San Francisco
has always attracted lovers, and it offers them a substantial number of romantic hotels to choose from. These are among the top romantic hotels in the city; every one adds a special element to the San Francisco skyline.
1. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
© Susan Breslow Sardone.
Winner of both the AAA Five-Diamond Award for hotels and the Mobil 5-Star designation, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco appeals to hedonists. Prepare for an evening of amour by first calling upon the Ritz's famous bath butler service. Your personal valet can conjure up a relaxing soak in a preferred essence. If you prefer taking your romantic elixirs internally, arrange to meet for a drink in the Ritz-Carlton lobby lounge. Made-to-order sushi is available before dinner time. To turn your romantic visit into an effortless feast, upgrade to the club level, where drinks and beverages are available throughout the day.
2. Fairmont Heritage Place at Ghirardelli Square
© Susan Breslow Sardone.
Awaken to the sound of seagulls, the scent of chocolate, and a view of San Francisco Bay at Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghiradelli Square. It's more like an apartment house than a hotel. The extremely large, loftlike units are equipped with all the amenities of a high-end, well-appointed home. Couples who appreciate their privacy will relish this while more sociable ones will have to find the action elsewhere.
3. Four Seasons San Francisco
© Ed Caldwell/Four Seasons Hotels.
Like all prestigious Mobil 5-Star hotels, the Four Seasons aims to provide top decor, service, and dining. If you have a special romantic notion -- such as locating a charming place to propose or arranging a unique San Francisco experience -- challenge the concierge staff to satisfy it.
4. Hotel Vitale
© Hotel Vitale.
Located on the Embarcadero across from the Ferry Building, Hotel Vitale has a spectacular roof deck with a romantic, unobstructed view of the Bay Bridge. If you want to splurge, ask for the sixth floor circular suite. On weekends, the bar is a popular gathering place.
5. The InterContinental Mark Hopkins
Originally opened in 1926, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins stands at the top of Nob Hill. Its exceptional location -- at the crossroads of three cable car lines and minutes from Chinatown and Union Square -- makes it an ideal hotel for romantic jaunts. Tempting couples with its 100 martinis menu, the legendary Top of the Mark 19th floor bar further seduces with its near-360 degree vistas of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz Island.6. The St. Regis San Francisco
Another of the Mobil 5-Star hotels made for romantics, the San Francisco St. Regis is noteworthy for both Ame, its award-winning restaurant that specializes in elegant Japanese cuisine, and the hotel itself. Both are located inside a 40-story tower that is also home to the Museum of the African Diaspora.7. The Fairmont San Francisco
One of San Francisco's most recently restored hotels, the stately Fairmont is experienced playing host to wedding parties as well as couples intent on a romantic getaway. Flat screen TVs, Frette linens, pillow-top beds, and MP3 docking stations are all part of this dowager's attractive facelift. The Fairmont San Francisco provides a romantic panoramic view of the city and the bay from high atop Nob Hill.8. The Huntington Hotel San Francisco
Couples treasure the Huntington Hotel for its old-world charm, as evidenced by the bountiful floral arrangements that perfume the lobby. In its Nob Hill Spa, the half-day Serenity couples package begins with a champagne toast and snack in the premier suite overlooking Huntington Park. The suite has a private living room, dining room, and bath and treatment area. A romantic 50-minute couples massage is included in the two-hour experience.9. The Westin St. Francis
Arrange to meet your lover at the Clock Bar cocktail lounge in The St. Francis on Union Square, San Francisco's toniest shopping area. Afterwards, treat yourselves to a romantic gourmet meal of innovatively prepared seafood served at Michael Mina's award-winning restaurant, which also features a 3,000 bottle wine cellar.10. Cavallo Point Lodge
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito. The Bay Area's first national park lodge, Cavallo Point accommodations overlook San Francisco, the water, and the Golden Gate Bridge from most rooms. A complimentary shuttle transports guests into the city, but you may resist leaving the fireplace in your room, the spa (which features couples treatments), and the magical, romantic views of the City by the Bay.
11. Mandarin Oriental San Francisco
If you believe that hotels with great views are the most romantic places to nest, opt for the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco. All rooms and suites in this elegant aerie are high up on the 38th to 48th floors and the best views take in San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island.
