Nob Hill San Francisco, California
Renovated
2015
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Heritage ClassicOutside the door
The house
MarriottNeoclassical columned monument
Crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and 19th-century artwork define the lobby, flowing into a handsome lounge set against city views.
“proof of how a 20th-century landmark can be transformed into a modern-day hub with up-to-date services and conveniences”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Eighth-floor club concierges and a complimentary house car accompany four-hundred-thread-count Frette linens.
Remarkable
The 1909 Metropolitan Life headquarters preserves its neoclassical white stone facade and fluted columns.
Notable
Nob Hill address hosting white-tablecloth afternoon tea and doormen in top hats since 1991.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
This majestic neoclassical building was the headquarters of an insurance company before being converted to a luxury hotel in 1991... an imposing landmark in white stone and fluted columns.
“It’s housed within a neoclassical building that was originally designed as the Pacific Coast headquarters of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.”
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Perched on Nob Hill where the California Street cable car stops outside, the hotel borders historic Chinatown and Union Square shopping.
The rooms
Bay-inspired fog grays and tailored tweed fabrics complement Italian marble bathrooms with double vanities, down comforters, and feather beds.
Gym and steam rooms
The 24-hour gym has cardio equipment and free weights, and each locker room includes a steam room.
Dogs stay too.
Bar
The Lounge
An illuminated crimson bar pours cocktails inspired by San Francisco neighborhoods, and afternoon tea is served beneath geometric chandeliers.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco has maintained its palatial polish, preserving its neoclassical façade while offering a renovated modern-classic haven inside.
At the table
Parallel 37 serves regional Californian breakfast dishes, and the eighth-floor Club Lounge provides continuous food presentations and California wines.
How it began
Built in 1909 as Metropolitan Life's Pacific Coast headquarters, the monumental Neoclassical landmark underwent a four-year conversion before its 1991 debut.
“The Ritz's 1909 neoclassical building cuts an impressive figure on not-quite-the-top of Nob Hill, and the interior is just as opulent...”
Good to know
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The Ritz-Carlton Hotel
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San Francisco
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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.