In-Depth Review: St. Regis San Francisco

During a recent weekend getaway, my wife and I utilized an expiring credit from Fine Hotels and Resorts alongside an 85,000-point free night certificate from the American Express Bonvoy Brilliant card at the St. Regis San Francisco. This marked our inaugural stay at this property, leading to a somewhat varied experience.

Overview of the St. Regis San Francisco

Location and Accessibility

The St. Regis is strategically positioned near the Museum of Modern Art, Moscone Center, and Yerba Buena Gardens. Its proximity to numerous attractions, including Chinatown and the Ferry Building—both within a short walking distance of approximately 5-10 minutes—adds to its appeal. Additionally, the BART station, providing easy access to the airport, is just a block and a half away.

Accommodations

We opted for a standard room but were generously upgraded to a 450-square-foot “Grand Deluxe” room, featuring amenities typical of the St. Regis brand. The comfort level of the bedding and furnishings was exceptional, maintaining the high standards expected of such a renowned establishment.

Amenities and Facilities

• Parking: Valet service is priced at $91.20 plus tax, while self-parking is available for $80.
• Fee Structure: There is no resort or destination fee associated with the stay.
• Internet Access: Complimentary high-speed internet is offered throughout the hotel.

Dining Experience

The dining options at the St. Regis include Astra, a small restaurant situated adjacent to the bar. During our visit, we partook in the morning elite breakfast, which was disappointingly limited in choice and quality. Elite members are restricted to an 8-item menu with rather small portions that did not meet the luxurious expectations of the St. Regis brand.

The St. Regis Bar, known for its daily champagne sabrage, operates from noon to midnight, providing a relaxed setting yet missed an opportunity to impress in terms of service during our experience.

Service Quality

While the front desk staff stood out for their professionalism and proactive service—which included information on elite member benefits and local attractions—our dining experiences did not match this standard. Issues arose with the restaurant staff during our meal, where service felt oblivious and led to errors with our orders.

Fitness and Leisure

The hotel features a well-equipped fitness center that occupies nearly half a floor, allowing guests to maintain their workout routines during their stay. However, the lack of a spa or significant amenities was noticeable, especially in comparison to other high-end resorts.

Conclusion: Would We Return?

While the St. Regis San Francisco provides a beautifully maintained environment with excellent location advantages, our experience left us questioning its value concerning both award pricing and cash rates, which averaged around $500 per night. Given the subpar service in dining and limited amenities, we are hesitant to recommend returning for another stay.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Prime location near cultural attractions
• Comfortable in-room amenities, consistent with St. Regis standards
• Generally high-quality service at the front desk

Cons:

• Struggled with value retention for points versus cash
• Lack of amenities, especially outside the fitness center
• Dining service quality was disappointing
• Limited elite breakfast offerings

Visual Highlights

Below are some images taken during our stay at the St. Regis San Francisco, showcasing the Grand Deluxe room and dining experiences: