Introduction
We stayed her a couple of weekends ago for a family wedding. We stayed exactly 2 nights since that’s what the signup for the Chase Fairmont card got us. I was also able to use the suite upgrade, and upon checking in, they gave us an extra tier above that (or so they said.) I didn’t use the dine in credits since I used that already a few months ago. While the “retail” value for the 2 night stay was over $1,000, I would have not spent that much anyway and have used my SPG points at another hotel, valued at around $400 or so for the 2 nights.
I vividly remember this hotel because when I visited over a decade ago, I remember walking by the hotel and thinking how gorgeous it was and how rich people must be to stay there. Well, that was before the game, right?
How to get here
We used Uber pool from SFO. Cost about $25 or so; would have been $35 with X.
Checking in
Walking up and in to the hotel, the hotel just exudes an air of snobbery and opulence, with the bellhop looking down on you because you aren’t an old white lady. Go through the revolving door and the gorgeous “you don’t belong here” lobby slaps you in the face. We stealthily snuck around the lobby so as not to disturb the Queen, to the reception desk. The nice lady told me they had upgraded me to a tier above my complimentary upgrade with the cc, to the “Calcutta Suite” that had a view of the water. Awesome!
Apparently there are 4 elevators in the hotel, and luckily for us, the one we needed to use was close to the lobby. Apparently there is a “tower,” but our room was in the non-tower section of the hotel.
Room and Wifi
Wifi was open and I had no issues with it. The room had a living room area with a separate full bathroom that we never even used. The bathrooms were small, but they were fine. When we checked in at around 3pm, there weren’t any free water left out, but when we came back later that night, the hotel does give you 2 free bottles per day. Pictures are below.
Conclusion
The hotel was fine. We even went downstairs to walk into the tiki bar. The only downside is that the hotel is on a hill, so walking back to the hotel is a hike. Other than that, I’d highly recommend the hotel, especially if you have free nights with the card. For us personally, we’ll probably stay elsewhere next time on points.
Pictures
The view of last pic is out of this world. Will stay there next month.
They put us in the Versailles Suite when we stayed there last month. The staff is generally fine. We interacted with a few maintenance and housekeeping staff who on one occasion were surprised to see us walking from the ground floor all the way to the sixth floor. I had to tell them, it’s raining outside and the fitness center is closed so this is my work out.
My bad experience is with check in. Both agents were on the phone and a couple of agents walked in from the back to the front then went back into the back area. Waited a few minutes then just sat down. When I went back to check in, the agent said “You’re staying here?” I did not like her tone so I just said “uhhh, yeah. i already checked in online, I just need my keys.” Thankfully, online check out was available so I did not have to deal with them again. My other complaint is that their fitness center is open limited hours and the old plumbing/building sound (minor really) every time you flush the toilet or when you use the sink as the water drains. Also, there was no keurig or basic coffee maker.
The bathroom in the Versailles Suite is much better than the Calcutta Suite based on your pics. However, if you don’t like mirrors on almost all the bathroom walls/doors, then that suite is not for you. That bathroom in your pic looks smaller than my bathroom at home.
The best part is the bed, which was really comfortable.
Agreed. I liked the bed too. How’d you wind up getting the Versailles Suite? Was it from the credit card or did you get upgraded 3 tiers?
It’s 3 tiers upgrade!!!! Wow, I did not know that.
When I was booking the only option was the Main Building Suite with the credit card suite upgrade. When I went to ask for my keys the agent explained what the suite I got assigned. She made it sound so marvelous, but I have not stayed at that hotel before so could not compare it to anything. Of course, initially when I got the email from Fairmont San Francisco (Vanna Bachman) regarding our stay I asked for a room that’s hypoallergenic because one of us has allergies to mold. I also declined housekeeping and access to the gym. I also mentioned we’ve never visited SF besides lay over at the airport. Not sure if that had anything to do with it.
This was part of a 3 night stay which ended with night 3 at the IC Mark Hopkins and that was a terrible place to stay.
For a $500 a night suite that bathroom leaves a lot to be desired!
Yes, very disappointed, but i chalk it up to being an old hotel.