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Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco: Learn All About This Historic SF Hotel
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: May 17, 2022
The Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco is part hotel and part museum. It's dripping with history. It has also hosted dozens of presidents and other dignitaries from around the world.
If you are interested in staying a world-class hotel, this four-star option is top on the list. It includes luxurious amenities, high-class customer service, and gorgeous decor.
Even if you don't get the chance to stay here, I recommend stopping by to check it out. While you are here, you can also grab a bite to eat or a fun cocktail at one of its famous restaurants.
Here is a sneak peek at its ornate lobby. It's tough to see all the detail in this picture, which is why you should stop by to see it for yourself.
Fairmont Hotel History
This hotel was first built in 1903. Shortly after it was completed, the city was rocked by the 1906 earthquake and fire. Although the interior was badly damaged, the building stood tall above the ruin around it.
It reopened in 1907 and has undergone many changes since then.
In 1945, the United Nations charter was drafted here. This is the reason why the flags are hanging above the entrance outside. You can learn a little more about it from this plaque that hangs on one of the walls in the lobby.
Since the UN charter was drafted, many US presidents have stayed here as well as other world leaders. Several of their pictures are hanging on the wall in a hallway just to the left of the lobby.
In addition to its famous guests, this location is featured in a number of films. Some of the most well-known include Vertigo, The Rock and The Towering Inferno. You can also learn more about these in the same hallway mentioned above.
Other Places in the Fairmont
Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
The highly talked about Tonga Room makes its home on the lower level of this hotel. This tiki bar and restaurant features Pacific Rim food, fruity drinks, and live music.
In the center of the bar, you will find the main attraction. Decades ago, the owner at the time transformed the indoor pool into an entertainment area. It includes a floating stage where bands perform.
It also 'rains' in this area every 15 minutes, as you can see in the picture below.
The Tonga Room Restaurant is open for dinner four days a week. They are open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 11 pm.
They do take dinner reservations, but first-come first-served seating is also available.
Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar
The Laurel Court is a higher-end restaurant and lounge right behind the main lobby. It's open all day long and features everything from fresh salads to steaks.
You can also head here for an afternoon cocktail or glass of wine. It's the perfect place to sit back and admire the beautiful European décor, from its domed ceilings and columns to its Tuscan-style frescoes.
They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Their hours are 7 am to 11 am, 12 pm to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 9 pm.
The bar area opens at 5 pm and closes at 10 pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and serves tasty drinks from 12 pm to 11 pm Thursday to Saturday.
Cirque Bar
If you are in the mood for coffee and pastries or more of a grab-and-go snack, stop by the Cirque Bar on the first floor of the hotel to the right of the main lobby.
Every day they open early, from 6 am to 10 am Monday through Thursday and until noon Friday through Sunday.
Even if you aren't going to buy anything, it's worth a peek for the brilliant gold murals that line its walls.
You will see some beautiful and very unique Art Deco-style circus animals, acrobats, and more that give this historic lounge its name. These were added right before Prohibition (when this lounge originally opened).
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Staying Here
This hotel is in a fantastic location at the top of Nob Hill. It's away from the chaos of Union Square, but a short walk or cab ride away. It's just steps from the famed cable cars, Grace Cathedral, and other high-end hotels.
You will find rooms that include historic touches, yet modern amenities. Each room offers comfortable mattresses, luxurious bedding, and everything else you would expect from a four-star hotel.
Many rooms also offer a view of its colorful courtyard or surroundings. Some even offer premium views of the bay and downtown SF.
Views from the Premium Rooms
From the front, this building looks like it's only a few stories tall. However, there is a 20-story tower behind it. This is where you can get some amazing views.
These are just a few of the pics I took from their top floor Crown Room. This room used to be a bar and restaurant. Now, it's only used for special events. However, these pictures give you a good idea on the views from some of this hotel's top floors.
Ready to book your room? They offer a variety of room types. Room rates vary based on amenities and time of year but range from around $200 to $1000+ a night. Check here to find the best selection and the amenities included with each room.
Getting Here
From SFO: Your best bet from the San Francisco International Airport is to take a taxi or a shuttle. Both offer front door service.
- Taxi: A taxi from the airport will take about 30 to 35 minutes. The cost for this trip is around $55 to $75 including tip and the $2 airport service fee that will be added once you arrive. Learn more about taking a taxi to and from SFO.
From Union Square: The Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco is just up the hill from Union Square. You can either walk up the hill (it's steep!) or take one of these transit options.
- California Cable Car: Walk over to California Street to grab this cable car line and ride up the hill. Once you get to the top (Mason and California), you will hop off.
- 1-California Bus: Walk over to Sacramento Street and hop on the 1-California bus. This bus will drop you off just a block away at Sacramento and Sproule Lane.
From Fisherman's Wharf: This is just a few blocks down the hill, so you can either walk up the hill (again, it's very steep!) or take one of these transit options.
- Cable Car: Take either the Powell/Hyde or the Powell/Mason cable car to the Washington and Mason stop. From here, you will walk straight up Mason Street. It's about two blocks away from this stop, but the closest option. Both blocks are very, very steep, so take your time on the way up (and don't forget to turn around for some of the best views of the bay!).
- Taxi: If you don't want to walk up the steep hill, you can also take a taxi from Fisherman's Wharf. This will only cost about $10 to $20 as it isn't very far away. You could always take the taxi up and then head down the hill to grab the cable car for the ride home.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!
