San Francisco, California Luxury Hotels and Destination
Feel Like a Celebrity
San Francisco, with its beautiful blend of cultures and architectural charm, makes for a colorful luxury hotel destination. From the must-see tourist attractions like the famed Golden Gate bridge, Lombard Street and Fisherman’s Wharf, there is so much to do in this magnificent coastal city that squeezing everything into one visit is a revitalizing challenge for any luxury hotel traveler. Whatever your day consists of, whether it is museum hopping, exploring nature, shopping, relaxing at the spa, or visiting the many tourist attractions, you’ll feel like a celebrity when you return after your long day to the comfort and attention of your luxury hotel. Those luxury accommodations and special attention offered by the staff will have you returning to this city by the bay for a relaxing luxury hotel vacation time and time again.
San Francisco Luxury Hotels
Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, treat yourself to the lavish comfort of a San Francisco luxury hotel. You’ll instantly notice the difference as you step inside the opulent luxury hotel lobby. As you make your way to your own room, think of all of the luxury accommodation you’ll find behind that door. From plush décor, comfortable lighting, wireless internet and state-of-the-art electronics to spotless bathrooms stocked with soothing spa products, your luxury hotel stay is sure to be unforgettably comfortable and restful. The bonus of staying in a charming coastal city luxury hotel includes the stunning views right from your window. Choose from a picturesque outlook of the Pacific Ocean or the striking view of the San Francisco city skyline. Take advantage of your luxury hotel concierge service, as this is an invaluable resource to get an insider’s take on the countless things to do and find in San Francisco.
San Francisco Districts
Chinatown
For Chinese markets and herbal shops, authentic Dim Sum and Chinese festivities, visit the largest Chinatown in North America. San Francisco’s Chinatown has the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Walk through the alleys of Chinatown to absorb some Chinese-American history. For example, Ross Alley is the oldest alley in San Francisco. Though once known for its gambling, today it is home to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and is covered in murals depicting the everyday life of the Chinese American community.
Mission
In this Latin neighborhood, you’ll find taquerias, pupuserias, produce markets, Salvadoran bakeries, beauty salons, auto-repair shops. Evidence of gentrification can be seen in the mix of trendy restaurants and boutiques. This diverse district offers something for everyone, whether you're looking for culture, upscale shopping, a fun nightlife, or hip and trendy restaurants. After a busy day sightseeing or shopping, return back to your luxury hotel for a truly magnificent meal.
The Financial District
As you may have guessed, this is the business center of San Francisco. Here, between the banks, oil companies, insurance agencies, advertising agencies and technology firms, you’ll notice the Transamerica Pyramid, a 48-story building with a distinguishing shape resembling a tall, thin pyramid. For an outstanding view of the city, climb up to the Carnelian Room on the top floor of the Bank of America Center. Be sure to ask the concierge at your luxury hotel for directions.
North Beach
North Beach, or the Little Italy, is able to avoid the fog that the rest of the city must endure because it is graced by Russian Hill to the West. A visit to Piazza Market might fool you into actually thinking that you are visiting Italy with its fabulous dining and wine, the fountains, Italian tile, trompe l'oeil ceiling and village facades.
Haight-Ashbury
Famous for its role as a center of the 1960s hippie movement, this district is popular also for its variety of shops, including a number of thrift stores, clothing boutiques, booksellers, restaurants and coffee shops. It also has many record stores including the well-known Amoeba Music. You can also walk through this bohemian neighborhood to enter the Golden Gate Park.
The Presidio
This old Spanish fort turned National Park is a beautiful setting for picnics, walks, hikes and bicycle rides. In the midst of beautiful vegetation and wildlife, you are sure to find these outdoor activities invigorating. Interestingly, this forested area is not native to the region. Over a century ago, eucalyptus, cypress and pine trees were planted throughout the area. Be sure to inquire about the host of Presidio exhibits, walking tours, a special history tour aboard the PresidiGo shuttle, classes and nature activities, most of which are free of charge.
