San Francisco, California's Fairmont Hotel sits majestically a top Nob Hill
San Francisco Trivia
Any San Francisco natives up for some trivia? Did you know that before it became the Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar, the San Francisco Fairmont Hotel had a Plunge Pool, complete with a swim team? It’s true. I learned this first hand from one of the former Fairmont Hotel swim team members. Who provided the stage where Tony Bennett first sang “I Left My Heart In San Francisco?” Answer: The Fairmont San Francisco. Last question; what historic event took place in San Francisco days before the Fairmont Hotel was scheduled to open? That’s right, San Francisco’s 1906 Earthquake rattled and rolled on April 18, just days before the hotel was scheduled to open a top San Francisco’s Nob Hill. The Fairmont’s Corinthian columns braced the hotel from collapse. However, the San Francisco fires that followed ravaged the hotel’s interior. Exactly one year after the San Francisco Earthquake, The Fairmont became the first hotel in the city to reopen.
Fairmont San Francisco's Stuart Tower Suite
Night in San Francisco – A Locals Perspective
I recently had the pleasure of being a tourist in my own backyard. I was in San Francisco’s Fairmont Hotel, meeting with Canada’s Tourism Bureau and the Canadian Tourism Commission. Fortunately for me, I was able to stay overnight at the Fairmont. As luck would have it, I found myself in one of the Tower Suites with an amazing view of San Francisco. There are seven suites per floor in the original SF Fairmont, while the new wing has Tower Suites with large rooms and even larger picture windows. The Fairmont staff has thought of everything for your visit, including a telescope to capture the views from the living room and bedroom.
President’s Club
With special check-in and check-out stations, free Internet, local calls and gym access, there is no reason not to join the Fairmont President’s Club. I joined after check in, was given my President’s Club member number over the telephone and had it noted in the computer before check out. Of course, I would have been billed for the phone call had I not been a member of the President’s Club.
View of San Francisco and the Bay from Fairmont Stuart Tower Suite
Family and Pet-Friendly Rooms
In the original Fairmont Hotel there are seven suites per floor. Of the seven suites per floor, two feature terraces. Some rooms are particularly large for families, so ask for availability upon check in. Of the 590 rooms at the Fairmont San Francisco, several are pet-friendly with a $25 per day fee for each 25 pound pet. Plus size pooches are charged $50 per day.
If You Go:
The Fairmont San Francisco 1 (866) 540-4491 or (415) 772-5000
950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Related Posts: Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco
Article written by and photos courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip I was a guest of the Fairmont San Francisco.
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6 Responses
just found your article. My sister, Betty Kahn was one of the stars of the synchronized swim team. They travelled to military bases to entertain the troops. I was @13 and was coached by Patterson, the diving coach of Vicki Manalo Draves and Helen Crlenkovich. Morley Shapiro also got his start at the Plunge and went on to beome NCAA Diving Champ from Ohio State. Unfortunately, the current owners do not pay tribute to the swim team. Only a token photo in the hallway one floor down from the lobby. In his spare time Phil Patterson ran a liquor store next to my father’s Jewelery store on Sutter St ,part of the 450 Medical Bldg. ground floor.
Ed, my mother was Helen Crlenkovich. Did you know her? I wish there was more about that time at the Fairmont.
@bari
I did not know your mother, Helen Crienkovich.
@ed
There is quite a bit of history behind the synchronized swim team at the Fairmont. Too bad this doesn’t get shared more often.
[...] posts:- I Left My Heart in San Francisco at the Fairmont Hotel Romantic ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in San [...]
[...] have forgotten my key) and I am a member of the Fairmont President’s Club. As I mentioned in my review of the Fairmont San Francisco, you’d be silly not to join the Fairmont President’s Club simply for the complimentary [...]
Bari,
Yes, I knew your mother Helen Crlenkovich. I was also coached by Patterson. He owned a liquor store next to my father’s store on Sutter. I wish I could tell you more other than I used to watch them dive with admiration!