The best luxury hotels in San Francisco

Magnificent views of the San Francisco Bay (specifically the Embarcadero waterfront) draw visitors to this chic boutique hotel on The Embarcadero with an aesthetic that is part mid-century modern, part urban cool. There's a 24-hour fitness center here too, should you want to keep up the gains on your holiday. You could also take the five-mile hike to Golden Gate Bridge, should you want to exercise with a reward. The five-star hotel offers uniquely-decorated rooms with thoughtful touches of nature, and uses reclaimed and natural materials.

Time Out tip: 1 Hotel's complimentary rooftop yoga is the perfect way to prepare for a day of wandering the city (and eating a lot). 

The Hotel Drisco is a sophisticated and welcoming boutique hotel situated in the posh Pacific Heights neighborhood with luxury amenities like complimentary nightly wine receptions and a chauffeur service that runs to popular spots on weekdays. There's free wifi and 24-hour room service too, so you really needn't leave the hotel at all. If you do though, you'll find you're super close to Predisio National Park, which is oozing with natural beauty. A prime walking spot. 

Time Out tip: The evening reception is not to be missed. There are local California wines, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, fresh fruit and hot hors d’oeuvres. 

Omni offers fine dining and award-winning service within walking distance from Union Square, a mecca of high-end shopping and art galleries. You're also a small walk from Chinatown, but if you don't fancy popping out the on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and has an extensive wine list. 

Time Out tip: The Omni has a fitness center, but guests can also request a Get Fit Kit for their room, which includes two 3lb dumbbells, a 5lb kettle ball, a stress ball and a roll-up mat. Just incase you'd rather do a low-key session in the room instead of dealing with all that gym nonsense. 

The (two!) Michelin-starred restaurant is the biggest draw at this recently renovated luxury hotel in Union Square, just steps from some of the best shopping and eating in San Francisco. But the spot has chic interiors, a rooftop gym, 24-hour room service (not from the Michelin-star restaurant, but the bistro). If you manage to leave the hotel at all, you'll note you're just a mile and a half from Bay Bridge. 

Time Out tip: The least expensive rooms at the hotel are very small. Those who can afford it should pay to upgrade.

Pretend you're San Francisco royalty (or an old timey railroad tycoon) at this elegant and sophisticated hotel in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods with gorgeous views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. At the bar, though, is where the sites are extraordinary – the menu has 100 different martinis. There's also babysitting services. Just saying. 

Time Out tip: Save money on cabs by using the complimentary weekday town car service.

If your idea of luxury comes with a side order of historicism and grandeur, you’ll love this place. The Beacon Grand is an iconic San Fran hotel where everything from the main staircase to the hand towels gives off a note of decadence. The rooms are soothing environments of crushed grey velvet, softened navy hues and low-key lighting. Don’t forget to spend plenty of time in the shared spaces: the bar will have you feeling like you’re in an episode of Mad Men and there are some wonderful skyline views from the low-lit cocktail bar.

Everything about this classy hotel screams San Francisco, from the Julia Morgan-designed building and gorgeous bay views to the state-of-the-art wellness spa and the iconic tiki bar in the basement. Outside, you're a mere five minutes to the Ferry Building by cab. 

Time Out tip: Don’t miss dinner or drinks at the aforementioned bar: Tonga Room & Hurricane. This total gem is a sight to behold, with floating entertainment (the band plays atop a platform in the lagoon), surprise thunderstorms and mai tais served in fake coconuts. It also serves Polynesian-fusion cuisine, so you can try something a little out of the ordinary without even leaving the hotel. 

The Ritz-Carlton is as luxurious as it gets. The landmark hotel, housed in a mansion atop Nob Hill, treats guests with butler service, a wine tasting lounge and complimentary car service. Classic RC affair. In-room dining is available 24/7, so you wont be going hungry. Should you decide to even leave the room, you'll find you're a short walk to Union Square and Chinatown. There's a spa at the hotel too, should you need any TLC. 

Time Out tip: If you do take advantage of the chauffeur service, be warned that it's only available for trips within one mile of the hotel.

If you want to be somewhere it's all happening, you can't do better than a stay at the Four Seasons. This internationally renowned hotel is located a five-minute walk from Union Square, where you'll find shops, restaurants and bars galore. The hotel itself houses a spa, pool and restaurant. There's also an Equinox Sports Club, and on-site restaurant, so you do not really need to leave this place to have a good time. You are, however, a small walk from Ferry Building and its lovely gourmet market, so you might as well stroll there and back at least. 

Time Out tip: The Den is a weekly cocktail series that pays homage to SF’s original speakeasies. Entry is free, but you need to register via the Four Seasons Eventbrite page.