Four Seasons San Francisco at the Embarcadero
The best hotel in Northern California.
73/100 | A TIER
See my detailed evaluation here. Learn more about my methodology.
345 California, 5th tallest building in San Francisco, was built in 1986 at a cost of $83 million dollars. Since then, the top floors have been occupied by three luxury hotel brands. The first was when the hotel was known as the Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco. 19 years later, Mandarin Oriental gave up the property to Loews Hotels. Finally, in 2019, a deal was formalized which transferred the property to the management of the legendary Four Seasons. The Canadian-based luxury hotel group chose to close the property completely for renovations shortly after. More than a year later, after a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the second Four Seasons property in San Francisco opened its doors to its first guests.
I was fortunate enough to stay at this hotel over a weekend at the end of October. I was only the 609th guest after a full month after the grand opening of the hotel.
A week or so before my stay, I received an email from the hotel’s reservation manager regarding my stay. It contained a confirmation of my stay, with details such as date and room type, plus a lengthy explanation of COVID-19 safety precautions. Before even stepping into the property, Four Seasons showed why it has a reputation of legendary service. I responded to the email with an inquiry of overnight parking rates. The prices were higher than the parking garage a 5-minute walk from the hotel, so I opted for that instead.
After parking my car, my girlfriend and I walked five minutes to 222 Sansome Street, the side of 345 California that the entrance to the hotel is on (yes I know, quite confusing). A couple doormen waited outside and promptly asked if I was checking in. I replied yes, and they welcomed me and asked for my permission to take my temperature. After doing so, I was given a little color-coded pin signifying I passed their test. This pin would allow my entry into the hotel without being subject to the test for the day. He explained that tomorrow, I would have to earn another pin after that day’s temperature check. I was so impressed with the caution that the Four Seasons displayed.
The doors were opened to me and one bellboy took my bags. He led me to the check in counter and explained to the agent that “Mr. Tedja is checking in.” The agent welcomed me and the process was quick and easy. I did not receive any welcome refreshments. After the agent gave me the key, he explained most facilities were closed due to COVID. He then had the bellboy take me to my room. The bellboy entered my room and explained each feature of my Premier Bayview Room.
The first thing that you see as you open the doors to the 44th floor is the impressive views fo the San Francisco Bay Bridge. The main feature that sets this hotel apart from its competitors in the St. Regis San Francisco and Ritz-Carlton San Francisco is the fact that this hotel is located in the top floors of the 5th tallest building. This affords its guests the most spectacular views, unattainable to anyone else except those who work in the Salesforce Tower or residents of multi-million dollar penthouses. The room, (although I was only the 609th guest of the entire hotel), was immaculate. As a germ-freak, I notice the littlest spec of mold or dust. I can honestly say this is one of the cleanest hotel rooms I have ever stayed in. Wow.
One impressive thing happened an hour later, as I went downstairs to find a jug of water I could buy. Each employee I encountered knew my name. And each day after that, employees who I hadn’t even seen knew my name. This personalized service is why Four Seasons is truly world-class.
Of course, the perfect hotel doesn’t exist. This hotel, while newly refurbished, did show some signs of wear. I thought the elevators were a bit out-of-shape compared to the rest of the hotel. The room service breakfast I had one day was also underwhelming for $100 (for two people, before tip but after tax). Additionally, the hotel does not have a pool. Finally, and the biggest complaint, is the location. Although the property is advertised as “at the Embarcadero,” it is actually about a 5-10 minute walk away. This isn’t the greatest thing if you are going to a dinner at night and have to walk all the way back to the hotel. San Francisco has many shady characters who come out in droves at night. It is also not close at all to other attractions such as Union Square or Japantown. Of course, this would be less of a problem with Uber. However, because of the pandemic, I was walking everywhere. I definitely got my steps in that weekend.
Overall, I think this is the best property in San Francisco. The competition may be similar in service, but nothing will beat that view…
Thank you to the team at the Four Seasons San Francisco at the Embarcadero for the wonderful weekend!
Final Rating
Service: 22/30
Standards: 14/20
Arrival
✓ Greeted at entrance
✓ Doors opened
✓ Bags taken
Refreshments offered
✓ Introduced to hotel facilities and room/suite
Intimacy
✓ After interaction with staff, do they remember your preferences?
✓ After interaction with staff, do they remember and address you by name?
Housekeeping
Turndown service
Aware of whether or not you’re in the room
✓ Concierge
Attitude: 8/10
Rooms: 21.5/25
Quality 4/5
Views 7/5
Panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. Best views anywhere in NorCal. +2 points
Cleanliness 4.5/5
Standards 6/10
✓ Entry room larger than 500 square feet
Electronic controls for room functionality
Separate bathtub
✓ Rainfall shower head
✓ Reputable brand of amenities: Codage Paris
✓ Pillow menu
✓ Nespresso or equivalent coffee machine
Balcony
✓ Welcome amenity
Multiple welcome amenities
Facilities 11.5/20
Public space design
Lobby 3/5
Pool 0/5 (No Pool)
Other Areas 3.5/5
Quality and Cleanliness 4/5
Rooftop Bar with stunning views of the Bay. +1 point
Food 9/15
Standards 2/5
✓ Multiple restaurants
One prestigious chef owned restaurant
Breakfast buffet
✓ a la carte option with breakfast
Asian, Local, Juice, Pastry, and Western sections in buffet
Quality 7/10
Location 7/10
Standards (3 points possible, 1 point each)
Walking distance to a major mall
✓ Walking distance to at least 4 restaurants (within 10 minutes)
✓ Walking distance to at least two major attractions (less than 10 minutes)
Safety 2/3 (SF Standards)
Walkability of surrounding area 3/4 (SF Standards)