Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

The Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, particularly the Embarcadero location, stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property, having been awarded two Michelin Keys. This distinction recognizes hotels that offer "exceptional" experiences in architecture, interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality, value, and significant contribution to the guest experience. The hotel is consistently praised for its luxury, stunning views, and impeccable service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco (Embarcadero) is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently reporting exceptional stays. Verified guest ratings on various platforms are consistently high, often in the "Exceptional" to "Wonderful" range. The Michelin Guide describes it as "satisfyingly high-end and impressively full of modern and contemporary art". The Market Street location also receives outstanding customer ratings, with an overall rating of 9.4.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero for its spectacular panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, and Golden Gate Bridge, particularly from its high-floor rooms. The modern and elegant design, coupled with an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, further enhances the ambiance. Exceptional service and attention to detail from the staff are frequently highlighted as a major draw. The central location near iconic attractions is also a key advantage.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco (Embarcadero) are described as elegant, phenomenally comfortable, spacious, and exquisitely designed with luxurious furnishings and modern amenities. Recent renovations have introduced a touch of modern elegance, with custom carpets and wall coverings reinterpreting San Francisco's natural elements. Many rooms feature large, frameless windows that offer breathtaking views, and some bathrooms include deep soaking tubs perfectly positioned beside windows to maximize the scenic outlook. Amenities often include king-sized beds, 65-inch flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, Harney & Sons teabags, and Bose portable speakers. Soundproof windows ensure a tranquil retreat from the city bustle. The hotel also offers a variety of mobility and hearing accessible rooms.

4. Dining Experience

At the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, the on-site restaurant, Orafo, specializes in Italian dishes crafted with local Californian ingredients. Breakfast at Orafo is often praised as "nothing less than the breakfast of dreams," featuring indulgent options like Tiramisu French toast and Uova al Purgatorio, alongside perfectly made American classics such as bagels with smoked salmon and buttermilk pancakes. Orafo also serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, offering a selection of signature cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. For the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco on Market Street, the MKT restaurant on the fifth floor offers modern American cuisine with local and seasonal ingredients. Room service is available 24 hours a day.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco are consistently commended for their exceptional hospitality, attentiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond for guests. Guests frequently mention being greeted with warm smiles, receiving excellent personal attention, and having their requests handled promptly and efficiently. Multilingual staff and dedicated concierge services further enhance the guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco (Market Street) is strategically located in Downtown San Francisco near Union Square and the Moscone Convention Center, offering easy access to shopping, dining, and attractions. The Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero occupies the top floors of the 345 California Center, providing a unique vantage point and proximity to North Beach, Jackson Square, and the Ferry Building. Both locations offer convenient access to public transportation, including BART and Central Subway. The hotels also provide various accessible features, including accessible public entrances, registration areas, restrooms, and guest rooms with options for roll-in showers and grab bars.

7. Value & Pricing

The Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco is positioned as a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. Room rates are generally higher than the city average, with the average price for a room at the Market Street location being around $593, compared to the city's average of $220. For the Embarcadero location, average weeknight prices have been around $688, and weekend nights $551, with some rooms exceeding $1000 per night. While many guests find the experience justifies the cost due to the impeccable service and amenities, some have expressed dissatisfaction with the value for money, citing high prices and additional charges, with a few even considering it "overpriced".

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring criticisms include the high pricing, with some guests feeling the value for money could be better. While not specific to a single property, one critical review from a vendor at "multiple Four Seasons Hotels" mentioned surprisingly dirty and poorly maintained hidden areas, a management focus on superficial aesthetics over practical needs, and an arrogant culture. For the Market Street property, older reviews noted some "retro-modern updates" in rooms that did not quite achieve contemporary style. At the Embarcadero location, one guest noted that the dining area was "a little quiet" on a Thursday evening.

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