1O min
APPROX DURATION

“The Grand Fairmont
San Francisco”

Whether or not this is your first stop or your last. You’ve made it to the famous Fairmont hotel. Look around—note the extensive collection of flags that fly out front. They are here in honor of the founding member nations that came together during the United Nations Conference in 1945 and represent the first member countries of the United Nations.

You’re walking in the same steps that international delegates did as they arrived for the Conference. There is no person better to ask about the relationship between the Fairmont San Francisco and the United Nations, than to hear it from, Tom Wolfe, the Fairmont San Francisco's Chef Concierge & Director of Heritage. He’s not just a legendary storyteller, but the first concierge in all of America. When it comes to the Fairmont, he’s the one to talk to. Let’s listen to what Tom Wolfe has to say in the video below.

Tom Wolfe, Fairmont Chef Concierge & Director of Heritage, shares lore about the Penthouse and its involvement with the 1945 United Nations Conference.

Map of Chinatown in San Francisco, showing landmarks such as the Fairmont Hotel, Grace Cathedral, and Union Square, with icons for public transportation, parking, bicycles, and walking routes.

The Fairmont is a place of many firsts. Not only does it have the first concierge in the country, but this location was the first Fairmont to ever open. It was also one of the first major businesses to reopen following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. It was designed by the first licensed female architect in California, Julia Morgan. However, the most important “first” for today is the first conference of the United Nations, held in San Francisco during the summer of 1945.

Representatives from all around the world stayed, dined and congregated here throughout the years.

A formal, well-lit conference or meeting room with a U-shaped table arrangement, surrounded by chairs. There are large, draped windows on the left side, ornate chandeliers on the ceiling, and a decorative clock above a fireplace at the far end of the room.

Small meetings were held in the Garden Room. The Garden Room boasts beautiful natural daylight provided by its three large windows facing south. The décor is completed by a fireplace and mantle. Above the mantle sits an eagle sculpture, a reminder of the national pride the Fairmont takes in this particular space as one of the places in San Francisco where the United Nations Charter was designed. The Garden Room lies right beyond the main entrance and to the left through the lobby. It’s known for the unique decor featuring two unusual golden pineapple chandeliers, an international symbol of hospitality and peace. Today, a plaque sits outside the doorway commemorating the room’s importance in the formation ofthe UN.

A black and white photograph of four men in suits sitting and standing in a formal setting with bookshelves in the background. There is a caption beneath the photograph describing a 1945 United Nations conference meeting.

Throughout the conference, the Penthouse Suite housed U.S. Secretary of State Edward Stettinius Jr. He reported directly to President Truman. Tom Wolfe notes this is where the “real” dealmaking happened—in smoke-filled rooms over whiskey.

Today, the Fairmont’s international reputation continues to grow as it welcomes visitors from around the globe, including world leaders. VIP or not, anyone can enjoy the drinks and sights the Fairmont has to offer. Before moving on to your next stop, take a moment to rest here or have lunch. The hotel has great food & beverage facilities and an incredible Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar created by a Hollywood set designer. It’s a sight on its own.

< TO U.N. PLAZA STOP
TO GRACE CATHEDRAL STOP >

made possible with support of the following partnerships for the goals (SDG 17):

  • Fairmont San Francisco logo with black elegant cursive font on white background
  • Logo of Grace Cathedral featuring a stylized dove within a purple circle, with the words "Grace Cathedral" below.
  • Graphic featuring the number 17 with the text "Partnerships for the Goals" and an icon of interlinked circles representing collaboration.
  • Logo of the San Francisco Public Library featuring a stylized spiral staircase or shell design above the library's name.
  • Logo of the San Francisco Historical Society featuring an illustration of the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Logo for San Francisco City Guides, established in 1978, featuring a city scene in the background and a red climbing figure above the text.