LOCATION Centrally located in the quiet, exclusive Nob Hill part of the city, close to both the financial and tourist centres. The Fairmont is on a junction of tram lines — though these are expensive — and, while its hilltop spot affords fantastic views, it is a slog to walk back to. Expect to take taxis.

AMBIENCE Its sweeping, marble-clad foyer, with its lush upholstery and ornate trimmings, gives the impression that this is a hotel of some grandeur. Beyond the foyer, however, and the décor is more taupe pedestrian, if never quite corporate. The Fairmont is full of surprises: don’t miss the recently refurbished Tonga Room, with its floating band and simulated thunderstorm every 20 minutes to accompany your Bora Bora Horror cocktail.

GUESTROOMS All 591 rooms are spacious, and have recently been renovated with top-flight trimmings — robes, Frette linen, thick carpets — and a décor more traditional elegance than contemporary edginess. The 62 suites amount to small apartments, with large living areas doubling as effective office space. But the welcoming bottle of Evian — yours for €5 — seems misplaced.

SERVICE Efficient, discreet, friendly without being chummy — exemplary of the American service mentality.

CAN I WORK HERE? With 5,000m2 of meeting space, 20 meeting rooms, full satellite teleconferencing capability and a business centre, the Fairmont is business-friendly; however, in-room Wi-fistill incurs a charge.

CAN I LIVE HERE? Nothing about the hotel is jaw-dropping, but everything is quality. Its chief appeal is its history: a city icon since 1907, it was here Orson Welles encountered Randolph Hearst in the elevator, where Tony Bennett first sang I Left My Heart in San Francisco, where the UN Charter was signed and where Hollywood elite came to swim and heads of state to parley. Class.

WORTH NOTING The company behind the hotel, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, looks determined to raise its hospitality industry profile: plans are afoot to develop 30 new properties over the next few years.

+1 415 772 5000; www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco