Haute Top 5: Coolest Hotel Lobbies in San Francisco 2017

The Palace Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in California and it dates back to 1875. However, when the hotel was celebrating its 31st birthday in 1906, much of its interior was damaged by the earthquake. In 1909 after undergoing modern renovations, the hotel debuted many of the details that are still on view today in the massive lobby. Known as the Garden Court, this lobby area offers three dining experiences (breakfast, tea, and evening snacks), along with live music daily in an unparalleled setting. The original golden crystal chandeliers still hang from the $7-million, stained glass dome. Enjoying a glass of champagne in this historic and beautiful lobby is a real San Francisco treat.

The Fairmont is another iconic hotel with a gorgeous lobby. Designed by Julia Morgan, it opened in 1907. The lobby is a series of luxe lounge areas with various sized couches and plush chairs fashionably placed in between the white marble columns and green plants. If you want to be in the action of it all, you can be, but if you want to hide in a corner and read a book while nursing an Irish coffee from the bar, you can do that too.

On a recent Friday afternoon, we walked into the lobby of the St. Regis and were shocked to see that the scene was excellent, the setting modern and chic, and the crowd lively. The bar and lounge is directly next to the front door, so when walking into the hotel, you can’t help but get caught up in the fantastic vibe. Grab a high-back cream velvet chair and a martini, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the people watching.

The Ritz-Carlton’s lobby is incredibly sleek and modern. It’s covered in all white marble with elaborate floral arrangements placed strategically on tables through out the space. Walk through the white marble sitting area and you’ll come to a masculine bar that has a fireplace and plenty of tables to seal the deal on that important transaction. Also in the Ritz’s lobby? The Jean-Charles Boisset tasting lounge and a Wellendorf boutique.

There have not been too many grand hotel openings in San Francisco over the past decade. The only one with a lobby worth noting is the tech-driven Hotel Zetta, which opened in 2013. One wall is a massive Plinko game inspired by the Price is Right and everything about the Zetta is playful and fun. Another perk? Much of the hotel’s design is made from recycled materials. Cool, right? Plus there is a second floor game room with pool tables, giant jenga, and more.