Name: Fairmont San Francisco
Address: 950 Mason Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco, California, United States of America, San Francisco, California, United States of America
Rating: 8.53

What guests think

Travellers describe Fairmont San Francisco as a grand, historic hotel with welcoming staff, impressive city and bay views, and a convenient Nob Hill location, balanced by signs of age, occasional maintenance lapses, and extra costs that add up.

Many guests like the classic decor and generous room sizes; others note dated furnishings, thin walls, temperature or water-pressure issues, and occasional housekeeping misses. Check-in can be slow, phones sometimes go unanswered, and problem resolution varies by staff and shift. On-site dining, including the Tonga Room, is a fun draw for some but others find options limited and service inconsistent. Expect a storied, scenic stay with classic charm, best for travellers who value character and can accept some old-hotel quirks.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Historic property with the Tonga Room, rooftop garden, and valet-only parking. Many note high parking and amenity fees, paid gym access, and limited hours for bars or room service.

Related guest reviews

10

J Stephen

Sep 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

One night. Great, friendly staff. Amazing 100 year old elegant ambience. Overnight in-out valet parking at $112.50 way overpriced compared to all 5-star SF hotels and NYC Times Square!!

10

Edward

Sep 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Iconic San Francisco hotel. So many famous visitors over the years. Elegant and comfortable. The only minor issue was the exorbitant cost of valeting a car overnight.

6

John

Jul 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

You are basically paying for the lobby of the hotel because it is the nicest part. This is still a lovely place to stay, but the rooms are in need of updates and thoughtful touches. For example, our room had a huge window in the hall with no blackout curtains, which sounds like a minor item until you wake up at Dawn because you can’t sleep. The bathroom door would not close and the toilet was in a similar state. The hotel was pretty dead, but everything in the public space was immaculate and beautiful as always. I just thought to myself that $400 per night was too much for a 1990s era room. We were told that there is no room service or very limited hours of room service, which was also very puzzling because you expect 24 hour room service at a hotel like this. Everyone was very congenial Just don’t expect a high degree of quality in the room if you end up staying here All of the knob Hill hotels have perfectly nice rooms and I’ve stayed in all of them at some point or another.

10

Geoffrey

Jun 3, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Wonderful place we had a great time. Only complaint is the gym is not complementary. It cost $20 a day to use.

10

Mauricio

Apr 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Iconic establishment! Tonga Room is a must

10

Lizabeth

Dec 16, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

It was a wonderful experience. Went during the holiday season. Very festive. Gingerbread house was up and the aroma was delicious. Downside: up charges add up! $90 valet charge. Urban charge can be opted out of but that covers wi-fi and gym. Tax on all charges too. Will return. 😊

10

Lamija

Oct 31, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel is beautiful and located in a nice area. The rooms are fantastic, clean and elegant. The lobby is beautiful but there is no option for drink or food. Another limitation - there is only one restaurant, limited food options if you are looking for a gluten free options, closes at 9PM. They also charge a resort fee over $ 40,-. Overall very nice place.

10

Susan

Aug 5, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very beautiful historic building with wonderful views of city right on cable car line. The Tonga room, a well preserved example of tiki bar culture, is worth a visit. Also loved the rooftop garden. Only complaint is the WiFi was not easy to access.

10

Dominique

Feb 7, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

Steam room and sauna in the gym, and a separate tub in the bathroom

4

Sheldon

Feb 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

they charge resort fee, its not a resort, plus they charge 20 per person for the gym

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness feedback is mixed: many report clean rooms and well-kept public areas, but others cite odors, dust or stains, missed replenishment, and occasional pest sightings.

Related guest reviews

10

Behnam

Nov 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

very pleasant stay. clean rooms, excellent service as it was expected.

6

Amin

Oct 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms stink, curtains don’t work, water pressure sucks. I mean this is a 4 star hotel at beat

10

Alexa

Aug 30, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I had a wonderful day and was so excited to be there. My room had a weird smell, but I was able to air out with the real windows. Outside of the hallway were what I thought to be cheesy chandelier lights, and with rhinestones. Outside my room the lamp was missing some rhinestones and it really tarnish from how I grew up remembering the Fairmont brand in San Francisco Francisco. Other than that, everything was impeccable and II had a wonderful day and was so excited to be there. My room had a weird smell, but I was able to air out with the real windows. Outside of the hallway where what I thought to be cheesy chandelier lights, and with rhinestones. Outside my room the lamp was missing some rhinestones and it really tarnish from how I grew up remembering the Fairmont brand in San Francisco. Other than that, everything was impeccable and I enjoyed The other areas of the hotel from the park to the lobby to the customer service and the Tonga room.

