The 7 Best 5 Star Hotels in San Francisco

Luxury and San Francisco have always gone hand-in-hand like a pair dewy-eyed newlyweds on their honeymoon. A fun, turbo-charged city of sunshine, beaches and celebrity glamour, it's no surprise that there is a wide range of pampering luxury 5-star hotels in San Francisco. To save you the trouble, we've selected the best 5 star hotels in San Francisco, ranging from luxury hotels ideal for business travellers, to intimate 5-star boutiques. Don't wait: check out our list of the best luxury 5-star hotels in San Francisco, and book the pampering holiday of your wildest dreams!

For a business trip

• Taj Campton Place stands just outside the Financial District, in an area of upmarket luxury. No surprises, then, that this is a luxury stay ideally suited to businessmen. Built in the early 1900s, the property has been beautifully renovated, though it still retains hints of its old-world sophistication. While the rooms are modern, light-filled and spacious, the Michelin-star restaurant in the grand dining room is a symbol of the hotel's grandiose past. Boasting top notch service, catering to your every needs, it's a spoiling affair: in-room spa treatments, 24h rooftop gym facilities, not to mention the meeting rooms perfect for conferences.

For a romantic getaway

• The name "Ritz Carlton” is associated with the golden world of celebrity and old-world luxury, and the Ritz Carlton San Francisco is no exception. The building itself takes on the neoclassical air of a Renaissance palace, while the interiors are classy and modern, an elegant blend of the Old World and the New. The rooms themselves are full of light, smart and spacious, while the bar stands in stark contrast with its neon, sexy, undersea lighting, and the restaurant is a Michelin-star affair, so expect nothing less than perfect.

For old-world glamour

• Fairmont San Francisco is old-world, classic glamour at its finest. Somewhat of a San Franciscan institution, it contains within its neoclassical facade the sort of traditional luxury you thought had died with Fitzgerald. Upon entering the marble-tiled lobby you're confronted with enormous rooms with chandeliers, swirling staircases, a glittering and golden world of celebrity, (past guests include Barak Obama, Mick Jagger and Kim Kardashian). The guestrooms are light and spacious, styled in a contemporary fashion, some with their own private terraces.There's a pampering spa, and a wonderful restaurant too.

For a luxury B&B

• Mansion on Sutter is San Francisco's only 5-star Victorian manor hotel. An intimate, luxurious affair, the rooms are chic yet regal, with period furnishings, colourful, dark-and-sexy velvet sofas, antiques, and the walls are covered with the owner’s private collection of artworks. This really is one of the best luxury B&Bs around.

All out luxury

• If it looks like a palace, and is called a palace, then it's probably a little bit like a palace. San Francisco's first premier luxury hotel (dating back to 1875), in its heyday, the Palace Hotel was the largest hotel in the world. Stepping inside is like stepping out of a time machine into an older, finer world of princely splendour. With its grand, arched lobby, chandeliers dangling from the high ceilings and ornate marble columns, this luxurious hotel emanates opulence. The rooms, however, are plush and contemporary, and the swimming pool and gym are a modern comfort. The hotel boasts beautiful views of the city at night, and the spa will spoil you rotten.

For a luxury family stay

• Four Seasons San Francisco is a sleek and smart 5-star occupying 12 floors of a 42-storey building, right in the heart of Downtown San Francisco. Exclusive, grand and modern, the spacious suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms and gorgeous views of street life. Access to the renowned Equinox Health Club allow parents to unwind, and there’s also Saturday movie night (held between June and September) that's popular with kids. But all the family will go wild at the Steak and Seafood Restaurant, as well as the plentiful array of games on the Veranda Terrace. Fun and smart, a luxury family stay!
• Once a chocolate factory (dating back to 1893), now it's a luxurious all-suite family hotel overlooking the Bay. Fairmont Heritage Place at Ghirardelli Square has cosy suites ranging from one to three bedrooms, decorated in a chic minimalist style, (think cool artworks interspersed with exposed brickwork). The views from the private terraces are quite extraordinary, and from those terraces you can enjoy wine and cheese as the evening draws in. There's no restaurant but the in-suite fine dining is superb.

Still not sure?

• Looking for something central? Try our list of the best hotels in Union Square.
• Want to feel rejuvenated? Check out the best San Francisco spa hotels, or, the best hotels with in-room hot tubs in San Francisco
• Consider the best San Francisco hotels with airport transfers
• Or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

  • Taj Campton Place San Francisco (Union Square) 111 rooms from AU$376

    
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    City Style  -  In a historic building that has been modernized and with a Michelin Star-rated restaurant, explore San Francisco in style.

    Local exploring  -  Minutes from Union Square and less than 2 miles from Fisherman's Wharf and Bay Bridge, it is ideally located.

