Review: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

Hotel Website: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Location: Google Maps
Book: Check availability
Room Type: Executive Suite – King, 800sqft/72sqm, Living/sitting area, Separate living room
Review Score: Results of our review
Hotel Fact: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is housed in a magnificent neoclassical building that was originally built in 1909. Before it was a luxury hotel, the building served a very different purpose: it was the Pacific Coast headquarters for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

Our Highlights

Grand Old Building: This historic San Francisco hotel is in the beautifully restored Chronicle Building. It’s got that classic, almost D.C.-like look with big columns out front. Super fancy and full of history, definitely stands out among luxury hotels in downtown San Francisco.
Awesome Nob Hill Spot: It’s only a couple of blocks from Union Square, which is just perfect! You’re super close to all the best shopping, amazing restaurants, cool cultural spots, and even those famous cable cars. It’s a fantastic home base for hitting up all the San Francisco attractions.
Spacious & Techy Rooms: The rooms, especially if you get an upgrade, are surprisingly big! Plenty of space to stretch out, tons of storage, and cool tech like USB plugs right in the furniture. Great for modern travelers looking for luxury suites in San Francisco.
Killer Gym: Seriously, the gym here is a highlight! It’s huge, two stories, and packed with great weights and cardio gear. Open 24/7, too. Definitely one of the better hotel fitness facilities in San Francisco I’ve seen.
Swanky Club Lounge: If you’re a Club Level guest, you’re in for a treat! The 12th-floor Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge is like a private hideaway. You get special check-in, a personal concierge, and free food and drinks all day – from breakfast to evening snacks and desserts. It really ups the game for a luxury hotel experience in San Francisco.
Dining’s a Bit Mixed: While this Nob Hill luxury hotel has a few places to eat, the main bar/restaurant, The Lounge, feels a bit casual for dinner. The food’s okay, but you might wish for something a bit more “San Francisco” from fine dining in San Francisco hotels.
Bathroom Quirks: Just a heads-up, some of the bathrooms have little oddities, like power outlets that are hard to reach and older tubs. It’s part of being in a historic building, but good to know if you’re reading Ritz-Carlton San Francisco reviews.
Simple Room Decor: The rooms are big, but the walls can be pretty bare. The decor is a bit understated, maybe not as vibrant as you’d expect from a boutique hotel aesthetic in such a colorful city.
Value for Money: For some, even with all the luxury and the great location, the “Ritz-Carlton” price might feel a bit steep compared to other unique and perhaps more lively luxury hotels in San Francisco that offer a different kind of vibe.

Things to Know

Understated Luxury: Offers a refined, quieter experience compared to other Ritz-Carlton properties; not overly opulent.
Historic Charm: Located in the Chronicle Building with classic architecture, but some areas (like bathrooms) show age.
Nob Hill Location: Scenic and upscale, but hilly and not immediately walkable to shops or cafes.
Club Lounge Access: Premium experience with food, drinks, and concierge — but must be booked specifically; not included with loyalty status.
Limited Dining: Few on-site options with unclear hours; may not satisfy food-focused travelers.
Valet Parking: $85+tax/night for no reason – slow service
Lobby Quirk: Main lobby is on the fourth floor — confusing when using the amenities which are below the 4th floor.

Amenities

🍸 Bar
🏋️‍♂️ Gym
🚗 House Car
🐶 Pet Friendly
🍽️ Restaurant

The Luxe Atlas Rating

Design: 7/10
Vibe: 7/10
Romantic: 6/10
Air Conditioning: 5/10
Room: 8/10
Food: 4/10
Location: 7/10
Gym/Fitness: 9/10
Cleanliness: 9/10
Wow Factor: 7/10
Overall Experience: 6.9/10

My Take: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco – A “pretty good I guess” Experience

So, my recent stay at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, in the middle of a super sunny August, was a real mix of classic luxury looks and, well, a lot of “expected.” This iconic San Francisco luxury hotel felt way more lively than the last time I was here. But despite the bustle, the hotel itself just didn’t quite deliver that true luxury punch. It definitely keeps up with its special touches and top-notch service in some areas, but honestly, it just made me think about how much better other luxury accommodations in San Francisco are (Oriental). It’s got its expected vibe, but it felt like it was trying too hard to balance old-world grandeur with modern expectations for upscale travel in San Francisco, and it just fell flat. FULLY FLAT.