Golden Gate Park
This wide expanse of land was set aside in the late 1800s to provide a natural haven for San Francisco’s city dwellers. Today, Golden Gate Park is home to the fine arts, culture, recreation and scientific exhibits that attract thousands of visitors each day. In addition to the beautiful walking and biking paths, you’ll find the Conservatory of Flowers where vegetation from around the world can be appreciated. After a late lunch at your luxury hotel, why not make an afternoon visit to the de Young art museum, longtime favorite of both the locals and visitors
Ocean Beach
San Francisco being a scenic coastal city, you may wonder where to find the best place to see the ocean. Ocean Beach stretches for over three miles and offers great views for a little one-on-one time with the Pacific Ocean. The museum showcases American art from the 17th through the 20th centuries, and art of the native Americas, Africa and the Pacific.
Museums
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Challenge your conventional ideas of art with the SFMOMA’s dynamic exhibits of contemporary art. After a good night of sleep at your luxury hotel you will be ready to spend anywhere from a few hours to an entire day wandering the displays in this engaging museum.
Asian Art Museum
The largest museum in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian art, this museum is also a wonderful source of Asian history, geography and culture. Originally located in the Golden Gate Park, the Asian Art Museum now resides in the Civic Center as a consequence of its growing collections.
Cartoon Art Museum
If the kids are tagging along on your luxury hotels vacation, or if you’re simply a cartoon enthusiast, be sure to visit the Cartoon Art Museum. In this unique institution, you can browse through the permanent collection of 6000 original cartoon art pieces.
Exploratorium
Another treasure for the kids is this interesting, hands-on “museum of science, art and human perception.” Let them run free through the many kid-friendly stations and watch their eyes twinkle as they fill their minds with tons of fun science facts.
Historic Landmarks
Coit Tower
You’ll feel this tall monument’s presence from almost any luxury hotel in this city and you can even use it as a directional maker to get you back there. Coit Tower provides an incredible, unobstructed, 360 degree view of the city. Contrary to popular belief, this monument was not built with any intention to resemble a fire hose nozzle. That is only a coincidence, perhaps strengthened by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, the financial founder’s appreciation for San Francisco’s firemen. Astonishing are the murals that line the interior walls of the tower.
Alcatraz
First a United States Fort and lighthouse and then a federal penitentiary prison, Alcatraz is a history-rich landmark well worth visiting. If you’re more interested in nature, this big rock also offers gardens, tide pools, bird colonies and bay views beyond compare. For a spookier adventure, hop aboard the private ferry on one of the night tours, perhaps even under a full moon and take in all that this infamous landmark has to offer. Do not forget to check with the concierge at your luxury hotel as they might be able to help you purchase tickets at the hotel before you leave.
Golden Gate
This more red-orange than golden colored bridge is one of the world’s most popular tourist attraction with an estimated 9 million visitors from around the world in any given year. Its unique two-pier construction and sweeping main cables make it not only a sturdy passage across the bay but also a beautiful work of art. On warmer sunny days, many people enjoy walking or biking (check with your luxury hotel to see if they can arrange bike hire) across the 1.7 mile long bridge; but on those familiar windy foggy days, you may be satisfied by just driving across it form the comfort of your own vehicle.
Shopping & Dining
San Francisco offers an eclectic mix of large stores, small boutiques and souvenir shops. Cruise the city’s popular shopping areas to find a little something for all your loved ones. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Fisherman's Wharf and its handful of shops and restaurants. If you’re in town during the right time of the year, you won’t want to miss the sea lions sunbathing on the floating docks. It’s a unique and fun sight at Pier 39. Hit up Ghirardelli Square for shopping, dining (and an ice cream treat), live music and more.
If your feet get tired, take the opportunity to hop aboard a historic cable car and ride up and down the city's famed streets.
San Francisco—the Luxury Experience
Experience firsthand the historical, cultural and artistic influences of San Francisco at its numerous neighborhoods, parks and museums. There is something for every luxury hotel traveler to enjoy in San Francisco, and your luxury hotel concierge is there to help guide you in making the most of your San Francisco vacation.
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