Where to stay in San Francisco? In a suite with a view of the Embarcadero

By Éric Dahan.

Two Michelin keys awarded to The Four Seasons at The Embarcadero

The Michelin Guide, which recently started rating hotels, has delivered quite a blow to the somewhat haughty ladies of San Francisco. First, because no establishment in the city has ever received three keys from the institution. Then, because the Ritz Carlton and the St. Regis didn’t earn a single one either. Meanwhile, the Four Seasons at The Embarcadero, proudly billing itself as “the city’s first luxury boutique hotel,” received two! Numéro had to try it out immediately.

About the location. Despite what its name might suggest, this second Four Seasons in the city is not located on the oceanfront, but it obviously overlooks the Embarcadero district, which extends all the way to the Financial District. It’s an ideal location for shopping—with Schott, Ralph Lauren, Aesop, Isabel Marant, and Paul Smith boutiques lining Sansome and Jackson streets—as well as for visits to Chinatown, stops at Zoetrope Studios to drop off a script for Francis Ford Coppola, grabbing a pizza at Tony’s or Mario’s in the North Beach district where hipsters hang out on weekends, and eating it across the street on the lawn of Washington Square.

The hotel with the best view in all of San Francisco

The suite. Set across the top floors of a skyscraper, the 155 rooms and suites offer breathtaking views of the Transamerica Pyramid—featured in numerous films since 1972—Alcatraz Island, famous for its detention facility, the lesser-known Bay Bridge, and of course, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. As usual in the case of luxury hotels managed by major international chains, the interior design isn’t revolutionary. But from the color palette—white, gray, brown with discreet touches of orange—to the choice of materials—leather, wood, cotton—the suites are undeniably modern with their share of sofas, ottomans, and side tables for working or snacking, and a small bar area to make coffee or cocktails.

We especially appreciated the bathroom, with its bathtub and walk-in shower, but above all the sturdy Kohler fittings and skincare products from the French brand Codage, enriched with Aloe Vera. Lastly, the waffle bathrobes with a very slim fit are a reminder that the hotel primarily targets a young and trendy crowd.

The bar. Formerly working at the Nikko and Mandarin Oriental and also member of the jury at the Bartender Spirits Awards, David Rowe now presides over the bar located at the entrance of the Orafo restaurant. There, he twists a few classics with herbal teas or unexpected ingredients. In his Caffe Negroni, gin is no longer mixed with vermouth but with Campari and decaffeinated espresso! He also crafts some daring creations like the “Oaxacan Campfire”, made with mezcal, lime, agave syrup, avocado, and cilantro. Or the aptly named and peculiar “Reasonable Decision”, an alcohol-free cocktail made with oat milk, mint syrup, lemon, and chili.

Elegant café and detox juices

The restaurant. Named Orafo, the hotel’s only restaurant is led by Raul Dominguez—a former Texan Marine of Salvadoran descent. It is not a gourmet venue but rather an elegant café where you can enjoy a revisited, fast and fuss-free cuisine that combines local ingredients and contemporary pairings.

Given that it was the weekend, we started breakfast with a green detox juice, followed by a Lox and Bagel with a few extras, including sautéed potatoes, avocado with Tabasco—our way of mixing our New York and California years— and crunchy asparagus with fleur de sel. Our guide tried the granola parfait and crab eggs Benedict, along with a seasonal honey and lavender latte.

The night before, our dinner started with a scallop tartare with grapefruit and asparagus, followed by cacio e pepe for her, and an Italian-style fried artichoke with aioli sauce for the both of us. Then came a spelt risotto with chanterelles, paired with a dry Italian red wine and a tiramisu to finish.

An efficient and fuss-free establishment

Fitness facilities. No reception, locker rooms, or sauna in the gym, which is open 24/7. Yet, it has everything you need to keep up with your workout routine during your stay, including treadmills, free weights, and brand-new machines.

The spa. There’s none.

The pool. There’s none.

We love. The lemon and basil or fresh strawberry-infused waters available near the elevators.

We hate. That there’s non spa.

To sum up. A hotel without a spa, pool, sauna, or steam room—unlike the other Four Seasons in the city on Market Street— that earns two Michelin keys is enough to raise eyebrows. One can assume that the famous red guide also wanted to refresh its image by rewarding an efficient, fuss-free establishment, whose suites offer spectacular views and impeccable service stands out, like all of the brand’s hotels.

The Four Seasons at the Embarcadero, 222 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA 94104, United States.