Fairmont San FranciscovsArgonaut Hotel
Both properties are recommended by professionals. Overall, Argonaut Hotel, A Noble House Hotel is the choice of most writers compared to Fairmont San Francisco. Argonaut Hotel, A Noble House Hotel scores 91 with recommendations from 15 reviewers such as Jetsetter, Oyster and Gayot.
Fairmont San Francisco Show All Reviews
950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA
From $285/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Rough Guide
"The most famous of Nob Hill’s landmark hotels... fantastic views from the rooms."
Michelin Guide
"This queen of the city retains a traditional charm."
Concierge
"Rooms... in the original building have high ceilings and a rich sense of place, but not all have views; rooms in the vintage-1961 tower have jaw-dropping vistas yet feel more generic."
Fodor's
"Amenities and special services (including... a newly crafted Intersect Media Lounge complete with multiplayer Guitar Hero and Wii Golf) keep loyal guests coming back." Full review
Insight Guides
"You are greeted by a warm welcome, and an elegant atmosphere extends throughout, except perhaps at the tropical-themed Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar."
Oyster
Luxury
"The Fairmont combines the history, cachet, and decor of a turn-of-the-20th-century grand old dame with the amenities, technology, and corporate-dominated clientele of a large chain property." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"Famous for its gorgeous lobby and opulent public rooms, the Fairmont is the grandest of all the grand hotels at the top of Nob Hill."
Star Service
"This remains the most commercial of the once elite Nob Hill hotels, but it is also the most impressive." Full review
Zagat
4.3
""If you like being spoiled", this "legendary" "San Francisco classic" atop Nob Hill thrills, from the lobby's "amazing old-time elegance", to the "superior" staff that makes you "feel like royalty"."
Time Out
"High atop Nob Hill, the Fairmont is the grand dame of San Francisco hotels, listed on the National Register of Historic Places." Full review
Argonaut Hotel Show All Reviews
495 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA
From $135/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Rough Guide
"Surprisingly quiet, given its tourist-stampeded location."
Michelin Guide
"An unrivaled location... As if that's not enough to whet your appetite, the coveted hotel looks straight across to the sparkling San Francisco Bay and the Park's fleet of historic ships."
Travel + Leisure
"Housed in the 1907 Haslett Warehouse, the Argonaut is the only hotel located in the Maritime National Historical Park." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"This historic 1907 San Francisco building is now home to a maritime-themed boutique hotel."
Fodor's
"The spacious rooms, many with a sofa bed in the sitting area, have recently been redesigned but still spotlight exposed-brick walls and wood-beam ceilings." Full review
Star Service
"This still ranks among the best small hotels here, and it remains a champion along the north end of Fisherman's Wharf." Full review
Gayot
"Set in Fisherman's Wharf, this Kimpton Group hotel goes for broke with its maritime theme."
Zagat
4.3
"Drop anchor at this "nautical-themed" "secret" (part of the Kimpton chain), which offers a "breath of fresh air" thanks to "nice-sized" quarters with Frette linens and in-room spa treatments."
Lonely Planet
Top choice
"Though the amenities are of an upper-end hotel... some rooms are tiny and get limited sunlight." Full review
Time Out
"Built into a historic fruit-packing warehouse, this beautiful luxury hotel is the best in the area by far." Full review
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If you want a sea view, ask for a north-facing room on the third floor or above.