This Landmark Hotel Boasts San Francisco's Highest Bar

Since 1926, the stately InterContinental Mark Hopkins has stood as a beacon of elegance and history in San Francisco’s prestigious Nob Hill neighborhood. The hotel, a French Chateau-inspired marvel, welcomes guests through grand marble arches into an opulent lobby that sets the tone for the refined experience that awaits. However, it’s the 19-story journey to the glass-walled Top of the Mark—San Francisco’s highest bar and one of its most iconic landmarks—that truly captivates. From this vantage point, guests are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the San Francisco Bay, and the vibrant Nob Hill neighborhood, with its stately Pacific-Union Club perched nearby.

The InterContinental Mark Hopkins holds a special place in the city’s history as a Triple-A Designated San Francisco Landmark. It is also the oldest property in the prestigious InterContinental portfolio, having joined the brand in 1973. The hotel’s origins trace back to railroad magnate Mark Hopkins, who built a grand mansion on the site in 1878, atop one of Nob Hill’s highest points. Unfortunately, the mansion was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, but the legacy of luxury and opulence continued. The current building, designed by the esteemed architectural firm Weeks and Day, opened in 1926. With its French and Spanish influences, the hotel became a symbol of luxury, offering 380 rooms and 33 suites for guests who sought history, comfort, and a feeling of being above it all.

The hotel’s most famous feature, the Top of the Mark, has long been a gathering place for San Francisco’s elite. Over the years, the bar has witnessed history in the making, from glamorous Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, and Elvis Presley to political figures like Charles de Gaulle, Prince Philip, and Presidents Hoover and Roosevelt. In the Big Band era, the Top of the Mark became a hotspot for musical performances by legends such as Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey. During World War II, the bar became a tradition for servicemen and their loved ones, who would buy bottles to send off soldiers heading for the Pacific. This tradition of “squadron shots” continues to this day, with a cabinet of bottles purchased by patrons in tribute to the legacy.

Despite the passage of time, the Top of the Mark retains its old-world charm, offering a perfect blend of history and modern luxury. Guests can indulge in gourmet treats like buckwheat blinis with Beluga caviar and Champagne tastings, especially during the favored sunset hours, when the city’s skyline is bathed in golden light. The Nob Hill Club, located just off the lobby, offers a more casual dining experience with classic American and San Francisco-inspired dishes, including Dungeness crab rolls, fresh-caught salmon, and Eggs Benedict.

The hotel’s interiors are a testament to its rich history and artistic heritage. The Room of the Dons, a stunning space filled with nine seven-foot-tall murals by renowned artists Maynard Dixon and Frank Van Sloun, provides a captivating glimpse into California’s past. These murals, unveiled at the hotel’s opening in 1926, depict historical moments like Sir Francis Drake’s 1579 landing on the California coast. The hotel also boasts a treasure trove of fine art and sculpture, with many pieces displayed throughout the property, enhancing the historic ambiance.

The rooms and suites at the Mark Hopkins are the epitome of luxury, blending classic continental charm with modern amenities. Each room features stunning views of the city and the bay, with many offering vistas of iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Coit Tower. The hotel’s top suites, including the California Suite, Penthouse Suite, Presidential Suite, Nob Hill Suite, and the Mark Hopkins Suite, offer the ultimate in privacy and comfort. These suites, some with wood paneling and fireplaces, exude the feeling of staying in a private mansion on Nob Hill. Guests can enjoy an immersive experience in these elegant spaces, which combine historic details with the latest in luxury living.

Beyond the hotel’s walls, Nob Hill remains one of San Francisco’s most prestigious neighborhoods. The area is known for its historic architecture, upscale restaurants, and boutique shops, all within walking distance of the hotel. Visitors can take a ride on the city’s famous cable cars, which pass by landmarks like Grace Cathedral and the steep hills that Steve McQueen made famous in car chases. The hotel’s location offers easy access to the Financial District, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s cultural and culinary treasures.

San Francisco’s culinary scene is a major draw for visitors, with its renowned seafood and diverse dining options. Just minutes away from the hotel, the city offers some of the best seafood in the world, including the famous cioppino, a seafood stew first created in the 1800s. Guests are encouraged to ask the hotel’s concierge for recommendations on the best places to find this signature dish or where to sample the freshest oysters. The proximity to Napa and Sonoma wine country adds another layer of appeal for food lovers, who can easily take day trips to explore the region’s celebrated wineries.

As one of San Francisco’s oldest and most prestigious hotels, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins remains a symbol of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. With its stunning views, world-class amenities, and prime location, it continues to attract discerning travelers seeking a luxurious and timeless experience. Whether enjoying a cocktail at the Top of the Mark, dining at the Nob Hill Club, or simply relaxing in one of its opulent suites, guests are guaranteed a memorable stay in one of San Francisco’s most iconic hotels.