Summary of Top Hotels in San Francisco
For a city that’s essentially square, San Francisco exudes California cool across its picturesque 46 square miles. From its vibrant art scene and culinary treasures within the nation’s oldest Chinatown to breathtaking waterfront panoramas extending from the bay to the Pacific Ocean — especially visible from the newly opened 14-acre Presidio Tunnel Tops park — this peninsula gem beckons every type of traveler.
World’s Best Awards Survey Insights
Every year, for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily collects insights from travelers worldwide, inviting them to share their thoughts on premier hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and beyond. Hotels, including safari lodges, receive ratings based on facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties are categorized as city hotels, resorts, or safari lodges, reflecting their unique offerings.
Despite the diversity of San Francisco’s neighborhoods, from the Mission District and Golden Gate Park to the Castro and North Beach, GoTravelDaily readers particularly favored three remarkable hotels within a short walk in Nob Hill. This elevated area, described by readers as one of the city’s “cleanest and safest,” not only presents stunning views of the Bay Area but also boasts convenient access to key attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and the Financial District. Leading hotels, such as the Fairmont San Francisco Hotel (No. 2) featuring its celebrated Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar and the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco (No. 3) known for its iconic Top of the Mark 19th-floor sky lounge, are among the city’s most emblematic accommodations.
1. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Sitting atop Nob Hill in a historic 1909 Neoclassical building adorned with Ionic columns, this 336-room hotel is an emblem of luxury. The atmosphere shifts to an urban resort inside, where readers appreciate the “impeccable” and “well-run” service. Boasting spacious rooms ranging from 400 to 475 square feet and lavish suites from 600 to 1,980 square feet, the decor harmonizes soothing shades of blue and gray. Guests can indulge in wine tastings at the JCB Tasting Lounge, savor California specialties at the Lounge, or enjoy fresh air in the inner courtyard. However, the prime location, just steps away from a cable car stop, enhances its appeal.
Score: 93.22
2. The Fairmont San Francisco Hotel
Score: 91.88
3. InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
Score: 91.33
4. The St. Regis San Francisco
Score: 89.90
5. Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square
Score: 87.25
