San Francisco, CaliforniaNorth Beach
The Battery
Maximalist clubhouse quarters
North Beach San Francisco, California
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe SocialOutside the door
Maximalist clubhouse quarters
A hotel reservation grants temporary resident membership to this private club, where tech founders and creatives gather around velvet banquettes.
“Featuring a maximalist decor that channels the many sides of San Francisco… the hotel will remind you where you are at every twist and turn.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Eclectic interiors featuring a custom Murano glass bar, exposed brick walls, and a hand-built Finnish glass elevator.
Remarkable
Spacious suites feature resident club privileges, plush leather headboards, and freshly baked cookies delivered daily.
Remarkable
Multiple private bars, a garden courtyard, and regular programming spanning comedy shows, live music, and member lectures.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
The vibe, which is dark, moody, and bohemian, is more Hellfire Club than boys’ club, then so much the better.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set in historic Jackson Square, the hotel sits steps from tree-lined brick sidewalks, North Beach cafes, and the Embarcadero waterfront.
The rooms
Suites feature exposed brick, hardwood floors, and plush leather headboards, with bathrooms anchored by deep Japanese soaking tubs and walk-in showers.
The spa
Downstairs, a subterranean mosaic whirlpool and treatment rooms sit alongside studios for yoga and Pilates classes.
Musto Bar
Dark timber paneling and cognac leather armchairs surround this quiet cocktail den lined with curated books.
Restaurant
Woolsery
Seasonal California-Mediterranean dishes accompany a bar finished with thousands of hand-set Italian Murano glass tiles.
At the table
Additional member spaces range from emerald lacquered private dining rooms to hidden cocktail nooks hung with rock photography.
How it began
Housed in a historic former marble factory, the club was created by tech entrepreneurs Michael and Xochi Birch to foster conversation and community.
San Francisco
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.