Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? One skyscraper amidst a sea of them, the Four Seasons San Francisco at Embarcadero blends in with its surrounds. But step inside—into a spherical space practically radiates light—and it’s clear you’ve entered an entirely different realm. With a rhythmic, polished Guy Dill sculpture anchoring the lobby and a bright-white Guggenheim-esque staircase just beyond, the entryway is an aesthete’s fever dream: It’s like a modern art museum you can check into. What's the backstory? The Four Seasons took over this property—formerly the Loews Regency—in 2020, then did a top-to-tail renovation phased over two years, refreshing the lobby, guest rooms, suites, and fitness center. The place completed the renovation in 2022, so everything is crisp, gorgeous, and gleaming new. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? I stayed in the Golden Gate-View Corner Suite. From the moment I walked in, I couldn’t stop staring outside. The massive windows frame sweeping city views, from Sutro Tower to the Golden Gate Bridge. Transamerica Pyramid looks almost close enough to touch; Coit Tower glows faintly in the distance. Inside, the room pays homage to San Francisco, with a gray-and-eggshell palette, clean-lined midcentury furnishings, and a hand-tufted rug that echoes the colors outside. The soaking tub is perfectly positioned to take in the glittering city lights, and thoughtful tech touches—like a smartphone charging pad and a thermostat that tells the temperature indoors and out—make life easier. Plus, newly released in 2022, the Golden Gate Terrace Suite and the Embarcadero Terrace Suite boast an expansive 2,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space and some of San Francisco’s largest private terraces. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? The hotel offers standard Wi-Fi for free, and premium WiFi for $21.95 daily. The complimentary Wi-Fi was fast enough to surf, stream, and even cast to the TV. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? The hotel’s sit-down restaurant is anticipated to open early 2021. In the meantime, Chef Michael Bega, of Four Seasons Silicon Valley, is pinch-hitting, with great success. His menu features standards with an elevated touch—tomato soup drizzled with basil oil, panzanella featuring melt-in-the-mouth burrata. The must-order: chocolate mousse, perfectly whipped, topped with a thin layer of caramel. And the service? As you’d expect of a Four Seasons, the service is white-glove. Every staff member is eager to help with anything you need. What type of travelers will you find here? Quiet Connoisseurs. They're discreet and enjoy the finer things in life. What about the neighborhood? What else is nearby? The hotel is in the thick of FiDi, a short walk from the Ferry Building, Chinatown, and North Beach. It’s a convenient neighborhood for daytime touristing (or weekday business meetings), but it’s pretty sleepy at night. Any other hotel features worth noting? The Skybridge—the glassed-in midsection of the upper floors—grants views even more jaw-dropping than the ones in the guest rooms. On the 48th floor, you can play “Eye Spy” and try to and identify ten landmarks outside. Want pointers on capturing it all? The hotel offers a (virtual) workshop with a pro photographer. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? Yes. It’s a stunning new hotel, and the staff will take great care of you." - Megan McCrea