Spent second week of June at the Fairmont. It is a special hotel, we had a room in the tower which is not a suite but has plenty of room and a massive panoramic window. Reception said it had a bay view but that is really on the North Side of the tower, even so it was a great view. Caffe Cento is the place to go for breakfast as the buffet breakfast in the restaurant is superb but very expensive.All the staff were friendly and helpful. The hotel is in a great location on the cross roads of the California, Powell and Hyde cable car lines. We got a Citypass for $49 each which gets you free on all Muni transport for a week. Much better value than the city sightseeing bus provided you get hold of a good route map. Best way out of the hotel to the Powell Line is through Cafe Cento or the garage. Virgin Limo to the airport costs £48.
Best things we did included riding on the cablecars and tramcars, wine country tour with Grayline ($69 each), Science Museum in Golden Gate Park, Coit Hill (get a 39 bus from Washington Square or Fishermans Wharf and bay cruise. Didn't bother with Alcatraz. Good places we ate were Macy's Cheesecake Factory. Johnny Foleys Bar on O'Farrell Street, Cove Cafe on Castro, Tonga (at the Fairmont), Buena Vista Bar on Hyde Street opposite the cable car terminal and McCormick & Kuleto's seafood restaurant nearby. If you want free wireless then join the Fairmont Presidents Club before you arrive.
hotel reviews