    Foodies  -  The Michelin star-rated restaurant draws queues of foodies from all over the city.

    Restaurant  -  Campton Place Restaurant is Michelin Star-rated and serves Mediterranean-inspired California cuisine.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    Sleek hotel with ideal location on Union Square. The elegant rooms have contemporary and stylish furnishings, and the service is renowned for being hyper-attentive. The Michelin star-rated restaurant serving high-quality Mediterranean fare in the grand dining room is very impressive. See More

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  • The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square San Francisco (Fort Mason) 53 rooms from AU$1151

    
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    Luxury  -  A landmark setting with some seriously indulgent extras including in-suite fine dining and a spoiling spa

    Families  -  With suites that range from 1 - 3 bedrooms this is an ideal choice for a luxury family break

    Sights nearby  -  Take a leisurely stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge and admire the city views

    Romantic  -  Good for couples.

    

    A luxury all-suite hotel offering a landmark setting on San Francisco's bay. Accommodation ranges from one to three bed suites all designed with stylish minimalism and most with superb bay views. There is no restaurant as such but in-suite fine-dining is a real luxury. A very fine stay. See More

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  • Fairmont San Francisco San Francisco (Nob Hill) 606 rooms from AU$541

    
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    City Style  -  Somewhat of a city landmark, this hotel does traditional elegance impeccably

    Sights nearby  -  Make a trip out to Alcatraz - both a fascinating place to visit and a great way to admire the city from the sea

    Opulent

    Romantic  -  Good for couples.

    

    This hotel is a real landmark. It has seen the likes of Tony Bennet sing in the Venetian Room - and it still has that same old-world grandeur. Enjoying spectacular views of the bay (especially good from the suites' terraces) and boasting a design that combines tradition and modern elegance. See More

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  • Mansion on Sutter San Francisco (Pacific Heights) 12 rooms from AU$673

    
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    Total relaxation  -  Excellent organic wines, suites with in-room tubs, and a gym to stress bust - the perfect combination for a relaxing stay

    Luxury  -  San Francisco's only five-star Victorian mansion hotel

    Sights nearby  -  A trip to marvel at Golden Gate Bridge is a real must on any trip to the city

    

    A five-star Victorian mansion offering 12 chic rooms. Interiors are period-inspired with dark-hued velvet furnishings, intricately tiled floors and antiques. Thoughtful added touches such as in-room baths (in some suites), a smart gym, and organic wines really elevate this B&B to luxury status. See More

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  • Palace hotel , San Francisco San Francisco (Financial District) 552 rooms from AU$623

    
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    Local exploring  -  1 block from the Financial District, 3 blocks from Union Sq, & 4 blocks from Moscone Center

    5* Luxury  -  Original architecture, luxurious bedding, expansive headboards, marble bathrooms & many opulent amenities

    Restaurant  -  The Garden Court and Pied Piper Bar & Grill - famous, superb, grand

    Sights nearby  -  Yerba Buena Gardens, Martin Luther King memorial, Chinatown...

    

    A lavish hotel with classically designed architecture. An elitist, rich and stylish look. Gorgeous and smart guest-rooms feature 11-foot high ceilings, marble bathrooms, opulent bedding. Glass domed indoor pool, various dining options and bars. Ideal for spending your city break in true 5* luxury. See More

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  • Four Seasons San Francisco San Francisco (SoMa) 277 rooms from AU$1312

    
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    Total relaxation  -  With access to one of the city's most exclusive health clubs, Equinox, this is an indulgent choice

    City Style  -  A contemporary hotel offering all the usual five-star trimmings and a very exclusive feel

    Sights nearby  -  Make a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge and marvel at the astounding feat of engineering

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    A five-star offering occupying 12 floors of a 42 storey building in downtown San Francisco. Rooms are sleek and contemporary with floor to ceiling windows and marble-clad bathrooms. The steak and seafood restaurant is a smart spot and access to the exclusive Equinox health club is a real bonus. See More

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  • Ritz Carlton San Francisco San Francisco (Nob Hill) 336 rooms from AU$732

    
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    Local exploring  -  Perfectly located in the upmarket Nob Hill area just minutes from the commercial district and Union Square

    City Style  -  A perfect blend of the old and the new in the indulgent five-star

    Opulent

    Traditional

    

    A grand five-star located in upmarket Nob Hill. Beautifully refurbished, the neoclassical building blends the old and the new. Spacious rooms are simple and chic with smart marble bathrooms. The acclaimed restaurant is headed by a Michelin-starred chef and the bar turns out some very good cocktails. See More

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Written by Edmund Wise

posted Monday, 26th June 2023