About the City
 The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city in California and the fourteenth-most populous in the United States, with a 2006 estimated population of 744,041. San Francisco is the second most densely populated major city in the U.S.
San Francisco is located on the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, with the Pacific Ocean to the west, the San Francisco Bay to the east, and the Golden Gate to the north. The city gives its name to the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area.
In 1776, the Spanish settled the tip of the peninsula, establishing a fort at the Golden Gate and a mission named for Francis of Assisi. The California Gold Rush in 1848 propelled the city into a period of rapid growth. After being devastated by the 1906 earthquake and fire, San Francisco was quickly rebuilt.
San Francisco is a popular international tourist destination, renowned for its chilly summer fog, steep hills, and architectural variety, from Victorian to modern. Famous landmarks include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the cable cars, Coit Tower, and Chinatown.
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Weather
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San Francisco benefits from California's Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild wet winters and warm dry summers. However, surrounded on three sides by water, San Francisco has a climate strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean which tends to moderate temperature swings and produce a remarkably mild climate with little seasonal temperature variation. Average summertime high temperatures in San Francisco peak at 70 °F (21 °C).
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Transportation
GROUND TRANSPORTATION (TO AND FROM AIRPORT)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) lies just 14 miles south of downtown San Francisco. Approximate time to downtown ranges between 20-30 minutes depending on the time of day and mode of transportation. For complete information on airport transit, visit the Web site for San Francisco International Airport, www.flysfo.com.
DOOR-TO-DOOR VAN SERVICES
Nearly a dozen door-to-door van services operate from all terminals at SFO. Fares average $10-15 per person.
TAXI
Taxi service is available from SFO to downtown. Approximate fare to a downtown destination is $30-44. Taxis may add a $2.00 pass-through fee to all airport fares leaving SFO. Voluntary ride sharing for two or more persons with a maximum of three destinations is permitted.
CAR RENTALS
Auto rental counters are located in the centralized SFO Airport Car Rental Center. Shuttle buses to the Rental Center depart from Upper Level outside curb every 5 minutes. The SFO AirTrain (an intra-airport people mover system) opened in 2003 providing even more efficient transportation to the Rental Center.
- Hertz: (800) 654-3131
- National: (800) 227-7368
- Avis: (800) 331-1212
- Thrifty: (800) 367-2277
- Budget: (800) 268-8900
- Alamo: (800) 327-8633
BART
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is the fast, convenient and inexpensive way to get from SFO or OAK to meetings in San Francisco. BART to downtown San Francisco only costs $5.15 (SFO) and $5.30 (OAK) and takes just a half hour. Trains operate seven days a week from 4 a.m. to midnight weekdays, 6 a.m. to midnight Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.
SAN FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL RAILWAY
San Francisco has one of the highest per capita transit riderships in the US. It's no wonder the Muni is a bargain. The fare is approximately $1.50, cable car fare is aproximately $5. Route information is published in the yellow pages or may be obtained by calling 511.
CABLE CARS
Cable cars operate along three routes: the Powell-Hyde line which begins at Powell and Market Streets and terminates at Victorian Park near the Maritime Museum and Aquatic Park; the Powell-Mason line which also begins at Powell and Market but terminates at Bay Street just three blocks from Fisherman's Wharf; and the California Street line which runs from the foot of Market Street to Van Ness Avenue.
MUNI METRO OR LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES
Muni operates underground downtown and on the streets in the outer neighborhoods. Five lines are involved: J(Church), K(Ingleside), L(Taraval), M(Ocean), N(Judah). Historic streetcars (F-line) operate along Market Street beginning in the Castro District and terminating at Fisherman's Wharf.
GOLDEN GATE TRANSIT
This bus service links San Francisco to Marin and Sonoma counties via the Golden Gate Bridge.
AC TRANSIT
AC Transit operates the bus service to communities in the East Bay (Berkeley/Oakland, Treasure Island and other cities in the Alameda and Contra Costa counties via the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
SAMTRANS
The San Mateo County Transit District offers bus service from San Francisco to San Francisco International Airport and communities on the Peninsula as far south as Palo Alto.
FERRIES
Water taxis depart from several points around San Francisco and go to the following destinations: Alameda, Larkspur, Oakland (Jack London Square), Sausalito, Tiburon and Vallejo. Excursion service also operates between San Francisco and Alcatraz and Angel Islands. During home games, ferry service is available from Pacific Bell Park.
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Conference Hotel
THE FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO
950 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 772-5000
(415) 772-5013 (fax)
www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco
THE FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO - GREEN PARTNERSHIP
Over a century ago Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was founded on an enduring connection to the land, communities and people where it does business. Then in 1990, its Canadian hotels pioneered The Fairmont Green Partnership, literally writing the book on sustainable best practices in the lodging industry, while developing a comprehensive commitment to minimizing our hotels' impact on the planet.
Today The Fairmont continues to grow environmental stewardship in eight countries - from setting expectations with external vendors, to daily business decisions affecting hotel construction, operations, renovation and training. Because the environment isn't just something that's 'out there' - it's where we live, work and play each day.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Energizing its commitment to “think globally and act locally,” in 2005 Fairmont introduced Eco-Innovations, hotel-based environmental initiatives that encourage partnerships, learning and guest experiences while addressing a universal environmental issue in a way that hits close to home.
Adopt - A - Beluga Program
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, located within a World Biosphere Reserve, has partnered with the Research and Educational Group on Marine Mammals to facilitate research into the threatened St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population. The program will promote guest education at the property including an interpretive program for adults and children, a Kids Club called the 'Beluga Club', and the creation of a special Beluga package including a river excursion to observe the whales in their natural habitat.
Our Planet - Under Our Covers - The Fairmont Green Partnership Guide
In 1990, The Fairmont started asking all its employees how they felt about introducing a hotel green program. The company was rewarded with an overwhelming vote of support and the ideas that formed the basis of our first Green Action Plan. In response, The Fairmont developed the Green Partnership Guide, a 150-page user manual to help individuals, offices, kitchens and engineers implement our environmental goals.
Today, the company is proud to note that other hospitality companies, tourism boards and hospitality schools around the world are using the second edition of “Fairmont's little handbook that could.” If you would like to order copies, available English or French, please contact environment@fairmont.com
Fairmont's Latest - Check-In's a Breeze
This year, hotel guests can check into unique destinations across North America with wind powered front desk check-in computers. The Fairmont has recently bought Eco-Logo certified wind power for each of its check in computers across North America for one year. The sale is equivalent to 116 MwH of wind power and equates to a greenhouse gas reduction of almost 100 tonnes. The Fairmont is working with the Pembina Institute, an independent not-for-profit environmental policy research and education organization, to continue to promote sustainable energy.
BUSINESS CENTER AT THE SEAPORT HOTEL
Location: Terrace Level
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
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The Fairmont San Francisco Restaurants
LAUREL COURT RESTAURANT AND BAR
The Laurel Court houses a signature restaurant and bar featuring one-of-a-kind wines by the glass. Located in the hotel's newly restored lobby, the Laurel Court serves as the centerpiece of the hotel. The culinary talents of our executive chef are showcased, featuring the freshest of regional ingredients. The Laurel Court bar hosts a lively crowd with daily drink specials.
The Laurel Court Bar Hours of Operation:
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Friday to Saturday: 11:00 am – 1:00 am
Bar Menu served daily from 2:30 pm - 10:30 pm
The Laurel Court Restaurant Hours of Operation:
Breakfast: Daily 6:30 am – 10:30 am
Lunch: Daily 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Afternoon Tea: Daily 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
THE TONGA ROOM & HURRICANE BAR
A visit to San Francisco is not complete without experiencing the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. Consistently awarded for serving "San Francisco's Best Happy Hour", the Tonga Room offers exceptional Pacific Rim Asian Cuisine in a tropical setting that includes thunder and rain storms. It is the perfect escape after a busy day of meetings or shopping along Union Square.
Hours of Operation:
Sunday to Thursday: 5:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Friday to Saturday: 5:00 pm – 12:45 am
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Club One Health Club & Spa
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday: 5:00 am - 10:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 am – 7:00pm
Spa Hours of Operation:
Monday to Saturday: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 5:00pm
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Local Highlights
Attractions
Golden Gate Park
Alcatrez Island
Aquarium of the Bay
Museums
Aftermodern
Asian Art Museum
Conservatory of Flowers
Geras Tousignant Gallery
San Francisco Art Institute
SFMOMA
Ways to Reduce Carbon During Travel
Share Cabs to Hotel
Walk to local sites
Eat/dine at "green restaurants"
Request for linens NOT to be changed
during your stay at a hotel
Donate your hotel toiletries
(i.e. local shelter, etc.)