Arriving & First Impressions: Stepping into Grandeur (and a Crowd) in Nob Hill

Upon arrival at the hotel on a clear afternoon, the valet service demonstrated the efficiency and attentiveness characteristic of a Ritz-Carlton property. Luggage handling was executed promptly and courteously, establishing a positive initial impression. The hotel’s architectural facade presents a notably impressive and stately appearance, featuring prominent columns reminiscent of classical Washington D.C. structures. This design contributes to a visually appealing entrance, reflecting its historical significance as the former Chronicle Building. However, the immediate exterior area exhibited a notable level of activity, with a significant volume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic at the valet — where is everyone going? This congestion proved to be somewhat disruptive. While indicative of the hotel’s popularity, this environment did not foster a tranquil arrival experience. Nevertheless, such a dynamic setting is characteristic of Nob Hill hotels in San Francisco, given their central location, a common observation in San Francisco hotel reviews.

Checking In: Compact Design, Understated Service, and Information Gaps

So, heading up to the check-in desk on the fourth floor, I was actually pretty surprised by how small The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, felt. It’s just not as huge or sprawling as some other Ritz-Carlton spots I’ve been to. Honestly, I’ve even had more luxurious vibes from some Westin & Autograph Collection hotels. The check-in itself was professional and went smoothly, but the person helping me didn’t really tell me much about the hotel’s cool stuff or where to grab a bite. I had to ask about things, which was a bit of a bummer for a Ritz-Carlton, since you usually expect them to know what you need before you even ask. Still, I did get a nice room upgrade, which was a welcome bonus, even if it didn’t totally change my overall feelings about the stay.

Guest Suite: Plenty of Room, But Some Head-Scratching Choices

Okay, so when I stepped into my upgraded suite, what immediately struck me was the generous amount of space. It was quite spacious, actually. There was this long, inviting hallway leading into the main living area, and it featured a large, stylish mirror with a handy shelf – perfect for just setting down your keys or phone when you arrive. And there was plenty of storage throughout the suite, which is always a good thing, especially if you’re staying for a while or have a lot of luggage. That’s quite helpful for luxury accommodations San Francisco!

But then, the layout had some rather puzzling design choices. For instance, the desk was situated away from any windows or natural light, right in the middle of the main walkway. That could be a bit inconvenient if you needed to work remotely, especially if you’re sharing the suite, because that workspace is essentially right there with the TV and sofa. So, whoever’s working is kind of confined to the same area as everyone else relaxing. Now, power outlets were plentiful, which was great – even USB ports built right into the sofa. That’s a thoughtful feature. But sometimes they were in odd spots, so you had to hunt around a bit to find the perfect plug. The suite did have all the expected luxury amenities, like a Nespresso machine, a mini-bar stocked with drinks and snacks, and complimentary bottled water by the bed. All that definitely made it feel quite luxurious. And the bed? With those luxurious Frette Italian sheets and sumptuously soft mattresses, you’d certainly expect a comfortable night’s rest. Though, I did notice they skipped the turn down service, which is usually a Ritz-Carlton standard.

The makeup area outside the bathroom was a notable disappointment. It had a nice large vanity area for doing makeup, but the outlet for your hairdryer was literally underneath the counter and almost impossible to reach from the mirror. Quite frustrating if you needed to do your hair in this area. You can tell this place is quite old. And the bathtub? It was an old, metal one, and notably – no showerhead. It was strictly for bathing. This felt reminiscent of other historic properties, like the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, which also contend with older building structures. And the toilet? Not a Toto like the Ritz in Bali, and it just looked… rather unappealing. The design choice here has aged. They even still had an old phone on the wall in there in case you fall in. But on the bright side, the separate shower provided good water pressure. The generous closet space in the room was a pleasant surprise, offering ample storage. As for the room’s decor, even though it was a large space, the walls were surprisingly bare – literally – nothing hanging across the whole room. Just a little bit of wallpaper on the back wall, and that was it. It felt a bit uninspired, like they missed an opportunity to infuse more of San Francisco’s distinct character into the luxury suite amenities.

