The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

It was my girlfriend’s bday and they provided a very nice card and free cupcakes. Very very special

Luxury property beautifully decorated

Here are some details. This hotel was converted from an insurance company that built the original building in the neoclassical style. It is very interesting to have a hotel in such a building. Anyway, the redo was excellent. The hotel is not huge. It is not like some of those business hotels that are just massive. The hotel has all the modern touches, but in a classic style. The rooms are very clean and have everything you need comfort-wise and technologically. The staff is excellent in every way. The food is overall very good as well. There were some misses when it came to the food, but when this was pointed out, the restaurant quickly provided us with an alternative entrée that was comped. Superb touch for a five star hotel (especially because this is an expensive hotel, let's be honest) . The hotel is centrally located, but it is on a steep hill. As we were leaving the city, my kids asked if we can go back to this hotel one day. This single comment solidified in my mind that this hotel it's truly great.

Everything was 5 stars, the room, the breakfast, room service, everyone super kind. But George! He was the best!! He treated my daughter like a princess so I’m really grateful for that! Thank you George!

Ryan at the front desk did everything to make our stay absolutely incredible. The beds were super comfy, everyone working there was very nice and accommodating!

Truly this hotel was amazing - the best part of the trip! It's an oasis in a city that can be loud, crowded and in places, just not as nice as it used to be. We've stayed at many other Ritz Carltons and this one excels. Although our room was smaller than we'd like, the 8th floor lounge totally made up for it, as did the staff, particularly Rudy. We'd also like to give kudos to the entry bell staff for ALWAYS being welcoming and even addressing us by name after a day.

Worst hospitality experience of my life. Zach at the front desk and FOH manager Sertac being the key players in my fiasco.

I was told by Zach on arrival that housekeeping was currently in my room and they didn’t have any similar rooms available, but mine should be ready in a few minutes. 45 minutes later, he said it would be another hour because “it takes a long time to clean a room this ‘large’” and “the previous guests left it filthy”. I mean come on. When I asked Sertac why I was singled out and neglected for hours while watching several dozen different guests walk in and get keys immediately, I was told “they must’ve reserved more basic rooms and we have a lot more of those” - at least that rang true.

After 3 hours of camping around the lounge and lobby, Sertac finally had to change the story and said my room had a non-functional AC they were having trouble fixing. He brought me the keys to a lesser room with a single window overlooking the parking lot. He claimed it was the same “deluxe” room type I had booked, but that contradicted Zach’s earlier statement that all similar rooms were booked as well as the expectations set by my rate and photos at booking. Sertac then said, very matter-of-factly, “this is the best I can do for you”.

So I turned right around and told them to just refund my money (which was another protracted exchange filled with nonsense). I’d honestly have respected these folks more if they spat in my face when I walked in and said “we don’t want you here, get out!” At least that would’ve been honest.

Then, finally, I walked down to the Four Seasons Embarcadero and was in a beautiful room with amazing views within 10 minutes of walking in the door. See that review for contrast!

Beyond the extreme staff deficiencies I experienced at the “Ritz”, the space itself looks like something designed for new money back in the 1990s. Think Beverly Hillbillies as hoteliers, but with infinitely less charm and authenticity.

If you’re staying here because you’re a Marriott points collector, just get the cheapest, most basic room they have (nonsensically, they’ll treat you better). Or just go to the Westin, at least it’s not pretending to be 5 star accommodations.

Otherwise, If you ever find yourself at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, BACK AWAY and RUN over to the Four Seasons Embarcadero.

This is a fantastic hotel. I’m in the middle of what’s turned into a week stay- and I couldn’t be happier with my choice to stay at the Ritz, San Francisco. I had a reservation at The Four Seasons Embarcadero, which I ended up canceling because I needed just a few more Bonvoy nights to get “lifetime” Platinum, which is a nice thing to have because you then never have to worry about how many nights you stay each year with Marriott to keep your benefits. That said there’s so much about this hotel I really like. The façade // building is spectacular, it’s historic and just simply beautiful. The room has excellent air-conditioning, which is critical for me because I spent many years living in humid, non-stop hot Miami and in the Caribbean, so I’m accustomed to sleeping cold. The shower water-pressure is very good which often times these days, even in five star hotels is subpar. Everything else is typical Ritz, which is generally totally fine. The staff here are excellent. I assume they have a fantastic General Manager because it really is a fantastic group. So far, special note and thanks to Miguel at the Front door, Zach and Teresa at the Front Desk, Robert the Bellman, lobby bar/restaurant Server Elsa, and Concierge Michelle.
And the health club on the first level is large and very well equipped for a hotel. My only complaint which isn’t really a complaint, rather just something I’ve noticed that’s not perfect for me, is they go a little bit overboard on that Ritz air freshener scent throughout the hotel, but I tend to be very sensitive to any type of smell.
I highly recommend staying here, and when I return next time will bring my spouse, and will be sure to get club lounge, as I always do when we travel together, and I assume the club lounge here is fantastic.
Side-note: I haven’t been to San Francisco in 20 years; what an absolutely amazing and beautiful city. Don’t believe the media… I’m sure there are some sections just like in any major city that aren’t fantastic, but what an absolutely spectacular city!

Lage

Great location. Everyone friendly, but not stuffy. Received complimentary upgrade within even asking. Lots of amazing features like fortune cookies and candy in lobby. Amazing wine selection.

A wonderfully curated experience throughout. I booked the Club Lounge level and it was phenomenal.