Crowning Nob Hill since 1907, this grande dame of San Francisco hotels offers palatial rooms, sweeping bay views, and legendary service. The Laurel Court Restaurant and the famous Tonga Room tropical bar are among the city's best dining experiences.
The Fairmont San Francisco has anchored the top of Nob Hill since it opened in 1907, surviving the 1906 earthquake only to debut a year later as a symbol of the city's resilience. Standing at 950 Mason Street at the intersection of California Street—where the historic cable car line runs—the hotel occupies one of San Francisco's most storied addresses, a short walk from Grace Cathedral and within easy reach of Chinatown, Union Square, and North Beach. The building's Italian Renaissance exterior gives way to a soaring marble lobby lined with gilded columns and ornate chandeliers. The hotel hosted the signing ceremonies of the United Nations Charter in 1945, cementing its place in world history. Rooms range from classic Fairmont Superior rooms with city views to palatial corner suites, many offering sweeping vistas across San Francisco Bay toward Alcatraz and the Marin Headlands. The 606-room property also features a tower annex with some of the most dramatic bay panoramas in the city. Dining at the Fairmont is a destination in itself. The Laurel Court, a grand atrium restaurant, serves breakfast and seasonal menus in an architecturally stunning setting. The legendary Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar—a tiki-themed tropical nightclub carved out of the hotel's original indoor pool—has been a San Francisco institution since 1945, complete with an artificial lagoon, a floating band barge, and scheduled indoor rainstorms. The Lobby Lounge offers afternoon tea and evening cocktails. The fitness center and business center serve the hotel's strong corporate clientele, while concierge staff are adept at securing restaurant reservations, city tour bookings, and theatre tickets. Cable cars on both the Powell-Mason and California Street lines stop essentially at the hotel's doorstep, making car-free navigation of the city straightforward. Service quality is consistently among the highest of any San Francisco hotel, with a formal concierge team, 24-hour room service, and valet parking.
Amenities
- Concierge
- Fitness center
- Multiple restaurants
- Bar
- Room service
- Business center
Location
950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Highlights
- Nob Hill summit location with cable car stops at the hotel entrance on both Powell-Mason and California Street lines
- The legendary Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar: a tiki nightclub built inside the hotel's original 1907 swimming pool with indoor rainstorms
- Laurel Court atrium restaurant and Lobby Lounge serving afternoon tea and seasonal menus
- Bay-view rooms and suites with panoramic vistas stretching to Alcatraz and the Marin Headlands
- Historic venue for the 1945 founding ceremonies of the United Nations Charter
Tips for visiting
- Ask for a tower bay-view room at booking for the most dramatic panoramas of San Francisco Bay
- Visit the Tonga Room on a weekday evening to enjoy the indoor rainstorm experience without weekend crowds
- Cable cars from Powell Street have long queues; boarding at the California Street terminus near the hotel is far quicker
- The Fairmont's afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge books up fast—reserve at least a week in advance
- Nob Hill is steeply graded; the Powell Street cable car is the easiest route down to Union Square and the Financial District
Accessibility
The Fairmont San Francisco provides ADA-accessible guestrooms with roll-in shower options and lowered fixtures; the main lobby, Laurel Court restaurant, and Tonga Room bar are wheelchair-accessible via elevator. The hotel's Nob Hill setting means surrounding streets have steep gradients, so guests with mobility considerations should plan routes carefully. Accessible drop-off is available at the Mason Street entrance.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Fairmont San Francisco in a good location for sightseeing?
The Nob Hill location is excellent. Union Square is a 10-minute walk downhill, Chinatown and North Beach are close, and cable cars at the hotel entrance connect to Fisherman's Wharf and Market Street.
Is parking available at the Fairmont San Francisco?
Valet parking is available, though it is expensive at approximately $80–$90 per night. Public garages near Union Square offer lower-cost alternatives a short walk away.
Can non-guests visit the Tonga Room?
Yes, the Tonga Room is open to the public. A small cover charge may apply on evenings with live entertainment, and reservations are recommended on weekends.
What is the historical significance of the hotel?
The Fairmont opened in 1907, survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and hosted the 1945 signing ceremonies that led to the creation of the United Nations. It is one of America's most historically significant grand hotels.
What is the hotel's cancellation policy?
Most flexible rates allow cancellation 48–72 hours before arrival without penalty; non-refundable rates are available at a discount. Policies vary by rate type and season.