6

Julian

Jul 31, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

A hotel that is living off its past - not in a good way. We had a day with no hot water. The room was tired. We had a room with a view - sadly the windows had clearly not been cleaned in ages, extremely grimy. Gym had limited opening. Dining options limited - we ate out every meal. Disappointing for such a landmark hotel. I found the application of an amenity fee an insult.

10

Ashley

Mar 25, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

One of the very few “not overrated” hotel experiences I’ve ever had. The building is old, so that comes with some specific challenges (definitely saw a mouse in the dining room), but the service was next to none, the room was extraordinarily comfortable, every thought and amenity taken into consideration. Would stay again without hesitation despite price point.

6

Tamra

Mar 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room had leaky sink and a big chunk of black hair on the shower wall We were next to a suite that was having a party Not the best first time experience at this hotel

2

Adam

Feb 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

First two rooms were filthy. First one had a dirty bathroom. Food is bad. Hotel is threadbare. Don’t stay here.

2

JOHNATHAN

Dec 30, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel smelled old, bed was extremely uncomfortable The smell was so bad my clothes and hair smelled like it even after a shower and wash my fur coat is going to have to be dry cleaned to get the smell out. The hotel smell like a combination of mildew, rotten wood and dog not good

10

Katie

Nov 16, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Really excellent housekeeping and service staff

8

Nima

Oct 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Windows of room with view were dirty. House keeping came up and cleaned them but why was not done for such an expensive room? Robe was not washed after prior wear, there was make up on it and it had not been washed in between guests. Cute room key cards. Amazing view. Not enough seating in rooms but nice shower/ bathtub set up. Nice bathroom mirror.

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Rooms

Rooms range from spacious to small or dated; some report thin walls, elevator or street noise, and inconsistent water pressure or temperature. Amenities vary, with stocked minibars limiting fridge space and occasional Wi‑Fi issues.

Related guest reviews

10

Patrick

Nov 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Received an upgrade to an amazing room with an incredible view of the bay. Staff was kind and welcoming

8

Jeanie

Nov 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was spacious and bed super comfy. I was on a lower floor and unfortunately lots of street noise in the wee hours. Very pricey on site parking. The staff couldn't have been more accomodating, professional and kind. Five stars for the staff! I would come back but request a higher floor with a sweeping view of the wharf -- it's spectacular.

8

Grant

Jul 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Remodeling is much needed, my shower water kept cooling and warming on its own and a normal shower was almost impossible.

10

samuel

Jul 25, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We had an amazing time at this iconic hotel. We had a Bayview room that had an amazing view. The room was immaculate and the service exceptional. My only suggestion is that there should be space in the refrigerator for the guest’s items. It is so stocked with mini bar items for which you are automatically charged when you remove them there was no space for a bottle of seltzer or a can of soda.

4

nicole

Jul 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Unfortunately had the worst sleep due to the walls being paper thin and the neighbours having zero respect for others. We could hear them having sex at 12:30am and then were up blasting their tv, talking loudly by 6am. The room was comfortable and the bed was very comfortable so it’s a shame that the noisy neighbours ruined our experience for

10

John

Jan 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wonderful two day stay in the telegraph suite. The 19th floor view over the bay was incredible.

6

Briana

Jan 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful hotel but our room was pretty small, no working fan in the bathroom, and was loud with being able to hear people in the hallway and our neighbors whole business meeting in the room next to us early the next morning.

8

Yashan Zarir

Jun 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Large, spacious and rooms in the new tower are more modern and quiet

8

Nas

May 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We signed-up for an ocean view room. got one facing the ocean but through rusty pipes and dirty roof of another building in front of us. Room was clean, staff were nice. Just disappointed about our view. We were really looking forward to this stay, but our view was not so exciting.

