Fairmont

Reviews 5

RU

Ruby Garcia

Crazy paranoid Security who are rude and accusatory to friends of guests. I went to go visit a friend of mine at night. I couldnt find the room number. Since no hotel staff could be found I asked the only person I could find. The man I asked was part of a painting crew. To my surprise they all spoke Cantonese and barely a word of English. I showed one of the men the room number and with much effort and hand signals the kind Chinese man told me where I could find the room. When I started to turn left instead of right the man shouted out to me. But because of his strong Cantonese accent the "No" sounded like a loud "Uhhhh". Then from out of nowhere this 64" Caucasian man with a thick brown mustache and brown blazer comes out and says, "Why is he YELLING at you?!" I responded saying, "What? Who?" Then the security pointed to the group of Chinese painters. I had no idea what he was talking about because even with the thick Cantonese accent I still heard a "No". I didnt register that anyone was yelling at me. As I tried to process the words of this 41 year old Security guy as hovered his 64" 270 lb body over my 56" 125lb frame and staring at me as if he was about to beat me up. "Do you have the room number?" he asked. I said yeah. But this Security guy actually looked kinda crazy and I could only guess what he might do to my friend. I mean was stopped for no reason, perhaps this paranoid Security would hurt my friend. Then as I tried to form the words through the intimidation Security man said, "Lets walk this way." Then walked me to the exit as if he was doing a perp walk and walking slightly behind me and so close that he gave me the feeling that if I so much as paused hed throw me to the ground. When he had me at the exit there was a cab waiting and he watched me get in the cab and stood there staring at me like a mad dog even while I sat in the taxi until it had driven out of sight. All I wanted to do was see my friend and all my friend wanted was to have a romantic visit with an old girlfriend and the Fairmont Security ruined everything.

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ED

Eddy Davis

The rooms were great the staff for the most part were friendly, with the exception of some of the door staff, rather snooty, and unhelpful, if you werent in a suit and tie, nd since we were there on vacation, my suits and tuxedo were at home. The rooms were great, room service was my youngest sons favorite thing, the work out room was good, and the lobby staff was excellent. Parking was a bit much, especially when you factor in the room rates, $70 a night to park "ouch". The only reason that I give the Fairmont 4 instead of a 5 is the restaurant. The breakfast buffet was $34 per person, which isnt bad if it was something with a SF flair, no, it was hum-drum eggs benedict was the most "exotic" item on the menu. Lunch and dinner were not any better, since we were traveling with my 77 yo mother, we wanted to stay close to the room for dinner, and it was boring. SF is such a great foodie place, I would expect a hotel as nice as the Fairmont to be on par, if not surpassing, other SF restaurants, however that was not the case, I recommend that you go to the Fog Fish House, or another restaurant on the wharf to enjoy some great local seafood cuisine, instead of dining at the Fairmont house restaurant, or eat at the lounge. Derek and company in the Fairmont lounge do a great job, of keeping your spirits high, glasses full, and offering up some nice bar/lounge food items. A must stay in SF is the Fairmont, avoid the dining pitfall, and enjoy the outside of the resort restaurants. Also stop by the roof top garden, it is a secret that the smokers keep to themselves, very beautiful and relaxing, if tempted grab a nice cigar, and glass of port or scotch, and enjoy a forbidden pleasure of a time gone by.

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TA

Tayleah Surratt

The Fairmont is a beautiful historic hotel in the Nob Hill neighborhood perched atop two VERY steep hills next to the Huntington Club and Huntington Park. Inside-lots of marble, gilded mirrors, carved wood, chandeliers, tons of natural light and real plants. Extremely walk able to Powell street shopping, China Town, and the Financial district (including historic Tadich seafood restaurant). Or just take the cable car right off of California street, just south of the main entrance. Depending on your room there are potential views of the bay. Room location can be confusing but the detours provide a glimpse of old glamour. My room had a queen bed, small vanity alcove with great lighting, large bathroom an striking photographic art. Sometimes the stairs make more sense if the elevator is backed up. I was there for a conference and the wifi/data access was challening unless you were connected to the hotel system. If you join the Fairmont Presidents club wifi is included with your room. There is an amazing rooftop garden with fountain and palm trees framing Coit tower views. Plus a separate food garden with an official haven for mason bees. They participate in a sustainable food initiative and the food tastes great. Home to Laurel Court and the Tonga restaurants. There is a fitness center but no pool. There are several shops, most exclusive (Woodard Jewelry, a Jade specialist, rugs, beautiful oraments, etc.,) yet the gift shop is reasonably priced compared to SFO airport! Very friendly and helpful staff. You can leave your bags with the bellman after check out to extend any sightseeing before departure.

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VI

Virginia Lloyd

The level of service has been worse than any most mid-level hotels Ive stayed at. My boyfriend and I wanted to make coffee the first morning we were here, so we opened the cabinet to find a water boiler and Keurig coffee cups but no Keurig machine and no instructions. So we tried making the coffee in the water boiler which ended up bubbling over and getting all over many of my clothes. We informed the front desk four times that we needed someone to come up and clean the carpet and my clothes, and they kept saying they would come up and take care of it, but never did. On the second time talking to them, they finally came up and got my clothes but never cleaned the carpet or even provided house keeping for our room. They also billed me for cleaning my clothes when they didnt provide any instructions on making the coffee or where to find a proper machine to make it. The heater in the room also made loud noises randomly during the night and the water in the shower was barely warm enough to bathe with on the hottest setting. The walls are also paper thin and you can hear everything your neighbor is doing, including talking and giggling with friends at all hours of the day and night. If they put half the effort into providing a 5-star experience as they did into building a ginger bread house in the lobby and decorating for Christmas, Im sure this would be a great place to stay. Unfortunately we have one more night to go, but I for one will not be coming back here.

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ER

Ericouto Steinmetz

If you can get one of the lower rates (got 267 a night traveling for work) this place will make you feel like royalty. Great, fast service, they check in on you often and will even text you if you choose that option. They dont unnecessarily wash sheets and towels during your stay (only if you request it) and offer many services. I was ever able to order a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free room which was great since many hotels launder their sheets in rough detergents that make me break out. Gorgeous hotel, lots of history, amazing ballroom, nice park with a fountain, Tonga Room serves strong drinks, cafe Cento while not amazing has a decent quiche, and everything was generally picturesque. You will have to pay extra for internet access, whether you connect directly or wirelessly; "long distance" domestic calls are astronomically expensive (25 dollars for 6 minutes). As soon as I texted that the safe in my room didnt work they had someone up very quickly and got it fixed. Valet parking is 70 dollars a day though the valet folks will again, treat you like royalty, and often remember your vehicle number and perhaps even where youre headed if you head out to the same place daily. Fridge comes stocked and anything your remove will be added to your bill, they can send up another fridge if you want to store your leftovers from various restaurants, but be sure to ask for any and every service if theres a cost associated just in case.

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