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Stroll down Van Ness Avenue, where San Francisco’s soul comes alive. More than just a street, it’s a vibrant mix of fashion, food, and art. From boutique shops and hidden coffee gems to local designers and bold street murals, every step feels like a discovery. As the sun sets, golden lights glow along the sidewalks—perfect for snapping that Instagram-worthy moment. This is the real heartbeat of the city.
Perched atop Nob Hill, this luxurious hotel boasts an ideal location, just a 10-minute walk from a cable car station, and offers a full-service spa along with two unique dining venues for a memorable culinary experience. The rooms are stylishly designed with modern amenities like USB ports and pull-out minibars, some featuring stunning views of the bay or city skyline. Families will appreciate childcare services and kids' meals, ensuring comfort for all. Additionally, the fitness center, sauna, and water activities like sailing and kayaking promise an energetic getaway. Whether for business or leisure, this hotel caters to every need.
This luxury apartment in San Francisco offers one, two, or three-bedroom options to suit your needs. With Fairmont's world-class service, you'll feel right at home. The hotel features dryers, a fitness center, and valet parking, plus a picnic area for outdoor enjoyment. Whether for business or leisure, it meets all your expectations. A 2024 listed hotel, it's definitely worth a stay!
Everything you need to know about Van Ness
The Fairmont San Francisco stands out for its iconic location just steps from Van Ness Avenue, offering panoramic views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge from many rooms. This historic luxury hotel features elegant interiors, world-class service, and a prime position within walking distance to Union Square and cultural attractions. Its concierge team can arrange private tours, dining reservations, and transportation. Guests also enjoy access to a full-service spa, fine-dining restaurants, and exclusive rooftop terraces perfect for sunset views.
Van Ness Avenue lies at the heart of San Francisco, providing excellent transit access via Muni buses and Muni Metro light rail lines. The Embarcadero Trolley stops nearby, connecting directly to Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, and Lands End. For a scenic walk, it's only a 15-minute stroll to Fisherman’s Wharf, passing through Nob Hill and Union Square, both rich in architecture and street life. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, making late-night or luggage-heavy travel convenient and efficient.
Near Van Ness Avenue, visitors can explore the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and Fort Mason Center, which hosts rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and community events. The area is also known for its vibrant independent boutiques and artisan cafes offering handmade ceramics, vintage clothing, and curated books. During spring, the San Francisco Arts Festival takes place here, showcasing local and international talent. Evenings often feature live jazz performances at legendary spots like Caffè Trieste, capturing the city’s creative soul.
Hotel Zephyr is an ideal choice for families seeking comfort and convenience near Van Ness Avenue. It offers connecting rooms, complimentary cribs, and a dedicated kids’ activity kit including games and craft supplies. Located just a 5-minute walk from Union Square Park, children can safely play on the green lawns. The hotel also runs weekend family excursions, such as guided zoo visits and interactive workshops. With 24/7 front desk support and secure facilities, it ensures a stress-free stay for parents traveling with young ones.
Van Ness Avenue itself is a photogenic gem—especially during golden hour when sunlight glints off historic façades and brass doorknobs. Prime shooting locations include the fountain and monument in Union Square, and the Gothic spires of St. Bernard’s Church. The glass storefronts and vintage signage along the avenue create striking contrast and texture. For a sweeping urban vista, head to the top floor of City Hall (free public access), where you can capture the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Area skyline, and distant hills in one frame.
Beyond mainstream spots, Van Ness Avenue boasts several hidden culinary gems. Tartine Bakery serves daily-baked French pastries and the famed walnut chocolate cake, a must-try for dessert lovers. Nopa Restaurant offers innovative California-inspired cuisine using seasonal ingredients and artistic plating. For coffee enthusiasts, Birkenstock Coffee delivers small-batch, single-origin brews paired with house-made almond milk. These acclaimed but unadvertised eateries thrive on word-of-mouth, making them perfect for travelers seeking authentic, high-quality local flavors.
See what other travelers say about Van Ness
Staying at the Fairmont San Francisco was an exceptional experience. While the hotel doesn't have the ultra-modern flair of newer properties, its timeless elegance and impeccable upkeep truly shine through. The rooms were spotless, well-maintained, and exuded a sense of quiet luxury. What stood out most was the consistently high standard in service, cleanliness, and location—everything felt thoughtfully curated. For the price, the level of attention to detail and guest comfort was outstanding. It’s rare to find such a well-rounded, reliable experience, and I’ll definitely be returning on my next visit to San Francisco. Highly recommend for anyone seeking genuine quality and value.
I've visited San Francisco multiple times over the years and stayed at several upscale hotels, but this one truly stands out as the best experience I've had in the city. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of Ghirardelli Square, steps away from great dining, shopping, and iconic sights. The room was spacious, beautifully designed, and impeccably clean. Staff went above and beyond to make my stay memorable with genuine hospitality. From the moment I arrived to the time I left, everything felt seamless and luxurious. This isn't just a hotel—it's an experience. I'll definitely be returning and highly recommend it to anyone visiting San Francisco.
Staying at Hotel Stratford San Francisco - Handwritten Collection was an absolute delight. The location couldn't be better—it's right in the heart of Union Square, surrounded by public transit options that make getting to any part of the city a breeze. Whether you're heading to Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, or downtown shopping areas, everything is just a short ride away. Bonus: there's a Pop Mart store right outside the hotel where you can catch the latest Labubu figures—perfect for collectors or anyone who loves cute merch. It’s such a fun little detail that adds charm to the stay. With its unbeatable convenience and cozy vibe, this hotel offers excellent value and makes exploring San Francisco effortless and enjoyable.
The Lombard Inn is a solid choice if you're looking for a no-frills stay in San Francisco. The rooms are clean and the beds are surprisingly comfortable—perfect for a good night's rest. While the decor and furnishings feel a bit dated, they’re still functional and adequately maintained. One thing worth mentioning is that the hallways had a slight musty odor, likely due to the carpets needing a deep clean. That said, it’s an easy fix and doesn’t detract much from the overall experience. I’d recommend this hotel for travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience over modern design. It’s a reliable option with great value, especially if you're on a budget.
We stayed in Glasgow for a few days and stopped by this hotel for breakfast—had no expectations going in, but was pleasantly surprised. The menu options were somewhat limited, but the warm welcome and excellent service from Thomas made all the difference. He went above and beyond to make our morning special. It’s a hidden gem with a welcoming vibe, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone passing through.
On Friday, April 21st at 10:15 AM, a guest from another building at the hotel climbed over the fence between units 179 and 173, entered our private driveway area, then climbed over our fence and left toward Wiese Street, heading toward 16th Street. We immediately called 911. The situation was alarming and unsettling. While police responded promptly, the incident raised serious concerns about property security and safety protocols. It's important to note that making assumptions based on someone's background is not only inappropriate but also harmful. As guests, we expect the hotel to maintain a secure environment for all. We hope management will take immediate action to improve fencing, surveillance, and overall safety measures to prevent future incidents.
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