This San Francisco Luxury Hotel Is Puttin’ on the Ritz

When exploring the City by the Bay, rest your head and heart at The Ritz-Carlton.

Located one block from Nob Hill’s lively village green, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is a luxuriant respite. Dynamic neighborhoods with global nosh, shops, and museums are within walking distance: Chinatown, North Beach, Union Square, SFMOMA, and the Embarcadero.

Take a breather from hilly hikes and opt for quintessential transit via cable car to famed locales like Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, the Ferry Building, and Lombard Street. Multiple trolley stops are just steps from the hotel’s stately entrance.

Architectural Artistry 

Rich in history, akin to its environs, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is a neo-classical shrine built in 1909 with architectural allure. Authentic renovations salute the integrity of the building’s original early 20th century design.

Verdant landscaping and 50-year-old Magnolia trees (brilliantly in bloom January through March) flatter the snow-white monolith. The grand terrace is an outdoor oasis with cozy nooks for repose, weekend yoga classes, and wild, resident hawks who chill in the bubbling fountain.

Entice Your Senses 

Majesty continues indoors with an Italian marble entryway, lavish floral bouquets, Krigler’s ambrosial glamour, and the opulent JCB Tasting Lounge.

Krigler’s first fragrance was introduced in 1879 and is timeless, gracing beauties Grace Kelly (who wore Chateau Krigler 12), Audrey Hepburn (a fan of English Promenade 19), and Jackie O. (admiration for Lovely Patchouli 55); Krigler colognes handsomely adorned JFK, Picasso, and Hemingway. Au courant, notable royalty—both Hollywood stars (Cynthia Erivo) and princesses across the pond (Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlene of Monaco)—are also aficionados.

Krigler’s Charming California 215 perfume is tailor-made for The Golden State. “People consider California to be very outgoing, a beacon of culture and light and freedom and openness,” says Ben Krigler. “We wanted a fragrance that smelled like a fresh wave from the ocean and the natural green mountainside, a delicate and beautiful caress.”

If your signature scent isn’t among the haute parfumerie’s display, you may request a personally customized aroma.

Another sensory extravaganza awaits in the JCB Tasting Lounge by Jean-Charles Boisset (a winemaking virtuoso coined ‘James Bond’ of the wine world). Gilded top to toe, this petite palace is regal with princely purple velvet and brimming with rare vintages to quaff. Baccarat crystal adorns chandeliers and wine goblets; and more than 7,000 Swarovski crystals bedazzle select Surrealist bottles (a tantalizing 100-point Petit Verdot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend).

For an ultra-lush sipping soirée, add caviar service paired by legendary chef and lauded restaurateur Thomas Keller—presumably the world’s number one consumer of delicate roe. If you have more time to travel, venture two hours north for an elevated tasting experience at Keller’s The French Laundry in Napa Valley. 

Dine Fine 

Seasonally influenced classic American fare is served in The Ritz’s lofty Lobby Lounge, along with handcrafted cocktails, wine, and beer. And don’t miss breakfast at Parallel 37 where the same fluffy pancake recipe has been flipped since the hotel first opened in 1991.

Internationally recognized as a culinary superstar, San Francisco is an attractive locale for vivacious appetites. Top-rated restaurants near The Ritz include Michelin-starred and seafood focused Angler; Kokkari’s Greek dishes are “fit for the gods”; Tosca Cafe has served Italian favorites since 1919; Mr. Jiu’s wows with Chinese American tasting menus; Cotogna’s highlights are housemade pastas and locally-sourced provisions; China Live is casual, pleasantly complex, and touted by TIME as one of the “World’s Greatest Places”.

Join the Club

For guests who opt for Club Lounge level rooms on the eighth floor, complimentary light bites (delectable offerings change multiple times daily) and beverages (coffee, juice, and livelier libations) are offered morning until night. Cheerfully decorated, the Club Lounge invites guests to settle in with a savvy selection of books and games or to connect in style with ample workspace.

Splendid Suites

Impressive views of Coit Tower, Alcatraz Island, and the Bay await in the San Francisco Suite and Ritz-Carlton Suite. Tastefully appointed dining and living rooms, a stocked pantry, and personal wine cellar are included—with a choice of 100 percent linen or 1,000-thread-count jacquard cotton Frette sheets.

Invite your friends…the Presidential Suite boasts a formal indoor dining room and alfresco rooftop deck optimal for entertaining. The 1,200 square foot plush patio with comfy furnishings has front row seats to sterling skyline views.

Luxe Amenities

In addition to traditional five-star hotel offerings, guest services include a multilingual staff for the world-wise, car rental on-property for a joyride, cell phone and iPod rental for the forgetful, and complimentary overnight shoeshine for the well-heeled.

Plus, a concierge program is offered exclusively for guests. VIP experiences include private sailing in the Bay where city and bridge vistas are sublime; retail therapy with personalized shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue accompanied by champagne and a personal stylist; spa perks and beauty treatments for self-care; one-on-one fitness training; and Qigong and Tai Chi sessions for enhanced life balance.

Ethical Actions

Feel good about your ritzy choice. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, sustainable practices throughout the hotel (and every Ritz-Carlton property) advocate for a healthy environment. And an admirable commitment to social responsibility supports human rights, thriving communities, and nonprofit initiatives to build a better world. Cheers to you, Ritz-Carlton!

A heartfelt stay at The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco opens the door to an abundant city visit. You can appreciate why treasured Tony Bennett adoringly crooned, “I left my heart in San Francisco…”

Images are courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco.