Hotel Nikko San Francisco, located at 222 Mason Street in Union Square, blends Japanese-inspired hospitality with downtown convenience. With 532 guest rooms and a 10,000-square-foot health club, it ranks among the area’s larger luxury properties. This review draws on verified guest ratings and official information to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your trip.
Last checked: 2026-09-03
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Hotel Name: Hotel Nikko San Francisco · Location: 222 Mason Street, Union Square, San Francisco · Rooms: 532 · Height: 28 stories / 295 feet
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-03.
Sources reviewed: official property website, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, Forbes Travel Guide, Cvent, Haute Living SF, Okura Nikko Hotel Management site.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
Hotel Nikko San Francisco at a glance
- 532 guest rooms, including 22 suites (TripAdvisor)
- 10,000 square feet, open 24 hours with state-of-the-art equipment (Hotel Nikko official site)
- Indoor glass-enclosed heated swimming pool (Hotel Nikko FAQ)
- Dry sauna, steam rooms, whirlpool spa, cold plunge (Hotel Nikko FAQ)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel Name | Hotel Nikko San Francisco |
| Location | 222 Mason Street, Union Square, San Francisco |
| Rooms | 532 |
| Suites | 22 |
| Check-in / Check-out | 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| Valet parking rate | Approximately USD 85 per night |
| Amenity fee includes | Health club, premium internet, pool access |
| EPA Energy Star awards | 10 (only San Francisco hotel with that record) |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 222 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 |
| Room count | 532 |
| Suite count | 22 |
| Health club size | 10,000 sq ft |
| Pool | Indoor glass-enclosed heated |
| Check-in | 3:00 PM |
| Check-out | 11:00 AM |
| Valet parking | USD 85/night |
| Smoking policy | Entirely smoke-free |
| Pet policy | Pet-friendly with rooftop dog run |
| On-site dining | Restaurant ANZU, Feinstein’s at the Nikko |
| Management | Okura Nikko Hotel Management |
Is Hotel Nikko San Francisco a good hotel?
Guest ratings across multiple platforms suggest a consistently positive experience. On TripAdvisor, the hotel holds approximately 4.2 out of 5 based on more than 5,000 reviews, with cleanliness and sleep quality frequently praised. Booking.com shows an average of 8.7/10, with cleanliness and comfort both rated around 9.2. Trip.com users give it 9.3 out of 10 overall, citing amenities (9.4) and service (9.1).
What makes Hotel Nikko a good choice? The property stands out for its Japanese-influenced luxury, a 10,000-square-foot wellness center, and an indoor glass-enclosed pool. The Forbes Travel Guide listing confirms its luxury standards. Guests often mention the large rooms, friendly front desk staff, and the convenience of being steps from Union Square.
Guest ratings and common praise: Three independent reviewers on Trip.com highlighted the delicious breakfast, convenient downtown location, and easy access around the city. One reviewer noted the impressive gym and clean pool. Another appreciated the quiet rooms despite the central location.
The bottom line: Hotel Nikko San Francisco earns high marks for cleanliness, service, and amenities, making it a reliable choice for travelers who value a well-appointed base in Union Square.
Does Nikko hotel San Francisco offer breakfast?
Breakfast is available at the hotel, but it is not included in the standard room rate. Expedia lists a daily buffet breakfast served from approximately 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, priced around USD 45–55 per person. The on-site Restaurant ANZU also serves breakfast and is known for its California cuisine with an Asian flair.
Breakfast options on-site
Guests can choose the buffet in the main restaurant or opt for the Imperial Club Lounge, which includes continental breakfast for those staying on Imperial Club floors. The hotel’s official site describes the Imperial Club as offering daily continental breakfast and an evening wine and cheese reception.
Nearby breakfast alternatives
Union Square is filled with cafes and bakeries. Popular options within a five-minute walk include The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus and Dottie’s True Blue Café. However, the hotel’s own breakfast receives strong reviews for convenience and quality.
The trade-off: The buffet cost is typical for a luxury hotel, but it may feel steep for budget-conscious travelers. Nearby alternatives offer more variety at lower prices.
What are the best restaurants near Hotel Nikko San Francisco?
Within the hotel, Restaurant ANZU serves California cuisine with an Asian flair, including an acclaimed sushi and raw bar. For evening entertainment, Feinstein’s at the Nikko is a 140-seat nightclub hosting Broadway and cabaret performances.
Top-rated nearby restaurants
Union Square’s dining scene is diverse. Within a few blocks, you’ll find:
- Farallon – seafood-focused fine dining, 0.2 miles away.
- Kokkari Estiatorio – Greek-Mediterranean cuisine, 0.3 miles.
- Bocadillos – Spanish tapas, 0.2 miles.
- John’s Grill – classic American steakhouse, 0.1 miles.
Many guests also recommend the nearby food trucks and casual spots on Ellis Street. The hotel’s central location makes it easy to walk to dozens of restaurants.
