This is what it is like to stay at the historic Fairmont San Francisco – a hotel that has become a timeless symbol of luxury and sophistication.
Location
Sitting on top of the iconic Nob Hill in San Francisco, the Fairmont is a luxury hotel offering top-notch accommodations with one of the best locations in the city. About a 15 minute walk to Union Square and a mile from Pier 39, the Fairmont showcases incredible views of the San Francisco skyline and the bay.
Grand Lobby
From the moment you step into the Grand Lobby, you’ll be immersed in an atmosphere of classic elegance that pays homage to San Francisco’s Gilded Age.
The lobby is known as one of the best hotel lobbies in the country, and with marble pillars, ultra-high ceilings, and bold-patterned tile floors, it’s easy to see why.
Signature Room
We stayed in a Signature Room in the Tower Building facing the San Francisco Bay. The window gives way to the unparalleled views of the Bay, Alcatraz, and Coit Tower.
The guest room featured white linens, timeless decor, and breathtaking views, creating a stately and classic atmosphere.
The marble bathroom is a luxurious space where you will find Plush Robes and Le Labo Toiletries.
Other amenities inside the room are a Coffee Maker; Tea Kettle; Refreshment Center; In-Room Safe; and a Smart, Connected TV.
I also received a welcome charcuterie platter from the team at the Fairmont.
Tonga Room
The property is home to The Tonga Room – a unique dining experience of Polynesian-inspired ambiance, Tiki cocktails, and live entertainment.
Anthony Bourdain once declared the Tonga Room as “the greatest place in the history of the world.”
The Tonga Room was originally the Fairmont Hotel’s indoor swimming pool but was transformed into a tiki paradise.
Over the years, it has become a beloved institution, attracting locals and tourists alike with its one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
As you step into the Tonga Room, you are transported to a bygone era of tiki culture.
The interior is adorned with tiki statues, bamboo accents, thatched roofs, and a lagoon with floating stages.
The ambiance is enhanced by the sound of rain falling from the ceiling, creating an immersive tropical oasis in the heart of the city.
The Tonga Room’s beverage program boasts an array of Polynesian-inspired drinks served in decorative mugs and bowls.
Whether you’re sipping on a classic Mai Tai or indulging in a Scorpion Bowl with friends, the Tonga Room’s mixologists ensure a memorable drinking experience.
For our dinner experience, we had the 1944 Mai Tai in a freshly cored pineapple.
Other items we tried were the Tonga Platter with Fried Vegetable Spring Rolls, Ahi Tuna Poke Tostadas, Chili Pepper Chicken Wings, House Made Spam, and Edamame
There was also a Coconut Curry Seafood with Prawns, Calamari, Scallops and more.
Pork Baos
And there was Tonga Grilled Ribeye with Oyster Sauce Glaze, Charred Purple Yam, Grilled Asparagus, Coriander.
We finished off with the Chocolate Kahlua Mousse with Salted Caramel Sauce.
Guests are treated to performances by a talented band that takes to the floating stage in the middle of the lagoon. The occasional thunder and lightning effects add a theatrical touch to the performances, making the experience even more immersive.
If you’re planning to visit the Tonga Room, it’s advisable to make reservations, especially during peak hours. The dress code is casual, but many patrons choose to embrace the tropical theme.
Rooftop Garden
Head up to the Rooftop Garden for a quiet respite from the city life. From there you can see a very special intersection at Powell & California Street where all the cable car rails cross.
There is also a honey bees & herb garden on the rooftop featuring a pollinator bee “hotel” providing wild bees with a safe place to rest their wings.
Annually, the beehives produced several hundred pounds of honey, which is served to hotel guests as part of Fairmont’s commitment to offering local, organic, sustainable cuisine.
This home-harvested honey is used in soups, salad dressings, pastries and as an accompaniment to the hotel’s time-honored afternoon tea service.
Afternoon Tea
The Laurel Court at Fairmont San Francisco offers a quintessential afternoon tea experience that combines opulent surroundings with delectable culinary offerings.
Located on the lobby level, this upscale restaurant evokes the Gilded Age with a dramatically domed ceiling, marble columns and pastoral murals.
Warm hues create an inviting ambiance that perfectly complements the regality of the tea service.
There was also a live pianist during our afternoon session.
It was $89 for adults and $49 for children at the time of my visit.
First, we received a welcoming Glass of Bubbles.
Then we chose from a curated selection of premium loose-leaf teas sourced from around the world.
The afternoon tea selection included:
- Coffee Roasted Carrots with Citrus Pea Puree
- Roasted Beets with Toasted Almonds
- Smoked Salmon BLT
- Devil Egg Salad with Tobiko
- New York Steak
- Honey Cherry and Citrus Scones + Buttermilk Biscuits
- Opera Cake
- Blood Orange Meringue Tart
- Rhubarb and Strawberry Cheesecake
- Macarons
The Children’s Tea menu included:
- Jam Sandwich
Classic Egg Salad - Salami & Cream Cheese
- Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Brownie
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry
White House of the West
Fun fact: The Fairmont San Francisco is known as the White House of the West as nearly every U.S. president alive has stayed at the hotel since it opened in 1907.
The hotel has also been featured in many television shows and movies.
Was it worth it?
I had a nice stay at the Fairmont San Francisco and would recommend it!