This was a great first stop on our California trip. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. The building is historical and beautifully maintained....it is also in a wonderful location. Our travel plan included the breakfast / brunch, and it was fabulous!
I would highly recommend the Fairmont.

Positivley; the hotel had a good location at the junction of two cable car lines. Furthermore, the hotel itself had a very grand reception area and bar.

However, the room itself left much to be desired....
We had a room in the tower which we had paid extra to have a view of the city. In our opinion the room was very dated and in need of modernisation. For example, we found a hole in one of the curtains and even the switches of the table lights were circa 1950!

However, our worst experience was dealing with the concierge who was exceptionally rude; during our entire conversation he did not come off the telephone. Even then, the advise he gave us was inacurrate and did not answer our question.

We stayed in the Hapsburg Suite (sounds grand but basically a bedroom with an extra lounge).
On entering, the building is very impressive, with a marble interior . The lobby cannot be faulted but it is not a place to 'be comfortable' in. The whole atmosphere of the hotel is grand and rather staid.
The room was faultless. Miller Harris toiletries in the bathroom, beautiful decor, very spacious.
And yet, despite is central location on Nob Hill, and at the crossing of two cable lines, I did not feel central. It is a 10 minute cable ride to Fishermans Wharf - but on coming back up again the wait for the cable was half an hour. It is 5-10 minutes walk down a steep hill to Union Square, but a cable car on the way up is recommended.
A beautiful and historical hotel, but maybe not the best for a relaxed family holiday.

Stayed for 4 nights in San Francisco at the beginning of a 2-week west coast trip and thoroughly enjoyed the Fairmont. Having booked through a travel agent, we were anxious after reading other's reviews but thankfully we found these completely unfounded. Infact every local that discovered that we were staying in the Fairmont called it "the top hotel in San Francisco".

Stayed in a great double room, with a view overlooking the bay, including Coit Tower and Alcatraz Island. The room was light and airy, very comfortable and quite luxurious. The hotel is in a great location, just a few blocks from Chinatown and Union Square (the main shopping area) and a 25 minute walk downhill to Pier 39. You also have the option of taking the tram, with two lines (heading to all 4 main destinations) quite literally passing the hotel.

There were a few negatives - obviously its quite pricey in parts, but you should expect this given the initial price, etc. The Tonga-related bar was also a bit bizarre, with no real atmosphere and strange water and light effects every 10 minutes but we missed the live band which apparently makes it all worthwhile.

Very friendly staff and a very nice stay. Would definitely recommend others to stay at the Fairmont!!!!!