Imagine a time in San Francisco when fortunes could be made practically overnight for dreamers with vision and drive.
In the 1860s four Sacramento businessmen turned their gaze towards San Francisco and determined it was the place to further their futures.
Known as The Big Four, all bigwigs with the Central Pacific Railroad who built homes on “California Hill” (now known as Nob Hill) intent on outdoing each other—president Leland Stanford, vice-president Collis P. Huntington, acting treasurer Mark Hopkins, and head of construction Charles Crocker—were men of means who meant to get even richer.
More than 150 years later, The Huntington Hotel is reclaiming those glory days.
The Gilded Age-evoking concierge at The Huntington Hotel(Courtesy of The Huntington Hotel)
A years-long remodel and reimagining by creative mastermind Ken Fulk has transformed the property. In addition to 143 guest rooms and a 1,500-square-foot penthouse suite, the Huntington’s reopening marks the return of the Big Four Restaurant (which is celebrating its 50th anniversary), and the over-the-top Nob Hill Spa.
Green is the property’s signature color, and it’s used in various shades on everything from walls to velvet couches, leather seats, and carpeting. The renovation, meanwhile, preserved the building’s original Georgian details like gorgeous plasterwork ceilings, boiserie panels (intricate woodwork that’s affixed to the walls), stained glass accents, and light-filled windows. Mixed with its dark mahogany woods and oversized framed portraits, the effect is equal parts comforting and elegant.
Entering the lobby of the hotel, you’ll be glad you aren’t wearing flannel jammies or crocs. Although the vibe is relaxed, this is a place where you’re likely to find former mayor Willie Brown at the bar in a suit and various guests drinking signature cocktails straight out of the ‘50s.
“It’s like stepping into a beautifully recreated Gilded Age past: very elegant, atmospheric, and full of character; less like a traditional historic hotel and more like an immersive, curated experience,” says hotel guest Andrés Aluma. “But what really elevates it is the staff. They’ve anticipated our needs in a way that feels almost like having your own private butler—attentive without ever being intrusive, and genuinely warm.”
The Crimson Room at the revamped Big Four Restaurant(Courtesy of The Huntington Hotel)
Billing itself as the “Officially Unofficial Club House,” the hotel’s legendary dining room also aims for a mix of nostalgia and modern tastes. Start your day at breakfast with a nod to the ‘Nob and order an egg dish such as the Big 4 omelet (filled with gingrass-smoked salmon and chives or ham and comté cheese). Lunch options include a raw bar, or the sure-to-be-a-favorite caramelized onion soup gratinée made with oxtail bouillon and apple brandy. Dinner can be as casual or high-end as you’d like, with mains like Sonoma lamb t-bone chops and a take on the classic cioppino with yellowtail, littleneck clams, Half Moon Bay calamari, and Dungeness crab toast.
Although many hotels boast spectacular spas, the Nob Hill Spa is an indulgent urban sanctuary. Spanning three levels, it features an airy indoor pool, outdoor terrace, treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms, a relaxation lounge, and an 1,800-square-foot fitness center.
Select from a menu that includes CBD massages or indulgences like The Huntington Revival, an 80-minute full-body treatment based on Ayurvedic practices. Continue the bliss-fest on one of the twin-bed-sized poolside loungers—or head outdoors to The Terrace’s south-facing sundeck overlooking downtown. Be sure to browse the highly curated selection of home goods in their stunning gift shop.
Lobby bar Arabella's Cocktail Saloon(Courtesy of @tonybravosf)
Kelly McGonigle Squier, an event producer and co-founder of Ladies Who Launch, was also in town the week The Big Four officially opened to the public, meeting friends for drinks in the hotel’s lobby bar Arabella’s Cocktail Saloon (named after socialite Arabella Huntington).
“Honestly, the hotel used to feel like an aristocratic grandmother’s house,” she says, surrounded by the bar’s new Art Nouveau opulence. “It needed a facelift and some loving attention. Ken Fulk, who I feel is, like, ‘Mr. San Francisco,’ did a fabulous job of combining deliberate nods to the ‘old guard’ while integrating modern touches of luxury into the existing architectural details. He’s made it feel incredibly elegant, yet still accessible.”
“Ken Fulk absolutely nailed it,” agrees Aluma. “It never feels random or excessive—instead, every detail contributes to a cohesive narrative that honors the history of Nob Hill while making it feel current.” (One example? The buttons on the doormen’s pea-green jackets that sport the initials HH.)
A guest room at The Huntington Hotel (Courtesy of The Huntington Hotel)
As for the rooms themselves, each is outfitted in neutral earth tones that provide a sense of warmth and comfort. Though they’re stylishly designed (think faux suede, oversized duvets and coordinating throw pillows, polished brass accessories, and contemporary art), they’re also laid out for practicality.
McGonigle Squier’s insider tip for experiencing the complete package (whether you’re spending the night or not) starts with a 4pm spa appointment for a facial or massage followed by a leisurely dip in the pool.
“Then get dressed and head upstairs for a drink at the bar—and be sure to order a martini from Barbara,” she continues. “Afterwards, head into The Big Four (hopefully with a reservation) and have their classic chicken pot pie. I guarantee it will be a San Francisco night to remember.”
// 1075 California St. (Nob Hill), thehuntingtonhotel.com
