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The Fairmont San Francisco: Traveller Reviews

Call now to book: 1-800-454-6835 from hotels.com
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:
  • A summary score based on quality, quantity and age of traveler ratings.
4 of 5 stars 209 reviews
209 Reviews
5.0 of 5 stars
95
4.0 of 5 stars
54
3.0 of 5 stars
22
2.0 of 5 stars
27
1.0 of 5 stars
11
TripAdvisor Popularity Index:
  • Measures overall traveller satisfaction based on ratings, reviews and other sources.
#36 of 238 hotels in San Francisco
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  • Hotel class: 4 of 5
  • Rooms: 596
Description: Grand-style hotel with modern Tower Wing, commanding excellent bay and skyline views. This description is based on information provided by the hotel.
Address:
950 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
Check Rates: £203 ($377) Avg. Price
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TripAdvisor Traveller Reviews

Reviews of The Fairmont San Francisco

( 29-33 of 209 )
“Relying on past glories”

The Fairmont San Francisco

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2 of 5 stars
United Kingdom
26 Apr 2008
5/6 found this review helpful

This palace of an hotel has a long and distinguished history in this charming city on the Bay. It sits solid as a rock at the top of Nob Hill. From upper floors there are fine views but lower floors see buildings opposite. Nob Hill is otherwise not a great location. You need the cable cars all the time to go down to where the main tourist activity is and then to come back and then the queues get a bit tedious. Of course you can get taxis but be warned we found taxi drivers quite unpleasant or they just didn't speak ever - possibly not English speaking. Also some crazy dangerous driving and one who didn't even know the centre of the city. Union Square which has some very nice shopping is about 10 minute walk downhill from Fairmont.

Room: Our room was in the old historic building and it had a problem. Other guests in rooms either side of us could be heard spookily as if they were in our room. We could hear all the conversation which was annoying. The people were not even shouting - just chatting and we heard every word. Rooms in the newer tower at the Fairmont may not have this problem.

The furnishing style is elegant and of the period. Very high quality fabrics and furniture abound in the room and bathroom but all are a bit faded. I conclude lack of investment in more frequent deep cleaning is part of it and just not replacing worn and damaged furniture,fittings and equipment. Housekeeping seemed well organised.

As so often the case a mini-bar crammed with high profit items and no space for your own favoured beverage or necessary medication.

Foyer : The foyer and adjacent restaurant are grand and lovingly restored. Even if you don't stay in this hotel do go into it for a cocktail just to see the vast splendid public spaces. Its also a fine looking building from the outside.

Food : Dinner in the restaurant was a disappontment. To match the style and class rating of the hotel it should have been 'fine dining' but sadly it was very average dining and not worth the money. No evidence of flair or even particularly high quality of the ingredients in any of the dishes we had. Also a dreadful lapse in service from our waitress who forgot to serve the soup altogether.
We didn't eat there again.

A revealing customer service failure occurred when I handed in a guest questionnaire reply to the front desk marked very clearly that I was in the hotel and would not leave for 2 days yet - so time to act on my complaints. No response was received then or since to my polite explanation of our noise problem or the dinner service muddle. Maybe this is another of those once superlative hotels that relies on accolades in the past but frankly, in terms of attentive customer service and attention to detail is often surpassed by a lowly Marriott Courtyard that cares - that is where we will stay next time when in this enchanting city.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Beautifully restored foyer and handsome exterior
    • Disliked — Noise from adjacent rooms, careless dinner service, formal complaint ignored.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Varsityhotelier's Summary
Date of Stay: March 2008
Member since: 25 June 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 1 of 5 stars Location (e.g., convenience, views)
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
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Average price*: £203 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-454-6835 from hotels.com
“Golden Stay on Parents' 50th Anniversary”

The Fairmont San Francisco

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5 of 5 stars
New York
26 Apr 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

My parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Fairmont. My dad specifically selected it because he remembered the Fairmont from the "Hotel" television series of the eighties. My parents enjoyed their stay very much. They were thrilled when the staff congratulated them on their anniversary, upon arrival, and the personal greeting of the manager. They were given a beautiful room with spectacular views of the Bay....it was perfect....and cost nothing extra; all it took was an email to the hotel's reservation manager. The Fairmont is a classy experience all around.