Why this matters: Having Restaurant ANZU and Feinstein’s on-site means you can enjoy a high-quality meal or live show without leaving the building, but the surrounding area offers plenty of alternatives for those who want to explore.
Is Hotel Nikko San Francisco safe?
The hotel sits at 222 Mason Street, one block from Union Square – a generally safe and well-trafficked area. Security measures include a 24-hour front desk, keycard access to guest floors, and a fully staffed lobby. The property is entirely smoke-free.
Hotel security measures
Guests consistently report feeling secure inside the hotel. The 24-hour health club and pool area are accessible only with a room key. The hotel’s official site emphasizes its commitment to guest safety, and the property is well-lit at all hours.
Neighborhood safety overview
Union Square is one of San Francisco’s busiest commercial districts, with police presence and security cameras. However, some online reviews note that the surrounding downtown area can feel sketchy at night, particularly on side streets. A few TripAdvisor reviewers mention this as a minor concern, but they also note that the hotel itself feels safe.
The pattern: The hotel’s location is both a strength (convenience) and a minor trade-off (perception of safety). Guests who stay within the hotel’s immediate vicinity report no issues.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Spacious, clean rooms with pillow-top beds
- Excellent wellness center: pool, sauna, steam rooms, 24-hour gym
- Central Union Square location steps from shops and restaurants
- Friendly and helpful front desk staff
- On-site dining (ANZU) and live entertainment (Feinstein’s)
- Pet-friendly with rooftop dog run
- LGBTQ-friendly (recommended by TAG)
Cons
- Daily amenity fee adds to the base room rate
- Valet parking costs USD 85 per night
- Some guests find the neighborhood less safe at night
- Breakfast not included and can be expensive (USD 45–55)
- No complimentary airport shuttle
- Nightclub noise from Feinstein’s may be audible in some rooms
Best for these travelers
- Couples: The romantic pool area, on-site dining, and evening entertainment make it a great choice for a weekend getaway.
- Business travelers: Premium Wi-Fi, flexible meeting spaces, and a 24-hour business center support productivity.
- Tourists: Steps from Union Square, cable cars, and major attractions; the concierge can help with sightseeing plans.
- Luxury seekers: Imperial Club rooms, Japanese-inspired service, and a Forbes-listed wellness center appeal to those wanting a premium stay.
Pricing band
Hotel Nikko San Francisco is positioned in the luxury to upper-mid-range segment. Standard room rates typically start in the mid-to-high range for Union Square, though exact prices vary by season and booking platform. The daily amenity fee (approximately USD 30–40, based on industry norms for hotels of this class) covers health club and internet access. Valet parking adds USD 85 per night. Breakfast runs USD 45–55 per person if purchased separately. For a more inclusive experience, the Imperial Club adds lounge access with breakfast and evening wine and cheese.
Location and getting there
Hotel Nikko San Francisco is located at 222 Mason Street, one block from Union Square. The hotel is within walking distance of the Powell Street BART and Muni station (0.2 miles), giving direct access to the airport and the rest of the city. For those driving, valet parking is available at USD 85 per night. The hotel does not advertise a complimentary airport shuttle; guests typically use rideshares, taxis, or BART.
Nearby attractions include the Theatre District, Chinatown, and the Financial District. The hotel’s central location means most major sights are within a 15-minute walk or a short cable car ride.
Our pick
For luxury travelers, couples, and business visitors who want a well-maintained, centrally located hotel with strong wellness amenities and a touch of Japanese hospitality, Hotel Nikko San Francisco is a solid choice. The combination of a large health club, indoor pool, on-site dining, and attentive service consistently earns high marks from guests. Be mindful of the extra costs – amenity fee, parking, breakfast – but for those who can absorb them, the hotel delivers a reliable, comfortable stay in the heart of the city.
hotelnikkosf.com, tripadvisor.de
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Hotel Nikko San Francisco?
Hotel Nikko San Francisco is part of the Okura Nikko Hotel Management group, which operates luxury hotels globally.
What is the history of Hotel Nikko San Francisco?
According to Forbes Travel Guide, the hotel celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2022, indicating it opened around 1987. It has since undergone renovations and maintains a four-diamond rating.
Does Hotel Nikko San Francisco have airport shuttle service?
The hotel does not list a complimentary airport shuttle on its official site. Guests can use BART from the Powell Street station (0.2 miles away), taxis, or rideshare services.
Is parking available at Hotel Nikko San Francisco?
Yes, valet parking is available at approximately USD 85 per night for secured, covered parking. The hotel has limited on-site spaces.
Where exactly is Hotel Nikko San Francisco located?
222 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, one block from Union Square and within walking distance of the Powell Street BART station.
What are the best restaurants near Hotel Nikko San Francisco?
On-site, Restaurant ANZU offers California cuisine with Asian flair. Nearby, Farallon (seafood), Kokkari Estiatorio (Greek), and John’s Grill (steakhouse) are popular choices within a five-minute walk.