CHECKING IN: The Huntington Hotel
Let’s check in and check out this classic, old-guard, San Francisco icon perched on Nob Hill, shall we?
THE WHERE:
San Francisco, CA
THE WHAT:
There’s a particular kind of hotel that feels less like a place you check into and more like a world you slip into. Perched above Nob Hill, the Huntington has always had that old-guard San Francisco charm—quietly grand, a little cinematic and deeply comfortable in its own skin.
Recently reimagined by Ken Fulk, the interiors now hum with a fresh sense of wit and warmth—layered color, a touch of whimsical decadence and just enough drama to keep things interesting—without losing the bones that make the place what it is. The public spaces lean expressive, while the rooms themselves are a study in elegant restraint—calm, considered and exactly what you want to return to at the end of the day—and those breathtaking views don’t hurt either.
It’s that rare balance: heritage with a point of view—and the kind of place you find yourself lingering a little longer than planned.
THE WHEN:
San Francisco refuses to follow a weather pattern, which is part of the charm. Fall (September through November) is the sweet spot—warmer days and clearer skies. Spring is fresh and bright, while summer leans cooler and mistier, ideal if you enjoy dramatic fog rolling over the hills. Winter is quieter, moodier and surprisingly pleasant if you don’t mind a little rain.
The YUM:
The yum of this hotel starts the moment you wake up. Mornings begin with coffee by the window, the city unfolding just beyond. By evening, it’s downstairs to the new jewel box cocktail lounge Arabella’s, or into a lingering dinner at The Big Four—a San Francisco classic that still feels wonderfully intact. The vibe leans fully into its legacy—dark wood, leather banquettes—while the food feels comforting in the best possible way. Shrimp cocktail and chicken pot pie are my top picks.
Whet Your Whistle: Try the Late Violet, with bitter bianco, violet, prosecco and lavender.
The WHY?:
Why the Huntington Hotel? Because sometimes you want San Francisco with polish. It’s comfortable and confident, offering a vantage point over the city that feels both removed and perfectly placed. Ideal for a slower, more considered stay—where the highlight isn’t a scene, but the simple pleasure of a great view, a well-run hotel and a night that unfolds exactly as it should.
