Valentine’s Day at the Fairmont Hotel

This Valentine’s Day enrich your romance by a delightful experience and unforgettable memories of your stay at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. Named among the most romantic hotels in America’s favorite city, the hotel’s staff lives up to its reputation by offering a deliciously sumptuous experience in the ultimate luxury of the Fairmont San Francisco’s iconic Penthouse Suite.

“Penthouse Dreams and Caviar Wishes” Valentine’s Day celebration offer includes:  Overnight accommodations in the Penthouse Suite for up to six guests; Private luxury roundtrip transportation from SFO or OAK to Fairmont San Francisco;  Welcome bottle of Dom Perignon on arrival; A signature caviar and martini experience; Daily luxury breakfast prepared in suite; Dedicated personal concierge.

  *This offer is available year round. Don’t wait to celebrate!”

The Fairmont San Francisco has enchanted bon vivants for generations. Review the list of some of the rich and famous guests who enjoyed their beautiful and luxurious stay at the hotel’s lavishly stunning Penthouse Suite:

• First Lady Jackie Kennedy and President John F. Kennedy
• Marilyn Monroe: Legend has it that she escaped through a secret passageway hidden by a sliding bookcase when Jackie Kennedy arrived..

And that’s what I call “ Ooops…”

• Elton John: Played the piano in the suite
• The Rolling Stones: Partied in the suite
• Prince Charles of Wales: Stayed in the suite
• Alfred Hitchcock: Stayed in the suite
• Casey Neistat: Stayed in the suite and made a video about it

To add to the list of your unforgettable memories of this wonderful and unique Valentine’s Day festivity, which I am sure you will want to share with your family and friends who missed sharing with you (as your guests) the fabulous  “Penthouse Dreams and Caviar Wishes” experience,  may I mention the rich history of the Fairmont Hotel, (Courtesy of the hotel’s history page and Michelle Heston):

As leaders and delegates from fifty nations descended upon San Francisco for the inaugural United Nations Conference on International Organization during the summer of 1945, Fairmont San Francisco played a role in the formation of the new global peacekeeping organization. The idea for the United Nations was formed during the throes of World War II, and President Truman’s Secretary of State, Edward R. Stettinius Jr. suggested that delegates draft a charter in San Francisco. While some of the assemblies took place at San Francisco’s Opera House and Veterans Building, smaller gatherings were held in Fairmont San Francisco’s Garden Room where, today, a plaque commemorates the launch of the UN charter. Stettinius spent the summer in Fairmont San Francisco’s magnificent Penthouse Suite, displacing heiress Maude Flood who famously remarked that the next time she left Fairmont San Francisco would be in a pine box. Apparently, Stettinius’ lavish quarters were the preferred spot for VIPs to gather after the day’s formalities, and mingle over cigars and brandy.

On June 25th, 1945, Truman arrived at Fairmont San Francisco to greet the delegates amidst great fanfare. Later that evening, the United Nations’ much-debated charter was formally approved, and it was signed by delegates the following day. San Francisco had so wooed its international visitors that it made the short list for the United Nations’ permanent home (though it ultimately lost out to New York). Today, the flags of every nation represented at that historic meeting fly above the hotel’s grand entrance. Over the years, dignitaries have reportedly requested that a rival flag be removed during their stay, yet Fairmont San Francisco has stayed true to the UN’s charter, politely declining and letting all the flags wave.

Surprised to see Tony Bennet’s bronze sculpture at the main entrance to the Fairmont Hotel? Glad you asked:

The First Time Tony Bennett Sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” From the 1940s to the 1970s, Fairmont San Francisco’s glamorous Venetian Room was the place to be with lush red interiors, a swinging house orchestra, and jacketed waiters whisking about candlelit tables. In December 1961, a well-dressed crowd at the fabulous supper club became the first to hear Tony Bennett serenade them with what would become his signature tune. Since that night,

Mr. Bennett and Fairmont San Francisco have enjoyed a special bond.

“Of all of the show biz people I’ve met, he’s at the top of the list for being so sweet and kind,” says Wolfe, who once got the opportunity to introduce Bennett when the regular announcer was struck with laryngitis. In 2016, Fairmont San Francisco hosted Bennett’s 90th birthday and unveiled an 8-foot-tall bronze likeness of the singer, which stands in front of the hotel. On that day, Mayor Ed Lee declared August 19th to be “Tony Bennett Day,” and a local ice cream shop scooped the Bennett-inspired flavor “Duet” with limoncello and biscotti in a nod to the crooner’s Italian heritage. Two years later, Fairmont San Francisco, along with the City of San Francisco, renamed the stretch of street that fronts the hotel as Tony Bennett Way, and christened it with a celebrity-studded block party. Yet, it was Bennett’s entrance that wowed the crowd, as he — or rather, a stuntwoman dressed as Bennett — rappelled down the front of the hotel to excited cheers below.

Today, guests can leave their own heart in San Francisco by booking Fairmont San Francisco’s Diplomat Tony Bennett Suite on the 22nd floor of the Tower Building, which offers panoramic views of the city so beloved by the legendary singer, along with original artwork from Bennett himself.

Information on Tina Turner’s performance may be found at the following link: https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/25/fairmont-hotel-turned-people-on-to-tina-turner/

The Fairmont Hotel’s files show that the following entertainers also performed in the famed room: Jack Jones, Rich Little, Lou Rawls, Vikki Carr,  Nancy Wilson, Louie Nye, Peggy Lee, and many more.

Just like Tony Bennett you too can find your heart in San Francisco by celebrating and enjoying your memorable and romantic Valentine’s Day celebration at the magical Fairmont Hotel Atop Nob Hill. Happy Valentine’s Day!

For details about the Faimront’s Valentine’s Day Offers please visit: sanfrancisco@fairmont.com or call 415-772-5000

Photos courtesy of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco

By Lina Broydo