We were staying at the equally glorious Ritz Carlton and wanted to check out the main opposition. We were not disappointed! Whilst the Ritz in the main goes for Conservative European styled historical opulence, Four Seasons is a truly contemporary hotel not afraid of minimalist design and breaking new boundaries in the search for a 21st century definition of the perfect luxury hotel. Er, modern, not nostalgic!

We found Four Seasons a lot louder, despite the muted ambience of the decor, with the mid afternoon bar made remarkable, but only slightly off putting, by an extremely flamboyant and, er, vocal man in braces with his even noisier partner. To accompany this surreal, cocktail sipping piece of lounge theatre, the table across the way from us was occupied by a very drunk, plainly suited middle aged man, sobering up on mineral waters.

In short, all seriously well behaved hooligans! Yes, we think it only fair to be included in that category too!

We enjoyed the scenario but found it hard to envisage the same situation within a Ritz Carlton. One wouldn't want to disturb the hushed reverie!

Hope you like the pictures. We loved the 'Cosmintinis'.The sun dried cranberries served with this original cocktail were a delightful and impeccably served San Francisco first!
Needless to say, we were unable to fulfil our strict financial commitment ($14 each a hit) of only sticking to the one!

Four Seasons is an incredibly seductive hotel, the ambience is second to none. The downright plain (as opposed to minimalist) exterior belies its serious interior aesthetic charm.
As Tripadvisor has highlighted in their recent polls, it is one of the world's very best hotels.

The staff was certainly highly professional, but more functional than Ritz Carlton personal. Indeed, this essential difference between these two rival hotels seems to highlight their mutual excellence and inevitable competition with each other.
Long may they both reign!

We were not thrilled. This hotel has the excellent service that Four Season is known for. And that is about it. The location is very good. The rooms are bland and non descript. The first room that we were shown was the size of a shoe box. Had to decline, at that price you would think there would be space for your suitcase too. We got a suite. Ok. Horribly expensive, it was also on the 6th floor and had a view of a roof. I just don't get this hotel. And would not return.

I got to stay here for three nights over Labor Day in 2006. I would do most anything to go back.

Pros:
- Service. This doesn't even need to be mentioned - its ingrained in the Four Seasons reputation. Check-in was easy, Concierge was pleasant and recommended great restaurants within walking distance and booked us on Alcatraz Tours. Then Bellman was prompt with luggage and retrieved us additional soaps right when we checked in and asked. Lounge and Room Service staff was friendly and knowledgable, and the food was delicious. Example: we requested a wine bucket with ice. When we we returned, there was an ice bucket, with the wine already placed in it, with two wine glasses sitting on the minibar. Housekeeping was thorough. Example: One of my toiletries was almost empty, and when they cleaned the bathroom, the lined up the toiletries, and the one that was almost gone was placed upside down so the product would come out easier.

- Fantastic location. Like anywhere in the City there are tons of restaurants and shopping, but this location is right in the heart of it all. We walked to Union Square and saw a live orchestra playing jazz music and enjoyed all the artists. It's only a block from the Powell cable car too. SFMOMA is right around the corner. Literally.

- Quiet. Our room was overlooking Market Street - where there were picketers and protesters - but we did not hear any sounds from the street below until a siren went by. I believe they have mostly business travellers so the other hotel guests were pretty quiet.

- Large rooms with deep tubs and separate shower and the L'Occitane toiletry products. Comfortable beds and really nice sheets. Frette?

Cons:
- Price. Not exactly budget-friendly...

- There were some "trendy scenesters" in the lounge area, so we only ate there once. We wore jeans though.

I would love to return to 4S in San Francisco. If only my budget would allow!

The Four Seasons San Francisco is a tasteful combination of modernity and classic romanticism - in decor, service and atmosphere. Just what I like. My husband (of 8 hours at the time) and I stayed at the Hotel for 3 days after our wedding in San Francisco. Our stay was the ideal ending to a milestone event. Here are the highlights: (1) Beautifully designed lobby and lounge area including opulent sofas and luminous table tops warmed by a cozy fireplace. (2) Extensive, 10,000 square foot spa/gym/salon facilities created solely for my pampering. (3) Customer service staff that jumped at the opportunity to bring 5 safety pins to my hotel room door. (4) Central location right on Market Street a few blocks from Union Square and BART. (5) A pristine, in-room bathroom with separate shower and tub and L'Occitane bath products (pure pleasure). (6) Spacious deluxe room with dreamy beds and strawberries and champagne by the chaise (6) And finally, if you're lucky, a view of San Francisco's skyline that makes you feel as if the world is yours. Sure it's expensive, but sometimes (not always) the best things in life are worth a little extra.