By Divina Infusino
This story originally appeared in the November/December 2016 issue of Elite Traveler.
The epicenter of the tech world, San Francisco, has evolved into a destination that seamlessly merges creativity, innovation and luxury. These qualities are prevalent in its 30 Michelin star restaurants (49 in the larger Bay Area), its burgeoning neighborhoods exploding with cutting-edge cuisine, an expanding art district, an influx of designer shops and one-of-a-kind accommodations. Surging towards the future without losing sight of San Francisco’s storied history, god-gifted geography, and progressive values has been a precarious balancing act. Yet the interplay of these power the city’s dynamism, creating the San Francisco of the moment.
WHERE TO PARK THE JET…
San Francisco International Airport
Distance to city center: 13 miles
San José International Airport
Distance to city center: 40 miles
Content from our partners
Oakland International Airport
Distance to city center: 12 miles
4 Hayward Executive Airport
Distance to city center: 34 miles
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE, The Ritz-Carlton
As San Francisco’s only Five Diamond hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, sequestered just off Nob Hill, exudes the feel of a private mansion. Inside, its 1,960 sq ft Presidential Suite, with an additional 1,200 sq ft balcony, takes inspiration from San Francisco’s silvery fog and marine waters. The suite’s design spills into the marble dining table, a bathtub that overlooks the bedroom, and a 180-degree view. In the lobby, expect surprises, including the only US retail shop of Wellendorf, the German spun-gold jewelry designer, and exclusive tastings of Jean-Charles Boisset’s reserve wines in the JCB Tasting Lounge.
From $8,000 per night. Taylor Lee, director of sales, business and travel industry, taylor.lee@ritzcarlton.com, +1 415 364 3473, ritzcarlton.com
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE, The St. Regis San Francisco
Located across from the newly-expanded San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the 3,200 sq ft Presidential Suite, with contemporary decor, panoramic views, a dining table that seats 10, one-and-a-half baths and butler service, puts a modern spin on classic St. Regis refinement. The hotel’s Remède Spa offers a sleek respite and a great pool. Indulge in oysters at the new Grill Restaurant or rub shoulders with the stylish crowd in the Lobby Bar.
From $17,000 per night. Lilian Wagner, director of sales and marketing, lilian.wagner@stregis.com, + 1 415 284 4000, stregissanfrancisco.com
PENTHOUSE SUITE, The Battery
Built to blend into the historical red brick architecture of the Jackson Square neighborhood, The Battery caters to the new breed of movers and shakers. The nearly three-year-old private club houses a small hotel, open to non-members. The 6,200 sq ft Penthouse Suite feels like a tech titan’s loft, with a Steinway & Sons Grand Speaker sound system and outdoor patio with fire pits, hot tub, reflection pool and sparkling views. Guests have access to the club’s library, a secret bar, and a chance to mingle with San Francisco’s elite.
From $10,000 per night. Anna Kuhn, hotel director, anna@thebatterysf.com, +1 415 230 8094 or +1 415 230 8000, thebatterysf.com
PENTHOUSE SUITE, Fairmont San Francisco
This sprawling 6,000 sq ft three-bedroom stunner comes equipped with a billiard room, a two-story library with a celestial ceiling map, full kitchen, large dining room, and a guest list that includes Prince Charles, Elton John and President John F Kennedy. Butlers, private chefs and wellness attendants await guests’ beck and call. Perched at the top of Nob Hill, this historic suite is the grande dame of San Francisco accommodations.
From $18,000 per night, fairmont.com/san-francisco
