The Best Places to Stay and Dine in the Famed City by the Bay.

Think of San Francisco and some very iconic images come to mind – the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Fisherman’s Wharf, the twists and turns of Lombard Street and the colorful Painted Ladies, that historic and much photographed row of Victorian homes. But there’s so much more to enjoy and explore in this fascinating and diverse city. But first, you’ll need to find some great places to stay and dine. Here are our top picks:

Four Seasons San Francisco

A prime location is one of the star attractions of this elegant urban oasis on Market Street. The hotel offers easy access to Union Square and the Financial District as well as to the cultural attractions and restaurants of the vibrant SoMa (South of Market) neighborhood. The newly renovated guest rooms beckon travelers with a soothing color palette inspired by the beauty of San Francisco’s fog, redwood trees and ocean.

For dining, there’s MKT Restaurant that serves up a California-centric menu of sustainable seafood, local meats, seasonal produce and handcrafted cocktails along with 180-degree views of the city’s downtown. Or, if you prefer not to leave your relaxing accommodations, the hotel’s farm-to-room selections are available for in-room dining 24 hours a day.

Exercise enthusiasts staying at the hotel receive unlimited, direct private access to the Equinox Sports Centre, a 127,000 square-foot facility that spans three floors. It includes a junior Olympic lap pool, basketball court, and more than 110 fitness classes weekly along with mind-body studios for yoga, Pilates and Gyrotonic training. A dedicated boxing studio is also available along with nutritional counseling and life coaching.

The Spa at Equinox is conveniently located at the Equinox Sports Center. When you arrive at the spa, you’ll be guided to your treatment room through a relaxing, candlelit hallway accented with Buddhist-inspired décor. One of the top treatments is the Bodywork Massage by Equinox, a favorite of athletes and personal trainers. The soothing and refreshing Hydrafacial is another popular choice. The spa also offers additional signature treatments and a variety of spa packages to choose from, as well as eucalyptus steam rooms and dry saunas.

If you’re traveling with your family, your kids are in for a treat, as well. The special Kids Concierge can recommend age-specific itineraries for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens. The little ones receive children’s bath amenities, kid-sized robes and slippers and complimentary milk and cookies to welcome them.

With its excellent location, luxurious accommodations, California-inspired cuisine and outstanding spa and fitness facilities, the Four Seasons San Francisco can provide the ideal home base for making the most of this extraordinary city, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure. When you arrive, you just may want to drop into the MKT Restaurant & Bar for a celebratory handcrafted cocktail like a Nitro Espressotini, a SoMa Side or a Spanish Bay Negroni.

Fabulous Fare

San Francisco Restaurants Sure to Satisfy

Sons & Daughters

Helmed by Executive Chef Harrison Cheney, a London native, Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters offers a tasting menu inspired by the spirit of new Nordic cuisine, rooted in classical cooking techniques. The restaurant focuses on sustainability and seasonality while celebrating the abundance of produce that Northern California has to offer. Sommelier David Kolvek has selected an extensive variety of both classic and New World wines to enhance the tasting menu. Guests have the option to choose a wine pairing or to enjoy the wines by the bottle or by the glass. The dining room wraps around a open kitchen, which adds to the immersive dining experience.

708 Bush Street

Mourad

Modern in both interior design and interpretation, Mourad pays tribute to the rich, vibrant flavors of Morocco by blending them with fresh, local artisanal ingredients. Executive Chef and Owner Mourad Lahlou is a native of Marrakesh and is now considered by many to be the pioneer of modern Moroccan cuisine. Missing his country’s cuisine, he taught himself to recreate his favorites using local ingredients. Consider La’acha, Moroccan family-style dining, that includes choices such as salmon, chicken or short ribs served with sides. Accompany your choice with a selection of wines by the glass or choose from the menu of creative seasonal cocktails.

140 New Montgomery Street

Gary Danko

According to Chef Gary Danko, “You don’t just open a great restaurant. It’s a constant work in progress.” Twenty-four years later, his Michelin-starred restaurant, located in San Francisco’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, continues to refine its award-winning combination of classic French cooking and inventive use of local ingredients. Guests can choose a three-, four- or five-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings. An extensive list of wines and champagne is also offered. The restaurant’s cheese cart features fifteen to twenty cheeses nightly selected from many corners of the world. Whatever diners choose, they can be assured of receiving Gary Danko’s personable and impeccable service.

800 North Point Street

St. Regis San Francisco

This luxurious five-star hotel, conveniently located in San Francisco’s Financial District, has truly elevated hospitality to a fine art. In fact, art is one of the themes you’ll experience when you view the carefully curated works by local artists throughout. There’s plenty more for art afficionados to enjoy, since this elegant hotel is located in the historic Williams Building, which is also home to the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAd) and adjacent to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).

The St. Regis brand is legendary for its extraordinary service. If you choose to reserve one of the hotel’s luxurious suites for your stay, you’ll experience St. Regis Butler Service, a mainstay of the brand for over one hundred years. At your request, your butler will unpack and pack your luggage, provide morning coffee or tea service or arrange to have a garment pressed in time for a meeting or a night out. They’ll even pick up a thoughtful gift for a loved one. For guests’ convenience, requests for assistance may be submitted to the St. Regis Butler Service Desk via text or email any time of the day or night.

For dining and beverage options, a great place to start is the hotel’s signature fine dining restaurant, Astra, and the St. Regis Bar. Here, you’ll experience a level of impeccable service that was established by the legendary House of Astor more than a century ago. Saturday and Sunday brunch is a popular choice, and the St. Regis also offers the timeless tradition of serving afternoon tea along with delicacies created by the hotel’s pastry chef. And if you love champagne, be sure to head for the Champagne Cart in the St. Regis Bar that serves up bubbly paired with caviar, oysters and sweet treats. You also won’t want to miss the Sabrage Ceremony, an evening St. Regis ritual where a bottle of champagne is opened using an elegant saber.

The hotel’s newly redesigned rooms and suites will make an ideal home base from which to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer. Michelin-starred dining, cultural venues and performances and sporting events are just a few of the experiences that await you. Then begin or end your day with the hotel’s signature drink, the Golden Gate Mary, inspired by the glowing sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

For more high-end destinations, check out our other articles here.