Three Nights at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

Is San Francisco the Paris of California, or even the United States? Oooh, that’s a bold statement, isn’t it? But as far as California cities, I dare say it might be the closest thing we have to a grand European city with beautiful light, picturesque skylines, waterfront strolls, iconic bridges and buildings, and rich history.

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco seems to encapsulate all of that, being in the heart of the city, set within a 1909 Neoclassical landmark building in the prestigious Nob Hill neighborhood. You can jump on a cable car right outside the hotel doors and find yourself at Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Coit Tower, amongst the city’s Victorian-era houses including the famous Painted Ladies, as well as the Palace of Fine Arts, the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Bridge, and the list goes on. Hop on a ferry and you’re off to Alcatraz Island or Sausalito. Have a little more time, take a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and into Muir Woods to see the giant redwoods (about a 45 minute drive from The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco).

I’ve gone to San Francisco countless times now since I was 18, and I still haven’t seen it all. It’s an incredible city in an incredible area of California. And, The Ritz-Carlton is an incredible luxury hotel that feels like the cherry on top. It’s my second time staying at a Ritz-Carlton, previously staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park in 2019. The Ritz-Carlton “Ladies and Gentlemen” service is still unparalleled.

This was the most uniquely creative stay I’ve had the pleasure of photographing: three nights staying in two different suites:
-The San Francisco suite with corner views to the north overlooking Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, and to the east toward California Street and the Bay Bridge and…
-The Presidential Suite itself, a sprawling 1,960 SQ FT apartment complete with a prep kitchen, dining room, living room, huge marble Whirlpool tub, shower, walk-in closet, two restrooms, and a huge 1,200 SQ FT private terrace with three sets of french doors overlooking yet another icon of San Francisco, the Transamerica Pyramid building, as well as Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Salesforce Tower, and the Financial District. Whew, I think that nearly covers it.

*The Presidential Suite’s living room, with the bedroom seen beyond.*

*All images © Emily Sandifer. Coit Tower (L), Transamerica Pyramid (R)*

Suffice to say, The Ritz-Carlton spoiled us yet again. Here’s a recap of our 5-star luxury experience:

We arrive on Day 1, settle into our rooms, and head down to the Lobby Lounge for the perfectly mixed gin martini via Scenography, using the property’s imperial shaker and fresh herbs right out of the chef’s garden. My better half TJ thoroughly enjoys giving the historic contraption a spin – and it’s good entertainment for everyone else around, too. After that, general manager Diego seats us near the floor-to-ceiling central window with another incredibly photogenic city view. We enjoy pre-dinner cocktails that include the “Golden Gate Karl” – which, yes, naturally, has a fog feature. Chef comes out to greet us and gives us an overview of what we can expect from tonight’s seasonal specials, including making some suggestions.

Dinner takes us well into the evening, as we take our time through each course and enjoy the sunset turning into the twinkling night lights of the city.

*Scenography in the Lobby Lounge with the Imperial Shaker perfecting a refreshing gin martini.*

*Suggested appetizers from the chef himself, who came out for a quick chat about the seasonal menu (Lobby Lounge).*

*Signature cocktails in the Lobby Lounge.*

*Another gorgeous signature cocktail from the Lobby Lounge.*

*The Lobby Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco*

*The iconic Transamerica Pyramid as seen from The Presidential Suite (L), and the suite’s private terrace overlooking the Financial District.*

Day 2: We have a very slow morning, order room service, and decide to take it outside to the terrace (a perfectly pleasant and sunny February morning in our robes).

*Dining room and bedroom, The Presidential Suite*

*In-room dining in The Presidential Suite.*

*The Presidential Suite’s 1,200 SQ FT Private Terrace*

When we finally decide to leave the hotel, we head across the Bay Bridge to something that you might not know about: The Alameda Film Festival. Alameda is a small island adjacent to Oakland, and it has over 4000 various architectural style of buildings on the Historic Study List. It’s also home to a gorgeous historic theatre, where my film Into the Valley screened as part of the festival.

After the screening, we drive back over the bridge – and get stuck in Chinese New Year traffic. Starved, we reach the Club Lounge and, although they’re now beginning dessert service, our gentleman server quickly whips us up some oer d’oeuvres and saves the day.

Upgrading to Club Experience at any Ritz-Carlton is absolutely worth it. From The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco website, “Often referred to as a ‘hotel within a hotel,’ Club enhances your entire stay by providing a dedicated Concierge, a private Club Lounge, unique in-room amenities and exclusive experiences that immerse you in the best of the destination.”

We take a few desserts back to our room and enjoy the rest of the evening in.

*Desserts from Club Lounge enjoyed in The Presidential Suite after a night out*

*Incredible nighttime views of Coit Tower from The San Francisco Suite*

Day 3: Another slow morning, this time from The San Francisco Suite. We enjoy lunch in the Club Lounge and head out for site-seeing, Coit Tower, and Lombard Street (“the crookedest street in the world”).

*Just another quick cup of coffee before heading out.*

We jaunt off to the film festival for another screening, and then head back over the bridge right at sunset, with absolutely stunning views over the entire area. Driving into San Francisco from the Oakland side is one of my favorite city views anywhere.

*The Bay Bridge as seen from The Embarcadero.*

*Heading back into the city over the Bay Bridge (L). Dining room in the Presidential Suite (R).*

From there, we take an evening stroll into Chinatown. Could we have walked to any number of exciting bars and lounges? Yes, we could have. But, this is our holiday and we choose to enjoy our last evening with a bubble bath and a final toast on the terrace. Sometimes, you want to enjoy the city without the hustle and bustle.

*California Street looking down toward the Bay Bridge (L), and Chinatown (R), just around the corner from The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco*

Day 4: Our last morning we’re greeted by the seemingly resident hawk on our terrace (our bellhop had told us we might be lucky with a visit).

This time, we enjoy our last breakfast downstairs in the hotel’s restaurant Parallel 37, with seasonal ingredients in a beautiful dimly lit environment, rich with earthy tones and mossy textures, making you feel nestled within an urban forest rather than your typical American breakfast diner.

*Resident hawk, Presidential Suite Terrace*

*Parallel 37 at The Ritz-Carton, San Francisco*

After breakfast, well – It’s time to check out, explore the sites a bit more, and then head back home to Los Angeles.

You can book directly via The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco website. If you find yourself booking in June-October, check out their SOLAIRE TERRASSE, al fresco dining with Veuve Clicquot in the the tranquility of The Terrace Courtyard.

Thank you to The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco team for once again proving why The Ritz-Carlton is second to none.

*This was a gifted partnership in exchange for my photography work.