Few names in the hospitality industry garner as much respect as the Ritz-Carlton name. Since the early 20th century, Ritz-Carlton has been associated with some of the finest hotels in Europe and North America. And one of the finest in their collection is in downtown San Francisco.
The San Francisco Ritz-Carlton is a nine-story building on the eastern slope of the city’s famous Nob Hill, at 600 Stockton St. The hotel’s location puts it at the heart of the action in the financial district, Chinatown and Union Square; it is a regular stop on San Francisco’s California Street Cable Car line. Everything about the property, from top to bottom, is quintessential San Francisco.
The Historic Building
Ritz-Carlton San Francisco occupies the former Metropolitan Life Insurance Company building opened in 1909. The building was originally dubbed the “Temple of Commerce” and sat on the western edge of the city’s financial district. It is a wonderful example of the neoclassical architecture reminiscent of what you might find in old Europe.
The front facade greets guests with a massive classic Greek columns of awe-inspiring beauty. The main lobby is an open and welcoming space combining the utility of front desk operations with an elegant and refined atmosphere that immediately lets you know you are in for something special. At every turn, beautiful marble, exquisite architectural molding and luxurious furnishings surround you.
The original building was an 80′ x 80′ office situated on Stockton Street at California. Over the years, a total of five expansions enlarged the property to eventually take up the entire block between California and Pine Streets. Each of the expansions was carefully planned in to seamlessly carry on the neoclassical design.
Despite its magnificence, the building was nearly vacant and in a state of significant disrepair in the 1980s. However, thanks to Ritz-Carlton, the property was acquired, faithfully restored, and opened as a luxury hotel in 1991.
Guest Rooms and Amenities
When you first arrive at the San Francisco Ritz-Carlton, it becomes abundantly clear you will not be staying at an average hotel. The property includes 336 guest rooms, including 60 suites and 2 Presidential Suites. All guest rooms include an impressive list of amenities like:
- 400-thread-count linens
- In-room gourmet coffee and tea
- Fully stocked honor bar with refrigerator
- Twice-daily housekeeping with evening turn down
- Italian marble bathrooms with separate water closets.
The Presidential suites feature private dining rooms with wet bars, personal wine cellars, whirlpool baths, lavishly furnished living rooms with Steinway pianos, and incredible views of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay and Coit Tower.
Don’t Miss Eating at This Top Restaurant in San Francisco
For those seeking some of the finest foods and wine in the city, you need to look no further than Parallel 37. Chef Michael Rotondo from Chicago is known for his globally inspired menus. If you’re looking for a real treat on the menu, try the eight-course tasting menu with beverage pairing. The ingredients are seasonally fresh, and the flavors are bold. During our visit the menu featured some favorites including Bobwhite Quail with Serrano Ham, Terrine of Guinea Hen with Morel Mushroom, 32-Day Dry Aged Ribeye with Tatsoi and many more tasty delicacies. In addition to the food the restaurant’s modern Zen ambiance makes the atmosphere enjoyable. For more information and to make reservations visit the website.
Ritz-Carlton Club Level
Ritz-Carlton San Francisco has a lot to offer every guest who graces its doors, but special offerings await those who stay in the hotel’s top floors. That is where you will find Club Level accommodations named “Best in America” by Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report. Club guests enjoy their own private lounge, complete with wood burning fireplace and complementary food and beverages. However, that is just for starters.
Club Level guests are assigned a personal concierge to make sure every single need is met, down to the very last detail. The concierge arranges for airport transportation, car rental, dinner reservations and anything else a guest might require. And of course, each of the Club Level guest rooms offers an unforgettable experience of luxury and pampering.
The San Francisco Ritz Carlton invites you to join them in the City by the Bay. You will discover why this hotel is one of the most coveted properties in America among discerning travelers.
Nightly rates at Ritz-Carlton San Francisco begin at $399 per night.
Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
600 Stockton Street
San Francisco, California 94108
[wzslider]