6

Lisa

Dec 20, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel is beautiful. There was no blinds in our window so it didn't get dark in room, and there was city lights all night. Need to put room blinds in all rooms

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Service

Service is often praised across front desk, bell, and concierge teams, but experiences vary. Some guests encountered slow or understaffed check-in, unanswered phones, and difficulties resolving issues.

Related guest reviews

4

Ai-Lin

Nov 24, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We were so disappointed in our 3-night stay here. The Fairmont used to be THE hotel in San Francisco, known for impeccable service, old world charm and elegance. What we found was a rundown understaffed hotel with a cheap Las Vegas hotel ambiance. Despite paying top dollar rates, we were given a room next to the elevators so the sound of them going up and down went on all night. At one point, a yapping dog in a nearby room went on for hours. The room amenities were sparse - robes were provided but not slippers; bathroom fixtures were low quality - the shower water pressure was so strong that it almost hurt, and lowering it meant getting cold water, the toilet seat was unsteady and cheap, toilet paper was wafer thin. Our coffee cups and pods were not replaced on the second night and nobody answered the housekeeping line and the front desk after a 10-minute wait on the room phone. We only managed to reach the front desk by calling from an outside line. Dinner at the restaurant was a joke - overpriced and very average for plain-looking salmon entrees that came with sparse roasted vegetables and no starch. We waited in line for 15 minutes to check out and we were not even asked if we’d enjoyed our stay. The wait for our car outside was even worse - at least 20 minutes. Never again! We’ll definitely be staying elsewhere on our next visit.

10

Janice

Sep 29, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fantastic stay made even better by the amazing customer service by Kelsey. Upon check in we were warmly welcomed, and she resolved our slightly complicated reservation with efficiency and a smile. Kelsey epitomizes the grace and elegance of the Fairmont!

6

Alma

Aug 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

No one picked up the service phone.

10

Amy

Jul 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everyone on staff was helpful, kind and provided above-and-beyond service.

6

Kimberly

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Because I’d booked through Expedia and not the hotel directly, they treated me like a 2nd class citizen at check in. As a solo diner in the restaurant I was rushed by the waiter to order my food, and pay the bill - when I was only there because my room was not yet ready. Overall I was not made to feel like a welcome or valued guest.

2

saranath

Jun 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

worst front desk and check in experience

10

Linda

Jun 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Two concierges gave excellent advice: Kevin and Tom Wolfe.

10

Nicole

Jan 19, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The people that work there are committed to ensuring you’re having a great experience. From check in to check out, they exceeded my expectations

4

Chris

Oct 14, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Understaffed. Told that the restaurant was too busy to serve us even though we were guests. UNBELIEVABLE! Room desk phone did not work. Bell staff slow.

10

Sarah

Sep 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Michael checked us in, offered upgrade and explained all the restaurant hours. Very helpful. Valet was very sweet to offer help with something left in our car. Excellent service.

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Location

Nob Hill setting feels safe and scenic, near cable cars and walkable to Union Square and Chinatown. The steep hill can make walks back challenging.

Related guest reviews

8

Edward

Aug 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved our stay at the Fairmont San Francisco. The location was perfect... close to everything we wanted to do but still felt relaxed. The staff was super friendly and helpful from the moment we got out of our Uber. Our room was clean, comfy, and had a big closet for all our stuff. We really enjoyed the Conga Room downstairs, and even though we only stayed one night, our group said the hotel’s breakfast and lunch were excellent. Also loved the history of the place and the Tony Bennett statue out front—such a nice touch. Overall, a great experience and I’d definitely stay here again.

10

Alison

Jul 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Gorgeous view of bay. Walk to great food. Easy transport to golden gate bridge, chinatown, parks. Excellent staff met all of our needs.

8

Qing

Jul 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location, location, location

10

Jaime

May 24, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

Knob hill is the place to get the true San Francisco experience. Easy walk down hill to everywhere and come back up in cable car. Hotel is excellent and neighborhood is quiet.

10

Ross

Apr 16, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Historic hotel with a great location, strong service and good staff. Appreciated the stay and the service. But oh … those hills!!

10

Mandy

Jan 24, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location and awesome experience staying at this location.

