When the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks kick off Super Bowl LX on February 8, football fans’ eyes will be fixed on Levi’s Stadium. While the action takes place on the turf in Santa Clara, the real pre- and post-game celebrations will happen more than 40 miles away in San Francisco.
Whether you are flying in to catch the big game or are planning a getaway to coincide with the Super Bowl’s 60th anniversary festivities, finding the right home base is a key play for the weekend.
To discover the best hotels in San Francisco, Forbes Travel Guide’s incognito inspectors posed as ordinary guests and stayed multiple nights at each property. The inspectors tested hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, which accounts for 70% of a property’s rating. The remaining 30% comes from the quality and condition of the facilities. FTG does not require a business relationship from the properties it rates, and it does not earn a commission if you book one of the following hotels.
Five-Star Hotels in San Francisco
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Sitting atop a dramatic bluff, The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay gives you a beautiful coastal setting, verdant golf courses, ocean-view dining and impeccably warm service about 20 miles south of San Francisco International Airport.
With a robust calendar of outdoor activities (golf, guided hikes) and indoor pursuits (baking classes, a Four-Star spa), any time is a great time for a romantic getaway at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. See more.
The St. Regis San Francisco
Since opening in 2005, The St. Regis San Francisco has been refining the concept of luxury, retaining the detail-oriented service focus and continuing its legacy of timeless elegance.
Get a taste of the hotel’s sophisticated vibe during Tini Tuesday at the legendary St. Regis Bar. Guests are invited to craft their perfect martini, set to a soundtrack of live jazz provided by Conservatory students. See more.
Four-Star Hotels in San Francisco
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
San Francisco does not experience four distinct seasons — it’s pretty mild no matter when you visit. Likewise, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco provides posh lodgings all year long.
If you want to sightsee by day and live in luxury by night, it’s hard to beat this property sitting just minutes from Union Square, Chinatown and other city attractions. See more.
Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto
Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto is ideally situated for both business and relaxation. Step into the intimate lobby, and you’ll notice it feels smart and modern with a lush color scheme, digital art and an inviting, cozy vibe.
The hotel makes the most of its Northern California location by regularly pairing Napa Valley’s top wine producers with seasonal four-course menus at signature eatery, Quattro. See more.
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
The ultra-modern Hotel Nikko San Francisco is in downtown San Francisco, just blocks from Union Square. The luxury address has a sleek, modern design style. Asian touches throughout, including a stream of flowing water greeting guests in the lobby, help create an initial Zen atmosphere.
For a true Bay Area introduction, be sure to visit Kanpai Lounge for a new cocktail program inspired by the city’s landmarks and neighborhoods. Explore The Mission features tequila, G.E. Massenez bird’s-eye chili liqueur, lime and hibiscus mango while Coit Tower consists of rye whiskey, Fernet-Branca, pineapple gomme and ginger beer. See more.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Even the most blasé traveler will be impressed by this stately mansion atop Nob Hill. Built in 1909 as the headquarters of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco has maintained its palatial polish, preserving its neoclassical façade while offering a renovated modern-classic haven inside.
And even more than a 100 years later, there are still new things to celebrate: The Lounge was included on Forbes Travel Guide’s inaugural list of Star Bars. See more.
Taj Campton Place
Taj Campton Place fits into the rolling cityscape of San Francisco and is just one block away from Union Square. The prime location allows convenient access to the city’s many art galleries and museums, and the 110-room boutique hotel offers a quaint respite from the busy city.
A recent renovation breathed new life into the hotel’s beloved dining outlets. Campton Bar + Bistro infuses American bistro-style cuisine with Indian flair. Meanwhile, Bombay Brasserie, led by chef Thomas George, serves Indian cuisine with a French accent. See more.
Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hotels in San Francisco
The Clement Palo Alto
The all-inclusive hotel of the future, where everything is customized to your individual preference and a personal chef and concierge come standard, has arrived with The Clement Palo Alto.
The hotel strives to be a home away from home and invites you to think of the shared spaces — a living room, library and kitchen — as your own. Here, you won’t ever have to lift a finger — unless it’s to pick up a fork while you’re eating at the Dining Room. See more.
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
Walking into the intimate lobby of Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero is like entering a sleek sanctuary. The bustle of downtown fades away in the quiet round room filled with white marble, bright lighting and a pleasant aroma.
Friendly staff members stand ready to check you in, help with your luggage or anything else you may need. This includes providing curated city guides that offer insider recommendations for self-guided tasting tours of the Ferry Building, tailored shopping suggestions and a map illustrated by artist Tanu Vasu that highlights the best local spots. See more.
Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights
Everything about Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights, from the understated elegance of its Edwardian heritage to the spacious bathrooms with heated floors, is chic, sophisticated and comfortable.
Daily rituals like the evening wine reception (local pours are paired with elevated light bites) accentuate the former boarding house’s welcoming warmth. See more.
JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square
JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square is a colorful and urbane hotel just steps from San Francisco’s bustling Financial District, the Embarcadero and other popular stops.
But beyond its ideal location, the property delivers top cuisine (Level III Restaurant), creative cocktails (Level III Bar) and a sleek space to work on your cardio (a state-of-the-art fitness center).
Omni San Francisco Hotel
In the busy Financial District, Omni San Francisco Hotel feels like a throwback to a simpler, grander time. The cheerful doorman smiles warmly and helps you with your things. The front desk attendant graciously meets you at the bottom of the glamorous wrought-iron staircase. It’s all so beautiful and calming that even the most harried person will feel relaxed. See more.
Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco
When you walk up the stairs at downtown’s Palace Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, the first thing you’ll notice are the elaborate wrought-iron doors with ornate hand-painted gold details.
Just beyond those touches is something even more breathtaking: the hotel’s Garden Court. A grand ballroom with marble columns, glass ceilings and chandeliers that date to the late 1800s, the Garden Court is the hotel’s energetic hub. Such grand surroundings provide the ideal backdrop for the Saturday tea, served for the last century.
For a memorable dinner, visit the wood-paneled Pied Piper (named for the famous Maxfield Parrish mural behind the bar) for seasonal, California dishes and exceptional drinks. See more.
San Francisco Proper Hotel
The flagship property of the Proper brand, San Francisco Proper Hotel showcases celebrity interior designer Kelly Wearstler’s sophisticated style. The hotel resides in a historic flatiron building that dates to 1904, and its Old World charm is juxtaposed with sleek, modern accents.
The trendy atmosphere of the hotel extends beyond the guest rooms to its two dining venues. Villon, which is also designed by Wearstler, serves contemporary California cuisine for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Meanwhile, the atmospheric rooftop lounge, Charmaine’s, offers small plates, bubbles and bold cocktails. See more.