Jose

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
jlaudan's Summary
Date of Stay: April 2008
Travelled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 65+
Member since: 26 April 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location (e.g., convenience, views)
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Absolutely!
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Other
Was this review helpful? Yes No
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Average price*: £203 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-454-6835 from hotels.com
“Fabulous Fairmont”

The Fairmont San Francisco

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5 of 5 stars
Bettendorf IA
15 Apr 2008

Our family of 4 (teen boy, tween girl) just returned from a four night stay at the Fairmont San Francisco. My husband was attending a business function, so the company made the arrangements (they did good!). This was our first visit to San Francisco, and when I mentioned this to the young lady checking us in (Rowena), she went out of her way to make sure we were happy with our room. After considerable checking, we were offered an upgrade to the Piazza suite for an additional $150/nt. This included two rollaways for the kids.

WOW! It was wonderful. Third floor, main building, views facing
Alcatraz and the bay. Separate king master bedroom with walk in closet and bath. Kids also had great views, living room, desk area and dining area and their own bath. Plenty of room to spread out. The bed and pillows were like clouds. We travel often and I can honestly say this is the best I've slept in any hotel. Quiet and comfortable. Every morning I would throw the curtains open to take in the bay. The Fairmont was one of the best features of this trip.

Great location. Grace Cathedral across the street. Chinatown and Union Square short walks. Longer walks coming back up the hills of course! Alot of people staying actually walked down to Pier 39 but you would probably want to catch a cable car back. There were cable car stops all around the hotel.

Service at the hotel was always good, from housekeeping, front desk, bellman, everyone. If we ever get back to San Francisco we would most certainly stay there again.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — views and beds
    • Disliked — nothing
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
BettMom's Summary
Date of Stay: April 2008
Visit was for: Business
Age group: 50-64
Member since: 08 August 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location (e.g., convenience, views)
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An Amazing Honeymoon, A romantic getaway, tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Museums / Cultural / Historical sites, Great food / Wine, Shopping
Was this review helpful? Yes No
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Average price*: £203 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-454-6835 from hotels.com
“Comfortable Room”

The Fairmont San Francisco

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4 of 5 stars
West Vancouver, Canada
8 Apr 2008

Saw a good deal US$174 (Fairmont Exterior Queen/ Queen) on expedia & called the Hotel to match price.

Line-up in front of Fairmont Member check-in counter was long, as everyone seem to be member now. The only privilege left is free internet usage. Requested for early check-in but room was not available on arrival.

When we went back to check in after dinner, the Front Reception gentleman was very cheerful & hospitable, significantly different from the lady in the morning.

The room was big and comfortable, with a huge walk-in closet.

There is no convenience store nearby. If you need water etc., remember to buy some before going back to the hotel.

Overall, an enjoyable stay.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Big & comfortable room.
    • Disliked — No convenience store nearby.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Lraep's Summary
Date of Stay: March 2008
Travelled with: Family with young children
Visit was for: Quality time with friends
Age group: 35-49
Member since: 25 July 2006
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Location (e.g., convenience, views)
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles, An Amazing Honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older Travellers, Great pool scene, Families with Small Children, Families with Teenagers, tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
pet owners
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Museums / Cultural / Historical sites
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Check Rates
Average price*: £203 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-454-6835 from hotels.com
“Classic San Francisco”

The Fairmont San Francisco

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5 of 5 stars
San Diego, CA
7 Apr 2008

We recently enjoyed a weekend stay at The Fairmont San Francisco through Disney Vacation Club points usage. As a quintessential San Francisco property, there is much to this property as well as nearby.

We stayed in room 590, the Dunkirk suite. It is a corner accomodation with great city views. It is well appointed in the classic sense; elegant Napoleonic decor along with modern touches like large flatscreens and two full baths.

Along with numerous lounges and restaurants, I would recommend the Tonga Room. It is a Polynesian themed lounge and restaurant replete with thatched roofs, tiki iodols and rain falling from the ceiling accompanied by thunder from the loudspeaker. A true nostalgic experience!

This hotel is ideally situated at the intersection of two cable car lines, and walking distance to Chinatown. It boasts an enviable location atop Nob Hill, and the service aspect from the staff is one of total service.

This hotel is ideal for couples or families on a holiday, all the way to conventions. As it is a classic hotel, it will not have all the wired amenities of newer properties like a W Hotel, and Nob Hill is a bit far from the airport or Silicon Valley. However, if you enjoy classic hotels, this is among the best.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
volvo99's Summary
Date of Stay: March 2008
Travelled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 25-34
Member since: 07 March 2005
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location (e.g., convenience, views)
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Most likely
I recommend this hotel for:
An Amazing Honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older Travellers, Families with Small Children, Families with Teenagers, tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
pet owners
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Museums / Cultural / Historical sites
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Check Rates
Average price*: £203 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-454-6835 from hotels.com

Reviews of The Fairmont San Francisco

( 29-33 of 209 )
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The Fairmont San Francisco Address

950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108