Hotel Nikko

San Francisco Review

222 Mason Street

Located in downtown San Francisco right by Union Square and the Theater District, the Hotel Nikko is truly one of the most unique places to stay in the city. The entrance and lobby are furnished in contemporary Japanese style, with gray marble covering the walls and floors in a very sleek, modern design. A water fountain trickles through the huge lobby, which is filled with modern chairs and tables and overlooks the busy streets. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, even when the hotel is busy.

The Hotel Nikko looks completely different from any other hotel, and at first its lack of wood paneling, vaulted ceilings, and Persian rugs can be disarming and a bit intimidating. If you want a traditional hotel with classical furnishings, you might want to check out other hotels in the area. But if you want a unique experience along with great service and facilities, the Hotel Nikko is a great place to stay.

The Hotel Nikko is Japanese-owned, and is very service-oriented. The staff are all warm and helpful and are there to make guests feel at home and comfortable. The hotel's 510 rooms and 22 suites have everything a visitor could want, including very high speed (10Mb/sec) wireless internet access. The hotel houses a staffed, fully-equipped 24-hr business center that even notarizes, an atrium-covered swimming pool, and a large 10,000 sq ft health club with respective his and her dry saunas and steam rooms.  Also on the lobby level is a nightclub with entertainment nightly, with recent performers such as: Rita Moreno, Spyro Gyra, Tony Martin, Ashford & Simpson, Chita Rivera, and the Thunder from Down Under.

Within the hotel are boutiques, a fine art store, a hair salon, a travel office, a Japanese airlines office, and an Enterprise Rental Car branch. There is a really good Starbucks connected to the hotel, too. Valet parking is available, and there is a taxi stand outside the hotel. The Hotel Nikko is great for tourists and especially recommended for business travelers. It has many business rooms and suites, and is great for business conferences or events - the conference room on the top floor has panoramic views of the city and all events are catered by the restaurant in the hotel.

The hotel is also central to many tourist attractions, events, and restaurants, and is in a safe part of the city. Union Square and the Cable Cars are within two blocks, and the Sony Metreon, the Moscone Center, Yerba Buena Gardens, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art within five blocks, and Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown are only a short drive away. The hotel's restaurant, ANZU, is renowned throughout the city, and features an eclectic menu: sushi, steaks, and sake martinis. The Hotel Nikko is a great mix of modern styling, ambience, and décor, and classic service and comforts.

Marc writes, "Just returned from SF. Stayed at Hotel Nikko on Union Square. Was one of the nicest and well run hotels I have ever stayed at. Service was prompt and efficient, from the moment our taxi arrived and the valent immediately took our bags from the trunk for check in. Housekeeping services were exceptional. Our room was huge, as was the bathroom. This is a hotel placing a great emphasis on service. I got the impression that they would do most anything to ensure that their guests were pleased. Try to get a room on the Nikko Floor (about $40 extra/nite) on the top floors, which also includes a full breakfeast in the dining room or continental breakfast in your room, as well as turndown service without having to request it. A real class act!!!"

Gena writes, "Just checked in last night. What a lovely and modern style hotel. The room (intermediate Club level) is spacious, as is the bathroom. Something that is rare in San Francisco. Fairly quiet, considering I am in downtown. Service is excellent. I requested a small mini-fridge to store some milk and it was at my door within 10 minutes. There was a big screen TV in the room. I would stay here again in a heartbeat. Great location and lots of smiles from the staff, too! "