Fairmont San Francisco

"The historic Fairmont Hotel always does it big for the holidays — and we mean that literally. The hotel has a 22-foot-high, 23-foot-wide two-story Victorian gingerbread house on display made from “thousands of bricks, a ton of royal icing, and candy décor,” according to the hotel’s website. It’s on show from Saturday, November 23 through the holiday season, and if you want to really soak it all in, you can even book a reservation to dine inside (or opt for holiday-themed afternoon tea). The Fairmont’s Cirque Bar is another hot spot for cozy evenings this holiday season." - Lauren Saria, Justine Jones

"Built by California architect Julia Morgan, who also designed Hearst Castle, Fairmont San Francisco opened to much fanfare in 1907 at the top of Nob Hill (a previous build of the hotel burned down in the 1906 earthquake and resulting fires). Today it’s filled with a century’s worth of stories: It was the first U.S. hotel to hire a concierge, and it served as a film location for Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo." - Jessie Beck

"Located at the very top of Nob Hill, the Fairmont San Francisco is as elegant a hotel as they come. The hotel, which consistently makes its way onto T+L's World's Best Awards list, sports stunning interior architecture and panoramic views of both the city and the bay. And, guests can indulge in superb food and drinks at the famous Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, or have an charming afternoon tea service, depending on their vacation vibe." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"The Fairmont San Francisco is where Wolfe works as Chief Concierge today. It was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake by Julia Morgan, the nation’s foremost female architect of the time, and in 1945, the hotel hosted delegates from 40 nations as they wrote the United Nations Charter. The many flags waving outside the hotel honor that incredible moment in history. Later, in 1961, Tony Bennett performed 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco' live for the first time in the hotel’s Venetian Room." - Ali Wunderman

"A San Francisco institution atop Nob Hill, the Fairmont is stately enough to be mistaken for an embassy or palace. It's certainly one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. It aims to please with elegant (not flashy) rooms and public spaces. You'll find high-end amenities like exclusive Le Labo products and Frette bed linens in the guest rooms, and, at the restaurant, you can nibble honey madeleines featuring honey produced by the Fairmont’s very own rooftop bees. The Fairmont's concierge makes great recommendations, particularly if you request dining options that locals frequent." - Megan McCrea, Jenna Scatena