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Day Trips
Walk the Labyrinths at Grace Cathedral
San Francisco Downtown Loop
Wine Country Tour
Yosemite National Park Tour
Shopping
Westfield San Francisco Centre
Union Square Shopping
Chestnut Shopping Street
Embarcadero Center 1-4 Shopping
Sports & Recreation Options
Soccer
Equestrian and Horse Riding
Hunting
Surfing
Golfing
Boating
Camping
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Community Service Opportunities
Excess food or products from your convention or meeting can be transferred to Bay Area Organizations via the Network for the Needy, a service of the Professional Convention Management Association. The agencies listed below can collect donated goods from the hotels or convention center and distribute them to San Francisco agencies including AIDS service providers, senior centers, homeless shelters, after school programs, and many others. For convention groups meeting at Moscone Convention Center, the convention center maintains an excellent excess goods program Please contact your event manager for further information. Make a difference!
FOOD DONATIONS
Food Runners
2579 Washington Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
tel: 415-929-1866
fax: 415-788-8924
San Francisco Food Bank
900 Pennsylvania Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
tel: 415-282-1900
fax: 415-282-1909
ALTERNATIVE TO FOOD DONATION (Day-to-day items for residential living)
Delancy Street Foundation
600 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94107
tel: 415-512-5148
fax: 415-512-5186
ANY DONATIONS ACCEPTED
San Francisco Hotel/Non-Profit Collaborative
tel: 415-923-5069
fax: 415-673-6490
email: jo_licata@hilton.com
VOLUNTEER/COMMUNITY OUTREACH WORK IN THE COMMUNITY
Volunteer Center of San Francisco
425 Jackson Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
tel: 415-982-8999 x227
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IPED Safety Tips
Sightseeing
Plan your route in advance; consult maps indoors before leaving your hotel.
Locate places on your route where you can go for help.
Be aware of your surroundings; leave an area if it appears unsafe.
Ask directions from service providers, hotel desk staff, telephone or power company employees,
police or traffic officers. Avoid asking strangers on the street.
If you get lost, find an open business and ask for directions.
Remember, alcohol consumption diminishes awareness.
Avoiding Pickpockets
Use travelers checks whenever possible, and carry only cash and credit cards you will need. Do not display cash.
Do not discuss plans with strangers.
Carry your wallet in the inside front pocket of your pants or your jacket.
Carry shoulder bags or other hand-bags under your arm, not by the handle. While sitting, keep the bag in your lap.
In a restaurant, keep your purse in your lap, not over the back of the chair. Keep your bag next to you in the public
restroom instead of using door hooks.
Consider using a fanny-pack or a concealable money-belt to carry cash and credit cards.
Carry some cash and credit cards in a second wallet, besides your purse or fanny-pack.
Be alert, particularly in crowded situations. Staged distractions are a favorite ploy of pickpockets.
Hotel and Motel Security
Watch your luggage when checking in and out of your hotel.
Make sure no one hears your name and room number while at the front desk.
Don't invite strangers to your room.
Find out your hotel's policy on key control and the room cleaning schedules.
Call the desk to verify the identity of room service, repair persons, etc., especially if you did not call for them.
Know what the hotel identification badge looks like.
Deposit your valuables in the hotel safe and keep an inventory of what was deposited; never leave cash or
other valuables in your room.
Lock your luggage when it is left in the room.
Know how to double lock your room door.
Use the door viewer to identify anyone requesting entry to your room; report any suspicious activity to hotel staff.
Keep the key with you at all times; never leave it at the front desk.
Return your key to the front desk when you check out; if you leave it in your room it could be copied.
Familiarize yourself with the fire exit routes posted in your room.
Shopping Alerts
Stores do not have to make refunds. Each store may set its own refund or exchange policies. Check them out
before making purchases.
When buying with a credit card -- stores cannot charge you an extra fee.
When buying with cash -- stores may offer you a cash discount.
A non-refundable 8.25% state sales tax must be paid on every item unless you have the merchant ship the
product outside of California. This tax will not be refunded at the airport upon departure.
Before You Buy...
(Cameras, film, clothing, video or music equipment, jewelry, etc.)
Compare prices and quality. Merchants may sell products for any price they want.
Request written refund or exchange policy.
Get warranties or guarantees in writing.
Inquire about electrical compatibility for use in other countries.
Before Leaving the Store...
Get an itemized receipt, and check for accuracy.
Inspect packages thoroughly for correct contents.
Beware of additional credit card fees.
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