San Francisco was just named the 5th “coolest city” in the United States by Forbes, and I’m wondering why it was ranked so low—City Lights Books alone should put it at the top of the list. The City by the Bay is not only one of the hippest spots in the country, it is also a business mecca. Here are our recommendations for the best places to stay while on a business trip to San Francisco.
Photo by Christian Mehlführer [CC-BY-2.5]
Westin San Francisco
We love Westin hotels as a rule, and this one is a special treat. The hotel is located right in the heart of downtown, so you are only a pleasant walk or cable car ride away from everything. It is also one of a couple of dozen Westin properties that brings service to the next level by providing a “running concierge” to lead a three-mile run for guests a couple of mornings each week.
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote of this hotel, “as expected from FS hotels,” and if you’ve stayed at a Four Seasons before, you know that what’s expected is really quite a lot. The business amenities include a business center, computers, AV equipment, and—the kicker—an airline boarding pass and check-in kiosk that will save you even more time at the airport.
The Fairmont San Francisco
The Fairmont San Francisco offers the perfect blend of history, luxury, and celebrity sightings. Located at the top of Nob Hill, this hotel is about as chic as they get. The on-site San Francisco Conference Center is a great place for hosting meetings and events, and also provides a full range of business services.
Photo by Sanfranman59 [CC-BY-SA-3.0]
Mandarin Oriental San Francisco
If you prefer your business with a view, then the Mandarin Oriental is your spot. There are 5,000 square feet of meeting space, a business center, and a long list of other amenities that will far exceed your expectations. But, really, we expect you’ll spend most of your time gazing out of the window.
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
San Francisco’s Financial District is near the popular areas of North Beach and Chinatown, and this hotel is within easy walking distance of those destinations as well as the Moscone Convention Center. This property is also less expensive than some of the other hotels in the area, so it’s perfect for those who want to save money while still being in the thick of it all.
InterContinental San Francisco
Also located near the Moscone Convention Center, the InterContinental is a popular spot for visiting political heavy-hitters, like President Obama and Veep Joe Biden. The Business Travel Hotel Package, which costs $45 more than the standard Best Flex Rate, includes high-speed Internet, buffet breakfast, and 25% off all business center services.
Le Meridien San Francisco
Le Meridien is a Starwood hotel located in the Financial District. Business amenities include on-site catering, hi-tech AV and telecommunications services, and everything else you would need to host a meeting or conference. With its location and luxury, this is a great place to mix business and pleasure on your trip to San Francisco.
Palace Hotel
The Palace Hotel has a reputation for elegance, and it doesn’t disappoint. From the guestrooms and suites to the 53,000 square feet of meeting space, to the fabulous Garden Court restaurant, you will find elegance infused into every aspect of your stay. The hotel also offers an extensive list of business services including translation and currency exchange, so it is a prime spot for hosting out-of-country guests.
Photo by Bernard Gagnon [CC-BY-SA-3.0]
Omni San Francisco
Omni hotels are always solid choices for business travelers. The San Francisco property is located in the Financial District and offers large meeting spaces and all of the standard business amenities. Reviewers rate this property very highly, especially considering the price is less than at comparable luxury hotels in the area.
Grand Hyatt San Francisco
The Grand Hyatt San Francisco, located on Union Square, is a standout for many reasons. However, for business travelers one of the top amenities is the property-wide free wi-fi. The rooms are stylish, the restaurant is modern (the wine list comes on an iPad), and there are a variety of different-sized rooms for meetings and events. The major downside to this hotel is that it is located a bit far away from the city’s major attractions, unless you need to do some shopping, in which case it’s all right there.
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