San Francisco Hotels|San Francisco, California, United States

Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights

Name: Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights
Telephone: 415-346-2880

A classic and charming city escape

VERIFIED LUXURY

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When you pull up to the historic Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights, you might think the driver mistakenly stopped at an apartment complex. The charming 43-room property that opened as a boarding house in 1903 blends in just that seamlessly into San Francisco’s tony Pacific Heights neighborhood.

Although the building is 120-plus years old, a renovation completed in December 2023 ensures a top-notch stay at the gorgeous hotel. The friendly staff’s attention to detail and unique amenities — traditional gold tasseled keys instead of plastic cards, chauffeur service, electric bike access, complimentary breakfast and a wine reception — promise a memorable and rewarding respite.

Everything about Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights, from the understated elegance of its Edwardian heritage to the spacious bathrooms with heated floors, is chic, sophisticated and comfortable. It’s no wonder the property has hosted U.S. presidents (like Dwight D. Eisenhower) and celebrities (actors Ethan Hawke and Ashely Judd) over the years.

Our Inspector's Highlights

Both the exterior and interior have been reimagined with tasteful furnishings and a warm color palette. The downstairs sitting room features a beautiful four-pane stained-glass window custom-made by Helios Art Glass.
Though you’ll adore the pillow-top mattress, you don’t want to miss the gourmet European-inspired breakfast that includes everything from fresh fruit and croissants to a build-your-own bagel bar and made-to-order egg dishes.
The evening wine reception is also worth checking out. Taking place every night from 5 to 7, the pouring fun features local wine producers and enough snacks to make up a meal. On a recent night, the offerings included chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon from Yountville’s Goosecross Cellars, along with beef satay, meatballs and marinara, deviled eggs with bacon, chips and guacamole, and charcuterie with artisanal cheese. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, the amiable staff can whip up a margarita with fresh-squeezed juice in minutes.
While the San Francisco hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, room service is available at any time. Order locally inspired dishes like avocado toast, salmon filet with mashed potatoes and braised beef short ribs in red wine sauce.
Interior design and architecture buffs will appreciate vintage details, such as the original brass rosette on the front door that became the hotel’s motif, Ionic columns carved from Honduran mahogany, and black-and-white photographs of the city’s most prolific sights.

Things to Know

Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights is home to 16 suites and 27 rooms — all of which have large televisions, pillow menus, filtered water pitchers with glass bottles, house-made chocolate dipped cookies and Bvlgari green tea bath products.
As part of Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights’ environmental efforts, its rooftop is home to two honeybee hives that can produce up to 75 pounds of fresh honey that guests can enjoy at breakfast.
The boutique hotel is in a more residential area of San Francisco. The address isn’t downtown, but it is near Billionaire’s Row, where luminaries like Gordon Getty and Nancy Pelosi live. The setting is pretty hilly, so wear sneakers if you plan to walk around the neighborhood.
There are plenty of nearby attractions, from the Presidio and Palace of Fine Arts to Fillmore and Sacramento Street shops and restaurants.
While the hotel does not have a spa, if you’re in the mood for a wellness treatment, you can find a superb one at Tata Harper Spa at Credo, Redmint or the Lingshu Institute, all of which are within walking distance from your room.

Amenities