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Last updated: 30 January, 2023
Expert travel writer: Laura Kiniry

The grand dame of San Francisco hotels, the world-renowned Fairmont had the unfortunate fate of opening just weeks before the city’s devastating 1906 earthquake and fire. Thanks to famed architect Julia Morgan, the 544-guestroom property came back better than ever.

Perched atop the city’s landmark Nob Hill neighbourhood, the Fairmont offers a quintessential San Francisco experience. Explore the room where singer Tony Bennett first performed his signature San Francisco tune, sip Mai Tais at the hotel’s iconic Tonga Room tiki bar, or splurge on a hydrating body wrap at the new onsite spa. It’s all right here.

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Key facilities

Airport transfers*
Beach: None
Creche
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Parking
: On-site *
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi*
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Chinese New Year Festival

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[0.4 miles]

One of the world’s best Chinese New Year celebrations, held in the oldest Chinatown in North America. The highlight is the Chinese New Year parade, complete with a 28-foot-long golden dragon.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 2.5 weeks

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San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[1.1 miles]

One of the largest museums for modern and contemporary art on the planet, with seven floors packed with more than 33,000 works ranging from abstract paintings to Depression-era photographs.

Best for ages: 13+ | £20

aerial view looking at Lombard Street and cars driving down it
Experience

Lombard Street

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[1.3 miles]

Marketers call Lombard the world’s crookedest street. True or not, the block-long lane hits eight hairpin turns – built to slow people as they drive the steep-steep street – as it snakes down Russian Hill. Instead of driving it (and sitting in traffic), you’ll have more fun walking it.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free

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Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

The Tonga Room
Experience

The Tonga Room

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[0 miles]

There’s nothing better than sipping sugary mai tais in a dimly lit tiki setting, where an indoor thunderstorm occurs hourly on cue. With red leather banquettes, a floating stage with its own house band, and a dance floor created from a former schooner, the Fairmont’s historic Tonga Room has been drawing crowds since 1945. Weekend nights here are like the greatest wedding reception you’ve ever been to, times 10.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Contemporary Jewish Museum
Experience

Contemporary Jewish Museum

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[0.9 miles]

With no permanent collection, San Francisco’s CJM offers ever-changing exhibits highlighting the Jewish culture and its complexities. It’s housed in a historic Pacific Gas & Electric substation that’s been modernly redesigned with elements of Jewish symbolism.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12

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Museum of the African Diaspora
Experience

Museum of the African Diaspora

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[1 miles]

Celebrating black cultures around the world through a global lens, MoAD remains one of the few museums in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to the artworks of the African Diaspora. Artist discussions, literary events, and film screenings take place here regularly.

Best for ages: 13+ | £8

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Aerial view down onto Coit Tower
Experience

Coit Tower

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[1.2 miles]

Telegraph Hill, ascending 275 ft (84m), is crowned by Coit Tower, a mural-covered Art Deco column. An ascent on foot (via sidewalk and stairs) rewards with eye candy in many forms: gorgeous homes, gardens, and spectacular bay views from the observation deck at the tower’s top.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free

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Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

San Francisco

California, United States of America (USA)

Beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food.

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