In a city celebrated for its pioneering spirit and postcard-worthy views, 1 Hotel San Francisco sets a new standard for eco-conscious luxury. Perched on the Embarcadero waterfront, it is just steps from the historic Ferry Building. This five-star retreat redefines what it means to live well — not just in comfort, but in harmony with nature.
San Francisco has long attracted visionaries, creatives, and cultural tastemakers. It’s a place where innovation meets tradition, and scenic beauty forms the backdrop for the extraordinary. Indeed at 1 Hotel San Francisco, that ethos is brought to life in every detail — from the reclaimed wood beams overhead to curated local art on the walls. This is not merely a place to sleep; it’s a destination designed for mindful indulgence, transformative rest, and purposeful travel.
Arrival: First Impressions of a Living, Breathing Space
From the moment you arrive, 1 Hotel San Francisco feels different. It doesn’t shout its luxury — it whispers it. This is done in warm textures and calming tones, in quiet corners filled with greenery, and in a gentle, unwavering commitment to sustainability.
The entryway is an experience in itself: a lush vertical garden climbs the walls. You will notice the scent of eucalyptus and vetiver in the air, and natural sunlight filtered through eco-conscious architectural elements. Staff greet you with a relaxed, grounded energy — polished but never pretentious. Additionally, you receive a refreshing welcome beverage crafted with seasonal herbs.
Instead of traditional opulence, the design ethos draws on biophilic design principles, blending the built environment with the natural world. There’s a calmness here, a sense of belonging, as though the hotel is a living extension of the Bay itself.
Rooms: Where Luxury Rests Lightly on the Earth
Each of the 186 guest rooms and suites is a private retreat, inviting guests to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with what matters. The interior design speaks in a minimalist yet indulgent language: reclaimed redwood, stone sinks, live-edge desks, and floor-to-ceiling windows. These windows frame sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay or the bustling city below.
Eco-conscious travelers will appreciate the in-room filtered water taps, organic cotton robes and linens, and wool area rugs sourced from local artisans. Every element tells a story — of sustainability, of craftsmanship, and of California cool.
Tech conveniences are discreetly integrated: smart lighting, blackout shades, and in-room tablets. These offer contactless services and curated guides to local, sustainable experiences. For those inclined to digitally detox, the rooms are a quiet haven to unwind, journal, meditate, or simply bask in the morning sunlight.
Insider tip: Book the Panoramic Waterfront Suite if you truly want to elevate your experience. With 180-degree views of the Bay Bridge and a spa-inspired bathroom with a soaking tub, it’s one of the city’s most coveted luxury suites — ideal for honeymooners, creatives in need of inspiration, or anyone craving soulful solitude.
Dining at Terrene: Farm-to-Fork Sophistication
At Terrene, the hotel’s rooftop garden-inspired restaurant, dining becomes a celebration of Northern California’s seasonal bounty. Executive Chef Eric Marting sources ingredients from local organic farms, sustainable fisheries, and even the on-site garden. The result? Dishes that are as nourishing as they are photogenic.
Start your day with an oat milk cappuccino and a warm, gluten-free heirloom grain bowl. Come lunchtime, the vibrant grilled peach and burrata salad or the signature grass-fed burger on a sprouted bun offer indulgence without compromise. In the evening, the mood shifts — lights dim, wine glasses clink, and the menu takes on a globally inspired flair.
The Meyer lemon halibut, paired with locally grown rainbow chard and fennel, is a standout. So is the cocktail program — artisanal, herbaceous, and often infused with ingredients harvested that same morning.
The restaurant’s terrace is a hidden gem, offering panoramic views and a warm, convivial ambiance. Whether you’re enjoying a sunset dinner or sipping a biodynamic Pinot Noir by the outdoor fire pit, you’ll feel a rare kind of luxury: the kind that comes with meaning.
The Bamford Wellness Spa: Organic, Holistic, Heavenly
Luxury wellness has never felt this grounded. The Bamford Wellness Spa, tucked discreetly on the property’s lower level, is a sanctuary of calm. Created by Carole Bamford, the British wellness pioneer, this spa brings a distinctly holistic, slow-living sensibility to the city.
Choose from a menu of treatments using organic, plant-based products, including massages infused with Himalayan salt stones. Also available are detoxifying facials and body wraps that draw on English herbal traditions.
The experience allows to nourish not just the skin, but the soul. Rooms are quiet and minimally adorned, lit with soft natural light and subtly scented with essential oils. Post-treatment, you’re invited to linger in the relaxation lounge, sipping herbal tea and reconnecting with your breath.
The wellness offerings extend beyond the spa. There’s a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, wood-paneled treadmills, and filtered air systems. Daily yoga and guided meditation sessions are also offered, often held in spaces with waterfront views.
Sustainability: The Heartbeat of the Hotel
While many luxury properties are just beginning to explore eco-conscious practices, 1 Hotel San Francisco is built on them. Sustainability isn’t a feature — it’s the foundation.
- Zero single-use plastics throughout the property
- LEED-certified design with reclaimed and upcycled materials
- In-house composting and recycling systems
- Green rooftops that reduce energy consumption and support pollinators
- Water conservation technology integrated into all bathrooms
- Local sourcing of 75%+ of all food and amenities
- Partnership with 1 Tree Planted to contribute to global reforestation
Guests are encouraged to participate in this mission. Whether it’s borrowing one of the hotel’s e-bikes, taking the Audi e-tron house car to explore the city, or choosing to offset their carbon footprint at check-out, every stay becomes a conscious act.
Location: The Best of San Francisco, Just Steps Away
Situated directly on the Embarcadero, the hotel offers guests one of the most coveted addresses in San Francisco. Wake up to the shimmer of the Bay Bridge, stroll to the Ferry Building Marketplace for a morning latte and fresh flowers, or catch a sunset along the water’s edge at Pier 7.
The Financial District, North Beach, Chinatown, and SoMa are all within walking distance. Whether you’re catching a show at the San Francisco Symphony, shopping in Union Square, or tasting your way through the Saturday Farmers Market, the city unfolds effortlessly from your doorstep.
If you’re seeking more curated experiences, the hotel concierge team specialises in eco-luxury recommendations. These range from private sailing tours and sustainable vineyard visits in Napa, to personal shopping appointments at local, ethical boutiques.
Who It’s For
- Eco-conscious luxury travelers who crave sophistication without compromise
- Wellness-focused guests looking to recharge in body and spirit
- Couples seeking a romantic, restorative escape
- Creative professionals in need of inspiration, beauty, and mindful connection
- Affluent locals enjoying staycations with a purpose
1 Hotel San Francisco attracts a discerning yet grounded clientele — individuals who understand that true luxury isn’t about excess, but about intention. It is about choosing quality over quantity, wellness over stress, and connection over convenience.
Final Word: A Hotel with a Soul
In a world where luxury often feels detached from reality, 1 Hotel San Francisco is a revelation. It’s proof that indulgence doesn’t have to come at the earth’s expense. In fact, when done right, luxury can nurture the planet, nourish the soul, and elevate the everyday into the extraordinary.
If you’re seeking a destination that aligns with your values and your aesthetic, 1 Hotel San Francisco is your sanctuary. Here, every detail is a gesture of care — for you, and for the world we share.
Come for the luxury. Stay for the purpose. Leave inspired.
Stayed in May 2025
1 Hotel San Francisco opened in 2022 and is composed of 200 rooms and suites. We stayed in an Studio King with Soaking Tub Room, around 40sqm, which public rate starts at USD 840++/night.
1 Hotel San Francisco – Book
Address:
8 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
USA
