The Review: Four Seasons San Francisco – Market Street

OTR Rating: 91 | Epic Road Marker

A True Home Base in the City

The Stay

Some places become part of your rhythm without trying too hard. The Four Seasons San Francisco at Market Street isn’t just a place I crash—it’s a place I return to. Every visit to see my brother in the Bay Area starts and ends here, and over time, it’s taken on a kind of ritual. Morning walks through Union Square, editing sessions in the suite with coffee nearby, familiar faces in the lobby who know me by more than name. It’s not about the luxury—it’s about the fit.

What sets this Four Seasons apart isn’t just the convenience or the view—it’s the subtle way it adapts to how I travel. Solo or with company, working or wandering, this hotel flexes with the trip. Add in a rental car concierge that lets me skip the airport chaos and staff who genuinely connect, and suddenly this stop becomes something more—a launchpad for stories and photography all across the Bay.

It’s rare to find a city hotel that feels like a basecamp, but this one does. Familiar. Grounded. And full of the kind of small moments that stay with you long after you’ve checked out.

Location & Setting (18 / 20)

• Steps from Union Square, with access to food, shopping, and morning walks.

• Central enough for spontaneity; grounded enough for routine.

• Doesn’t offer sweeping views like the Mark Hopkins—but this one is about energy, not elevation.

Vibe & Atmosphere (18 / 20)

• Polished and understated—luxury without screaming it.

• Feels like returning to something that fits, not something trying to impress.

• Quiet hallways, respectful staff, no overdone buzz or show.

Room Experience (14 / 15)

• Standard King runs ~$550; upgraded Executive Suite around ~$750.

• Worth the upgrade if you’re staying more than a night—space to edit, unwind, reset.

• Design is minimalist comfort: clean lines, warm tones, everything just works.

Service & Hospitality (14 / 15)

• Rental car concierge is a standout—skip the airport chaos entirely.

• Staff recognize more than your name—they pick up on your rhythm.

• Bartender Alan at MKT made the stay personal—took me golfing at TPC Harding Park.

Amenities & Extras (9 / 10)

• Full access to Equinox Gym (not a hotel knockoff).

• Spa, indoor pool, rooftop terrace, lobby art gallery.

• Dual entrance access: Market St for vibe, valet side for ease.

• Room service is fast and thoughtfully presented.

Value for Money (8 / 10)

• Not the cheapest city option, but this isn’t for one-night crashers.

• If you use the concierge, the gym, and the vibe—it more than earns the rate.

• Quiet, functional luxury that doesn’t try to be more than what it is.

Photography Moments (10 / 10)

The city unfolds just steps outside—and the photo ops are endless:

• 📍 Lands End: Fog pouring in off the cliffs.

• 📍 Bay Bridge at sunrise: A steel-and-light symphony.

• 📍 Half Moon Bay / Napa: Contrast in light and landscape.

• 📍 Painted Ladies & Presidio Park: City nostalgia.

• 📍 Golden Gate Bridge: Every time of day, always a different mood.

• 📍 Fisherman’s Wharf: Even the tourist spots hit right in the right light.

• 📍 Walnut Creek: Like my hometown, and Camera West makes it even more personal.

• 📍 Tiburon & Sausalito: Quaint, coastal, and unexpectedly soulful.

Final Word

The Four Seasons at Market Street isn’t about being flashy. It’s about fit. It gives me exactly what I need—space, rhythm, connection—and then quietly gets out of the way. Whether you’re in town for business, pleasure, or photography, this one becomes part of your story, not just a backdrop.

🔰 OTR RATING SCALE: 91 / 100 | Epic Road Marker

What the Numbers Mean

Not all 5-star stays are created equal. That’s why I rate out of 100—so there’s room for nuance, story, and soul.

These scores aren’t just technical—they’re emotional. Each range reflects how the place made me feel, not just what it offered. It’s the difference between “just another night” and “I’ll never forget this.”

Here’s how to read the road:

• 90–100 | Epic Road Marker – A destination you’ll never forget, bucket-list worthy.

• 80–89 | Worth the Detour – Stunning, reliable, and photo-rich—worth the splurge.

• 70–79 | Scenic but Flawed – Solid experience, a few bumps in the road.

• 60–69 | Roadside Stop – Good for a night, but doesn’t leave a lasting mark.

• Below 60 | Missed Turn – Something was off, wouldn’t return or recommend.