The Fairmont San Francisco crowns Nob Hill, the city's most prestigious hilltop, in a grand 1907 building that reopened just a year after the great earthquake. It's a classic grand hotel — an opulent, columned lobby, spacious traditional rooms, and sweeping views over the city and bay from the upper floors and the famous penthouse. It's also home to the Tonga Room, a beloved, kitschy tiki bar with an indoor "rainstorm." With the cable car lines running past the door, it's a historic, central, full-service base.
The Fairmont San Francisco has presided over the top of Nob Hill since 1907, when it opened just a year after the 1906 earthquake and fire (its construction was nearly complete when the disaster struck, and it was repaired and opened to symbolize the city's recovery). The flagship of the Fairmont brand, it's a grand hotel in the fullest sense — a soaring, marble-columned lobby, a sense of occasion, and a guest list across the decades that includes presidents and dignitaries (the United Nations Charter was drafted in part here in 1945).
Rooms are spacious and traditionally appointed, with the upper floors and the storied penthouse suite commanding sweeping views over the city, the bay, and the bridges. Service and amenities are full-scale, befitting a landmark luxury property. Its most famous feature beyond the architecture is the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, a wonderfully over-the-top tiki bar — complete with a floating band and periodic indoor "thunderstorms" — that's a San Francisco institution and a destination in its own right.
The Nob Hill location is central and atmospheric: the Powell and California cable car lines run right past, putting Union Square, Chinatown, and Fisherman's Wharf within an easy ride, and the neighborhood's grand hotels and Grace Cathedral are all around. The Fairmont suits travelers who want classic, grand-hotel luxury with genuine history and a hilltop perch.
Why stay here
- ✓Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
- ✓Grand historic lobby
- ✓City and bay views (upper floors)
- ✓On-site dining
- ✓Fitness center
- ✓Concierge
- ✓Valet parking
- ✓On the cable car lines
Good questions
How historic is the Fairmont?+
It opened in 1907 atop Nob Hill, a year after the 1906 earthquake, and became a symbol of the city's recovery. It's hosted presidents and dignitaries, and the UN Charter was drafted in part here in 1945.
What is the Tonga Room?+
A famously over-the-top tiki bar in the hotel, with a floating band and periodic indoor "rainstorms" — a beloved San Francisco institution and a destination in its own right.
How's the location?+
Atop Nob Hill, with the Powell and California cable car lines running past the door — putting Union Square, Chinatown, and Fisherman's Wharf within an easy ride.