Hotel Amenities & Facilities: Mixed Offerings and Lack of Promotion

The lobby, located on the fourth floor, served as an elegant and active central area. Adjacent to the check-in, a boutique, a fragrance shop, and a clothing store were present. These retail spaces, however, appeared notably quiet, almost deserted, despite the general activity in the lobby with constant check-ins.

The fitness center, situated on the first floor (room key needed), was a standout amenity. This Ritz-Carlton San Francisco gym is impressively large and well-equipped, featuring a comprehensive array of weights and cardio machines. It is accessible 24/7 and ranks among the better hotel gyms in San Francisco. While areas resembling massage rooms were observed nearby, there was no explicit indication or promotion of an on-site spa. Furthermore, the building’s structure extends only to the ninth floor, Club Lounge is on the 8th floor. This absence is a key distinction from other Ritz-Carlton properties. A small, branded gift shop offering Ritz-Carlton merchandise was available, which is a unique offering not always found internationally.

Dining Experience: Subpar and Unclear Offerings

Restaurants & drinks was a total bummer.. far below the expected standards for a Ritz-Carlton. The primary dining venue, The Lounge, functions as both the bar and the sole dinner restaurant – wtf. This combined setup, while potentially lively for drinks, did not provide the distinct dining experience typically associated with a luxury hotel. This arrangement, whether due to the building’s age or operational strategy, felt inadequate. Inquiries revealed that the elegantly appointed Parallel 37 restaurant is exclusively reserved for breakfast service, operating daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, which seemed an underutilization of the space. While The Dining Room is listed for dinner on select evenings (Mon-Thu, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Fri-Sat, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM; Closed Sun), this was not clearly communicated, contributing to a sense of confusion regarding dining options. I had a glass of Owrin Swift priced at $32 and a ok-I-guess-Caesar-salad — this did not elevate the overall culinary impression. The San Francisco dining experience within the hotel was ultimately a letdown.

Parallel 37 (Breakfast ONLY): Daily, 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM. A refined space exclusively for breakfast service.
The Lounge (Lunch, Dinner, Bar – Combined): Daily, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (food service), 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM (bar). Offers casual meals and beverages in a lively setting in Nob Hill, but lacks a distinct dinner restaurant.
The Dining Room (Dinner – Limited/Unclear Promotion): Mon-Thu, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Fri-Sat, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Closed Sun). A more formal dinner option, but its availability was not prominently highlighted.
The JCB Tasting Lounge (Wine): Hours vary, typically evenings. Provides a dedicated experience for wine enthusiasts in San Francisco.

Location and Surroundings: Nob Hill’s Prestige, Financial District’s Quietude

While initially perceived as somewhat isolated within the Financial District, the hotel’s address (600 Stockton Street) confirms its location in Nob Hill, San Francisco. This provides proximity to Union Square (two blocks), offering access to shopping, theaters, and dining. The surrounding area is characterized by high-rises, contributing to an urban luxury ambiance and intermittent city views. The hotel’s internal courtyard offered a quiet respite, though its utilization appeared limited, particularly in the evening. While the Nob Hill address is prestigious and offers access to San Francisco attractions, the immediate vicinity outside the hotel can feel less vibrant, situated in a comparatively quieter section of the financial district.

Concluding hie Review: An Underwhelming Luxury Experience

SKIP.

So, when it came down to it, my stay at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, left me feeling pretty underwhelmed. I just don’t think the money I spent really matched what I got. Sure, the hotel’s design and decor, especially in the lobby and those big suites, looked luxurious. But it just didn’t have that lively, vibrant feel you expect from truly amazing luxury hotels. The whole vibe felt too quiet and understated for a city as energetic and colorful as San Francisco. And that minimalist room decor, with those plain walls, just added to that kind of dull impression.

I really questioned if this luxury property was worth the price. While it might be a bit cheaper than some other Ritz-Carlton spots, like the one in Atlanta, that didn’t make up for the limited dining, the old-fashioned bathroom design, or the overall uninspired atmosphere. If you’re looking for a truly unique and lively hotel experience that really connects you to San Francisco, honestly, there are so many other luxury hotels in San Francisco that would be a better choice. Even though the hotel looked nice, I just felt it lacked that special sparkle and engaging atmosphere you’d expect from a top hotel in the San Francisco luxury hotel scene.