InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco

I normally like this property. The history is amazing and the old world feel and perfect location atop knob hill is great. But the heat doesn't work. I tried two rooms and after a couple hours neither had heat coming out. I moved to the other intercontinental instead.

I had an amazing stay at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins hotel this past weekend. The Mark Hopkins hotel has a storied past, sitting at the top of Nob Hill - with breathtaking views of the San Francisco cityscape, and skyline. I had stayed here many years ago - and while I had fond memories of my prior visit, I definitely made new memories this time around. My initial contacts with staff already started on a positive note. Tony, the doorman greeted me as I stepped out of the Uber, on a cold and rainy afternoon. And it gets super windy when you consider the hotel is at the top of the hill. You are within walking distance to Grace Cathedral, Huntington Park, the Fairmont hotel, and the California St. cable car line. Roy, the front desk agent handled my check-in. I have to say - as someone that has stayed in countless properties over the years - this was easily among my top 10 check-in experiences. I'm sure many of you have seen that guest survey question where it asks you if "the employee made an effort to get to know you" - and I always mark "N/A", because they are usually fake or make zero effort. But not Roy. I could tell he was genuinely enthusiastic about my return to the hotel, shared my level of interest in exploring San Francisco (he even provided recommendations to two restaurants in the Chinatown area that I'd be visiting), and wholeheartedly shared all the amenities the hotel had to offer. As a Platinum Ambassador - I've had mixed check-in experiences at other IHG properties, but Roy definitely hit this one out of the ballpark. I definitely felt like a VIP - in fact, one of the other guests checking in kept looking over. I'm not sure if the Platinum and Ambassador upgrades "stack" - but I definitely received an upgrade. The hotel SPOILED me with an amazing corner room overlooking Nob Hill, as well as parts of the city. Look over my attached photos. The room was well appointed, with plenty of space to spread out. The King bed was comfortable - although I didn't sleep much the first night due to the road noise (San Franciscans REALLY love to use their car horn) - until I remembered that I packed ear plugs in my suitcase. The bathroom had a full-size tub, and Byredo toiletries (a favorite of mine that I discovered during my frequent stays at the Intercontinental Monterey). Throughout my stay, every interaction I had with MH staff was pleasant. Ric, the Head Concierge - was especially helpful with providing me instruction on how to ride the cable car (on my bucket list this visit despite the pouring rain), as well as how to purchase access via the app. The wifi is fast and efficient. There are two Flowater machines (one near the lobby, the other down at the gym). There's also a CVS Pharmacy vending machine here - which I thought was neat. Gym is 24 hours, and well equipped. There isn't a pool, but it was raining and cold for most of my trip, so not like I would've used it anyway. Top of the Mark and Nob Hill Club, are the hotel's two restaurants - although TotM is more of a bar. I was able to use my IHG Platinum drink voucher and Ambassador credit at TotM - assisted by the super amazing Vincent - which I'll rave about in a separate review. Keep in mind, the MH sits at the top of Nob Hill - which is pretty steep - regardless of which street you take to get up there. Downhill isn't an issue (although slippery since it was pouring when I visited) - but uphill is another beast in and of itself. I utilized both the cable car and Waymo (robot car) to get around. By the way - Waymo picks you up in front of the Fairmont, not the MH - likely due to the steep hills that surround the MH. The IC Mark Hopkins is definitely worth a visit if you would like to stay at a part of San Francisco history. Despite what others have mentioned, this hotel is well maintained - albeit with some areas of wear and tear - but you have to admit - the MH looks great for being 99 years old! I'm hoping to come back next year when MH celebrates its 100th birthday in December.

Had an Ambassador night and decided would be fun to start the year on Nob Hill. Was surprised to be contacted by hotel about upgrade to corner suite with great view of San Francisco Bay and fireworks. Had the rare clear night and spectacular view. Room was both cozy and plush, super cool old school vibe. Great way to ring in the new year!

OK, so some of the bad reviews are a bit off-putting. I was almost expecting this to be a rundown Motel 6 based on some of them. So I guess that was good to go in with lower expectations, LOL. But I think some of those people were expecting this to be like a brand new hotel in Dubai or something. That's like buying a '65 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow and being mad that it's not a 2024 Ferrari F80. The Mark Hopkins is like Dame Judi Dench and it seems like some reviewers were expecting Vanessa Hudgens. This hotel is stately, historic and beautiful--you just gotta remember it's almost 100 years old, so cut it some slack (or stay somewhere else). That said, we stayed using points over New Year's Eve, but even then, it was priced at a relatively reasonable $230/nt when I was looking. Our view was lovely (although it was marred by a dirty window--could've used a good scrubbing on the outside). The walls are pretty thin (we were treated to the sounds of an amorous lover next door), but besides that, we enjoyed getting to experience the history and glamour of a San Francisco landmark. Also, was delighted to find out if you use your points, they waive the nightly destination fee, so it truly is free when you use your points. But parking is NOT. So here's my pro tip: the Masonic Temple parking lot is the best. Just 2 blocks west of the hotel on California St., with no hills involved. It was $45/24 hours. If you want in and out privileges, then it'll be $45 per day (meaning, if you come in on a Monday at 3pm and leave on Wednesday at 9am, you'll get charged for 3 days with in/out privileges; if you leave it there, you'll only get charged for 2 - 24 hour periods). It's clean, well-lit, open 24/7 with a live person at the entrance.

Built in 1926, the historic and memorable Mark Hopkins Hotel is a trip down history lane. We have stayed here a number of times, and each stay has been fantastic. This last stay we were fortunate enough to get a corner room and had a gorgeous view of the pier 39 area, as well as the city (Union Square area). The staff here is excellent --- everyone from the valets to the housekeepers to the front desk staff are fantastic and very personable. We highly recommend Mark Hopkins.