Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square

Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square offers residence-style accommodation at 900 North Point Street, within the historic Ghirardelli Square complex in the Fisherman's Wharf area of San Francisco, California. Ghirardelli Square, a former chocolate factory converted into shops and restaurants, is directly on site, and the Powell-Hyde cable car turnaround, Fisherman's Wharf, Aquatic Park and the Hyde Street Pier are within a short walk. Fort Mason and the Marina district lie to the west. The property's character differs from a typical hotel because it is made up of residence-style suites, giving guests apartment-like space in a landmark setting. Unit types include Studio, One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom suites, each equipped with a kitchen, and the upper floors offer views across the bay toward Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Amenities include in-suite kitchens, a fitness centre and free Wi-Fi. Dining is not centred on an in-house restaurant; instead, guests typically use their kitchens for some meals and walk to the many restaurants and cafes of Ghirardelli Square, including the famous chocolate shops, as well as the seafood restaurants of the wharf. The service character is that of a quiet, residential-style stay, suited to families, groups and longer visits where space and self-catering are valuable. Rates generally range from about $500 to $1,000 per night, which places it at the premium end of the area. Visitors should note that the hill rising from Ghirardelli Square toward Russian Hill is steep, and that the area attracts heavy day-trip crowds. Grocery shopping is possible in nearby neighbourhoods, though large supermarkets require a short ride. The Aquatic Park waterfront promenade and the nearby Maritime National Historical Park offer free walking, and the cable car from the turnaround reaches Nob Hill, Chinatown and Union Square, so guests can combine self-catered meals with sightseeing without needing a car for most of a stay.