We love the Fairmont for its memories of college days in the Tonga Room. We go to San Francisco about 8 or 9 weekends a year for theatre, and one time got a good rate at the Fairmont. It was small and rather dumpy looking, and the windows looked out over an interior space, quite large, to another wing of the hotel. They do have a more modern tower, but I do believe that the special rate rooms are relegated to what we experienced. That said, do ask for a description of the room you would get.

Problem solved - we're going to Germany!

Thanks for all of your input, though. I'll miss the tonga room.

Have fun! Germany is a long way from SF. The Tonga Room is only good for drinks and pupus, anyway so you didn't miss much. As for the hotel - you missed a special place.

Hmmmm...was just going to advise as to which rooms to ask for (if they try to keep to a certain category) as we had a whole group stay there for my Mom's 80th.

Their tea, too, is really fresh & wonderful!

I agree w/others here. 'Tis easy to get other spots & to us, a fun
stroll down (& yes, up) the hill only to shopping in Union Square.
And such views from the area itself (peekaboo ones as you walk around)

Don't HAVE to get them from your room, after all. And what we enjoyed (and do when in the area) is the sense of quiet one can get there over so many other, noisy in-town locations!!
A place of refuge amid the hubbub.

Yes, still hear traffic somewhat, but so little of it compared to others.
And at night, when it's truly quiet..can hear the gentle whirring sound of the cables themselves along the cable line. (charming in its own way)

You're also near Grace Cathedral...really impressive lit at night...and again, we found we didn't need a view towards the City itself (often the financial district) but
even having one over the 'square' itself was as charming, in a different
sort of way. (more intimate)