The Fairmont, San Francisco
Among the most famous hotels in San Francisco, Alex Hailey's novel turned television series, "Hotel," was filmed there and Tony Bennett debuted the song, ''I Left My Heart in San Francisco,'' in the hotel's Venetian Room. The hotel was also a favorite destination of Ella Fitzgerald, Nat "King" Cole, Marlene Dietrich, Joel Grey, Bobby Short, Vic Damone and James Brown. It first gained fame as one of the few structures to survive the devastating 1906 earthquake. Although there was some interior structural damage from the earthquake, the Fairmont stood tall while surrounded by rubble at the top of Nob Hill. The hotel made the news again in June 1945 when it became the the site of the first meetings of the United Nations. A plaque commemorating the drafting of the Charter for the UN can be viewed outside the Garden Room, and the country flags of the original signatories are displayed above the porte cochere. Featuring 591 individually decorated guest rooms, all of the rooms include an extra-long mattress, plush bathrobes, a refreshment center, a television with movie services and a work desk with high-speed Internet access. You can also choose to stay in one of the 60 suites that feature scenic views of the city or the bay. The hotel has three elegant restaurants and lounges as well as 55,000 square feet of function space, perfect for a wedding or special event.
The Fairmont, San Francisco
950 Mason Street
San Francisco, California 94108
(866) 540-4491
fairmont.com/SanFrancisco
The Westin St. Francis
On Labor Day 1921, a young ingenue named Virginia Rappe attended a party in one of the hotel's suites. Silent film star Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle was also in attendance and was accused of sexually assaulting Rappe during the party after Rappe died of internal injuries four days after the brutal attack. Although Arbuckle was tried three times, he was never convicted: there were two hung juries and an acquittal, but the controversy ended his career. The St. Francis also made the news in 1975 when Sarah Jane Moore attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford outside the hotel. On the lighter side, a survivor of the 1906 earthquake, the historic hotel was also known for the unusual service of washing coins so that the white gloves ladies wore during the 1930s and 1940s would not get dirty. Now a recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award, the hotel features almost 1,200 guest rooms all of which provide hypo-allergenic pillows, cable television, a complimentary daily newspaper and a designated work area with high-speed Internet access. Enjoy the treatments and facilities of the The St. Francis Health Club & Spa, the convenience of the hotel Business Center and the delicious meals served in the hotel restaurant and lounges.
The Westin St. Francis
335 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 397-7000
starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1010
Palace Hotel
The largest hotel in the world when it originally opened in 1875, the hotel gained international attention when President Warren G. Harding suddenly died in the Presidential Suite on August 2, 1923. In June 1923, President Harding began a cross-country trip as part of his 1924 re-election campaign but after the president and his wife arrived in the San Francisco hotel, Harding fell ill. Although the official cause of death was listed as a stroke of apoplexy, rumors surrounded the shocking death, including possible food poisoning. One theory was that his wife killed him because of his of extra-martial affairs and illegitimate children, thought the rumor was later dismissed. Harding was succeeded by Vice President Calvin Coolidge. These days, the luxurious hotel offers more than 500 guest rooms and 30 suites featuring 14-foot ceilings, mahogany furnishings, marble bathrooms and twice-daily maid service. Guests can enjoy a fine dining experience at any one of four restaurants, including the Garden Court which features California cuisine, the Japanese Kyo-ya restaurant or the classic American fare available at Maxfield's and the Pied Piper Bar. The Pied Piper Bar is well known in its own right as the home of the mural "The Pied Piper of Hamlin," by artist Maxfield Parrish.
Palace Hotel
2 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 512-1111
sfpalace.com/
