Hotel Drisco, San Francisco
More photosHotel Drisco is a hidden gem tucked away in the prestigious Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. Originally opening as a boarding house in 1903, this Edwardian estate has evolved into a sophisticated, family-owned boutique hotel. Its quiet residential setting offers a refined escape, feeling more like a private residence than a traditional hotel.
The property is famous for its understated elegance and thoughtful, old-school hospitality. Instead of digital room keys, you receive vintage gold-tasseled keys, a charming nod to the building’s history. The hotel also features unique eco-friendly upgrades, such as a hidden radiant ceiling heating and cooling system and two rooftop beehives that provide fresh honey for the gourmet breakfasts served each morning.
Guests are treated to exceptional perks that reflect the hotel’s personalized service, including a complimentary chauffeur service for morning trips and a nightly wine reception featuring local labels. These touches have made it a quiet favorite for visiting dignitaries and celebrities over the years.
Its location is perfect for those who want to experience the “real” San Francisco. You are just steps from the scenic Lyon Street Steps and the expansive Presidio, where you can explore forest trails or visit the Palace of Fine Arts. The neighborhood is surrounded by historic mansions, and the nearby Fillmore Street offers a fantastic array of local boutiques and dining options. Whether you are walking through nearby parks or taking in the bay views, it provides an authentically upscale experience.
Expert reviews
“The only hotel in Pacific Heights, a stately 1903 apartment-hotel tucked between mansions, stands high on the ridgeline. It’s notable for its architecture, attentive service and chic rooms, with their elegantly austere decor.”
“This posh Pacific Heights property gazes down upon the city and the bay. Rich textiles, heavy dark wooden furnishings, and golden fixtures hint at the tastes of those who select this hidden retreat.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in San Francisco.
“The historic Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights has such an under-the-radar, posh vibe, you might mistake it for a private residence in San Francisco’s tony Pacific Heights neighborhood. And that’s the charm of this 48-room property that’s hosted U.S. presidents (like Dwight D. Eisenhower) and celebrities (actors Ethan Hawke and Ashely Judd).”
“If you’re looking to pretend you’re a real San Francisco resident—and a wealthy one at that—stay at this elegant yet understated hotel nestled among the multimillion dollar mansions of swanky Pacific Heights.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in San Francisco.
“This Edwardian hilltop hideaway, surrounded by the dignified mansions of Pacific Heights, invites guests into the San Francisco high life. An old-fashioned sensibility – actual keys, staff dressed in waistcoats – meets luxurious modern comforts to create something classic, cosy and a cut above.”
What guests liked
- Great food
- Boutique style
- Friendly staff
- Excellent Wifi
- Great location
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
25 March 2026
Fabulous
26 February 2026
Exceptional
20 October 2025
My favorite place to stay in San Francisco! Always a pleasure.
16 October 2025
Exceptional
1 August 2025
Very good
21 May 2025
Exceptional
15 April 2025
I’ve travelled the world, and this is my favorite hotel!
22 March 2025
Exceptional
23 December 2024
Fabulous
13 November 2024
Exceptional
11 November 2024
Fabulous
29 October 2024
Exceptional
28 October 2024
Exceptional
30 July 2024
Very good
27 July 2024
Exceptional
14 July 2024
Fabulous
18 June 2024
Beside the smell it was good
Yes to all
My room smelt of fried bacon… not so nice as I don‘t eat meat.
5 June 2024
Exceptional
14 May 2024
Fabulous
4 May 2024
A lovely small hotel in the perfect Pacific Heights location; great breakfast and snacks.
7 April 2024
Fabulous
Friendliness of staff above all. Quiet location. Everything top notch.
27 March 2024
I would stay nowhere else in Pacific Heights.
Wonderful service. Beautiful hotel.
There are no restaurants nearby!
19 January 2024
Exceptional
1 January 2024
This is one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in. Every last detail was exceptional
17 November 2023
Wonderful- feels like a European Inn, a peaceful oasis in the city
The hotel feels very personal, like a European Inn. The wine tasting hour is a delight. Breakfast is gorgeous, and they have a no cell phone rule, it’s quiet, relaxing and feels like a real getaway.
The prices are high, and the gym is more like a personal workout space. Crowded with 3 people.
6 November 2023
Glorious! We felt very pampered! Will definitely return!
Location and the interior! Beautiful sitting room off main lobby. The rooms were very comfortable and classically decorated and the bathroom was lovely. The wine and cheese in the evening was amazing with delicious appetizers, cheeses and very nice wine!
It was undergoing work on the exterior, so we couldn’t fully enjoy the view or the beauty of the architecture.
2 November 2023
Exceptional
12 October 2023
Excellent hotel experience!
3 October 2023
Exceptional
3 September 2023
Fabulous
1 September 2023
Exceptional
28 August 2023
Exceptional
18 August 2023
Great place
Everything was great! The bed is amazing, the vies from the room.
Just on elevator but is ok
1 August 2023
We definitely will be returning guests.. continue with your excellent staff and service!
The boutique hotel was lovely, clean, the continental breakfast selection was more like a "European style" --full on menu (i.e.,beverages- juices, teas, coffee, espresso, hot entree with assortment of breads, pastries, spreads, fruits, cold entrees, etc.). The food was excellent. The quality of the food and beverages were exceptional! The morning dining room staff were professional and courteous and not intrusive to guests while dining. but, if you needed to order an item from the dine in menu the staff was there to take your order and worked efficiently. The dining room was clean and setup lovely. The staff always kept the food area replenished and very clean! We also enjoyed the 24 hour availably for in room dining. My husband and I will definitely be returning soon to stay at Hotel Drisco. The 24 hour parlor room service with hot and cold beverages with light snacks was a welcome treat especially the biscotti! Nice to come back to the Hotel and relax in the parlor room with a beverage and have a snack. The selection of quality teas were very nice. All the Hotel Drisco staff from bell men, front desk, dining room and housekeeping were professional and courteous especially, Tanjay! Our room was clean and very comfortable...housekeeping staff always kept our room very clean...like the bed and bath linens too!
The only disappointing issue we had was that the person(s) in the room directly above us we could hear them walking around constantly ---creaking floor boards and footsteps over our bedroom area. It was unfortunate since this occurred overnight especially, in the early morning hours (midnight, and 5:00am to 7:00am).
Another problem was the TV in the living room. Very difficult to channel change with the remote even though my husband tried using the remote from the bedroom.
24 July 2023
Not value for money
Location
Staff
18 July 2023
was nice stay more like home in a very nice neighbourhood.
Room, location, breakfast, happy hour all great.
Front desk people are changing all the time and confusing since no communication in each other so wrong and missing reservations happenning. They are nice though but not all of them have enough experience which is surprising for such a nice boutique hotel.
Hotel facilities
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Packed lunches
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Shuttle service (free)
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Shared lounge/TV area
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Fitness
- - Bicycle rental
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Food & Drink
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne
- - Fruits
- - Coffee house on site
Entertainment & family services
- - Board games/puzzles
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
- - Raised toilet
- - Lower bathroom sink
- - Visual aids: Braille
- - Visual aids: Tactile signs
- - Auditory guidance
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Face masks for guests available
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