Where to Stay in San Fran Part II: The Fairmont

If you are looking for a fancy, top-notch hotel experience in San Fran, let me recommend The Fairmont. The top photo displays just how grand this hotel is. It is HUGE. The lobby is gorgeous, as are the large hallways and rooms. Ours had a beautiful view (second photo from the top) and was one of those hotel rooms that you walk into and say “wow” because it’s so pretty.

The Fairmont is located at the top of a giant hill and if you know San Fran hills, you know what I’m talking about. MM and I saw that the hotel was only 4 blocks from where we had been staying the night before so it was an obvious choice to walk with our suitcases. Big mistake. The four blocks happened to be straight up a hill and yes, I’m in shape, but woah. I had to take multiple breaks and by the time I hit the top I had broken out into a sweat. Enough about that, it was worth the hike!

At the hotel is a restaurant, Laurel Court and The Tonga Room, a cool tiki bar. After a day of exploring the city we were happy to come back to our top-of-the-hill hotel and stay there for the rest of the night.

We dined at Laurel Court and I was pleasantly surprised by the menu variety, there were a number of healthy options as well as more decadent choices. We went for a variety, ordering onion soup, oysters, steak tartare, cioppino (a seafood/fish soup) and steak. Everything was really good, as was the accompanying wine.

After Laurel Court we headed over to The Tonga Room. This place is unlike any other and yes, a little cheesy but a fun way to end the night. In the middle of the room is a giant pool with a floating island where the band played with rain coming down on the pool every so often. The islandy-drinks are fun, mine came in a giant pineapple.

Something I MUST mention about The Fairmont- the gym! Many hotels have tiny gyms (or no gym, gasp!) but The Fairmont’s gym is legit. It’s big and has a huge variety of machines. I would have taken a picture but people were working out and I don’t think they would have appreciated that. They also have classes including spinning, pilates, yoga, aerobics and more.

As I said, if you are looking for a really lovely stay at a fancy hotel, book your room at The Fairmont ASAP. Also, make sure to go online and sign up for the President’s Club, it’s free and gives you perks like free gym entry and wifi.