6 Postcards
Nestled high above the city hustle, this Four Seasons gem boasts chic rooms with stunning views, opulent amenities, and top-notch service that feel like a dreamy escape.
"Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, California has been awarded two keys." - Stacey Lastoe
"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 that seems to be radiating 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." - Megan McCrea, Jenna Scatena
"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
"Service is a signature here, where gorgeous rooms styled with a simple elegance and a natural palette offer a respite from the Financial District’s hustle and bustle. It’s all about the details. Upon arrival, guests are offered a complimentary prosecco or non-alcoholic cider. The beds, layered with down comforters and pillows, are the perfect locations to relax and enjoy the city or bay views. Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries are available to mark romantic occasions, while cake and cable cars filled with cookies make birthdays fun for kids. A complimentary car is on hand for guests traveling within a one-mile radius of the hotel."
"How did it strike you on arrival?Because Loews is positioned on the top 11 floors of a 48-story building, they are among the highest hotel rooms in San Francisco, with spectacular views of the city, the Bay, and both bridges, depending on the room. From the street, the tower is impressively high, and inside, guests are welcomed by a curved wooden front desk and patterned floors. The lobby, spa, restaurant, and meeting spaces occupy the first three floors of the building; guest rooms are accessed by elevators that climb high enough to make your ears pop. What’s the crowd like?Families, business travelers, and people celebrating special occasions. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Rooms are decorated in neutral tones with blue accents, beige patterned carpets, and crisp white Frette linens. The rooms are well decorated, but it's the views that dominate the spaces. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Guests can cozy up under goose-down bedding, and choose a pillow from the menu. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Loews provides its guests with binoculars so they can really explore the amazing views. Other perks include docking stations. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.In city view rooms, the Italian marble bathrooms come with a tub and shower combination and feature Julien Farel anti-aging haircare and body products, and hair dryers. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?In-room Wi-Fi is complimentary. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?Fans gush—and I do mean gush—over the hospitality and service. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Wrinkled travelers can get their clothes steamed in two hours or less, a great service for those heading to meetings in the Financial District. There is complimentary house car service during certain hours, as well as a luxury spa, and a fitness center that will hand you free headphones if you forget yours. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Room for room, I doubt any other hotel in San Francisco could beat the views. Bottom line: worth it, and why?The views are stunning." - Elise Craig