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The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
San FranciscoUnited States
The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
600 Stockton at California St.
San Francisco, California
Tel: 415-296-7465; 800-241-3333
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336 rooms incl. 59 suites
The Experience
San Francisco's Nob Hill has a wealth of landmark hotels, but the neoclassical edifice, lions heads and Ionic columns of the Ritz-Carlton stand out, more resembling the Supreme Court than a hotel. Built in 1909 as an insurance company headquarters, it's been the Ritz-Carlton since 1991, and the hotel is a classic in every way, from its formal afternoon tea to the long menu of single-malt scotches in the bar.
The Rooms
In April 2006, the hotel completed a $12.5 million renovation of the rooms, which are now decorated in taupe and straw yellow, with dark wood Chinoiserie cabinets. The light colors make them feel even more spacious than their already generous 400 square feet, and the views out to the streetcars help even more. Views, however, vary widely from courtyard to the street; head to the upper floors for prime views of San Francisco Bay. Bathrooms have Bulgari amenities and rain showerheads (although, in the deluxe rooms, alas, showers are in the tubs), while Club rooms and suites have iPod docking stations and flat-panel TVs in the bathrooms (and the Club Lounge has iPods for those without).
The Service
Service is outstanding in the Club rooms and suites, but the service everywhere in the hotel is above average. Even the doormen go out of their way to ask whether you need directions, or to suggest you use the hotel's complimentary chauffeur-driven car if your restaurant is just a bit too far to navigate in fashionable footwear.
The Highlights
This is a traditional hotel, with formal, gracious service, but it quickly becomes home. As at any proper hotel, there's daily afternoon tea, and the Lobby Lounge serves sushi Wednesday through Saturday during the cocktail hour. But it's in the formal restaurant that this hotel hits its highest notes; Chef Ron Siegel has garnered a barrage of accolades for his French menu with Japanese influence. Start with a sample from the champagne cart, and move on to dishes like Tasmanian ocean trout and Japanese butterfish, served in the refined space that's simply called the Dining Room. The Spa De Vie features a full-size pool and offers a full menu of services.