10

John

Dec 31, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Perfect location. Clean & friendly

10

Grace

Sep 18, 2024

·

Stayed 7 nights

Historic hotel in a nice part of SF, easily walkable to central areas, close to cable cars which can easily take you further quickly. Safe area. Some parts of the room were a little tired but I think that comes with the overall age of the property

10

Tosh

Sep 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

great location

8

NICHOLAS

Sep 13, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Definitely not walkable to hotel, on top of very steep hill. Everything else was great! Wish I would have earned Accor points though.

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Dining

Dining draws mixed feedback: the Tonga Room is a memorable highlight for many, while others find options limited or service inconsistent and prices high.

Related guest reviews

8

Edward

Aug 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved our stay at the Fairmont San Francisco. The location was perfect... close to everything we wanted to do but still felt relaxed. The staff was super friendly and helpful from the moment we got out of our Uber. Our room was clean, comfy, and had a big closet for all our stuff. We really enjoyed the Conga Room downstairs, and even though we only stayed one night, our group said the hotel’s breakfast and lunch were excellent. Also loved the history of the place and the Tony Bennett statue out front—such a nice touch. Overall, a great experience and I’d definitely stay here again.

8

Patricia

Jul 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I have always wanted to stay at the Fairmont and enjoyed my stay. I booked a Bayview room and it had a great view. On the pricey side for food and drinks but a comfortable place to hang out with friends.

6

John

Jul 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

You are basically paying for the lobby of the hotel because it is the nicest part. This is still a lovely place to stay, but the rooms are in need of updates and thoughtful touches. For example, our room had a huge window in the hall with no blackout curtains, which sounds like a minor item until you wake up at Dawn because you can’t sleep. The bathroom door would not close and the toilet was in a similar state. The hotel was pretty dead, but everything in the public space was immaculate and beautiful as always. I just thought to myself that $400 per night was too much for a 1990s era room. We were told that there is no room service or very limited hours of room service, which was also very puzzling because you expect 24 hour room service at a hotel like this. Everyone was very congenial Just don’t expect a high degree of quality in the room if you end up staying here All of the knob Hill hotels have perfectly nice rooms and I’ve stayed in all of them at some point or another.

6

Eric

May 5, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

It was fine, but not terribly memorable. The in-room dining quality was not very good. Laurel Court is expensive for what you get. The Fairmont used to be like, the best you could get. The pros for Fairmont are that beautiful courtyard where you can smoke, and the location. Service is good. Tonga Room is fun.

10

Mauricio

Apr 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Iconic establishment! Tonga Room is a must

6

Sarah

Nov 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The food at the primary restaurant was extremely overpriced and poor quality.

10

Lamija

Oct 31, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel is beautiful and located in a nice area. The rooms are fantastic, clean and elegant. The lobby is beautiful but there is no option for drink or food. Another limitation - there is only one restaurant, limited food options if you are looking for a gluten free options, closes at 9PM. They also charge a resort fee over $ 40,-. Overall very nice place.

8

Robin

Jul 21, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property is really flirting with the line between historic and rundown. Check in and check out we’re good. Restaurant staff were lacking in skill and manners, especially in a luxury hotel. There was supposed to be a bottle of champagne waiting for us on arrival but they forgot which was a bit disappointing. The neighbourhood is great but it isn’t really walkable and it’s a bit of a hike to find decent food or drinks. Tonga bar is a weird vibe and service is very slow even though there weren’t a lot of people there. We enjoyed our stay but we’ll probably look elsewhere for our next visit to San Francisco.

8

Yolanda

Jan 3, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

My stay was wonderful except for being unable to reach the front desk and being put on hold and never returning and the Laurel Court Restaurant I was there to celebrate my wedding anniversary we were sat at a table that was sticky and move to another table that was still sticky even after it had been cleaned, it very loud at the bar and the people there was using profanity and it was children there no one ask them to be quiet or spoke to them about there behavior the service was slow I did not recieve me drink until my meals was it was not a very good might

8

Qun

Nov 28, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel is great! However, our experience with the Laruel court restaurant is terrible. We gave extra tip as a courtesy but got charged 7 times more than what we gave for extra tip. Stopped by the restaurant twice and was told someone will call me back which never happened and second time manager JUSTIN SAID wait for few days for charges to go through. Yesterday I emailed the manager Sandy and copied email to the hotel and heard nothing back. what surprised me the most is that Nobody ever apologized for this and nobody really work on it and give me an answer either. I might have to dispute the charge with credit card company and have them deal with it. Thank you!

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