's a well-equipped health club, and also the hotel conveniently offers complimentary laundry for workout clothes. Up at the top, the one-bedroom California Suite channels the bygone era of big screen stars' most glamorous days, however with a contemporary twist. Shades of gray and silver permeate the whole suite, offset with luxurious furniture and finishings, including rosewood, quartz, geometric carpets and textured walls.
The elegant diner is covered with a sensational contemporary chandelier, and large windows permit the glittering city skyline to include extra sparkle to your evening. The opulence continues within the bathroom, which has a marble shower so large it could be called its own room along with a large television, which means you won't miss a thing should you linger (which you will probably).
San Francisco Sights
Hop inside a motorcycle sidecar and allow your guide get you on a thrilling ride through San Francisco's notoriously steep, hilly streets. As the city is known for its quirky personality and characters, motorcycles with sidecars aren't that common, so that you can be prepared to become a bit of an attraction yourself.
Rate: $2,000 per night
Contact: Mari Takamura, luxury marketing account manager, +1 415 771 8600, jwmarriott.com
Image credits: SONNY+ASH, wsphoto.net
