As expected the rooms and the service are first class. The lobby area is surprisingly "normal" but I personally don't need a fancy lobby. Downtown location was convenient for my business trip.

Concierge arranged all our activities and even got us tickets to a sold out showing @ de Young Museum.
Good security measures from staff. I came in once after a run but forgot our room number. I was all sweaty at the front desk asking them to check the room # of my card key. They were courteous while at the same time exercised caution to protect guests.
Zero stuffiness even though this hotel is in the heart of San Francisco's Financial district. We were always dressed in simple clothes but always received 5 star treatment.
Service industries definitely can learn from Mandarin Oriental's customer service strategies. It is exceptional.

This is one of a handful of exceptional view hotels in San Francisco. Taking up something like the 38-48th floors of a financial district skyscraper, there is water and city out every window. Right now the lobby is a shambles... a couple of people with small desks trying to keep up appearances as you walk through a temporary hallway. It will be a new and lovely lobby in four months. Right now, not so much. But no reason to complain because they are so nice and the rooms are so exquisite.

Complimentary Chinese tea and cookies arrive soon after you do. The rooms are tasteful and comfortable with plush robes, DVD players, marble baths with sep. showers, etc. The furnishings are of high quality. I disagree with the visitor who described them as tacky, but each to his own tastes...Room service is expensive but very good.

Virtually not a peep from another room so the soundproofing is great. The location is wonderful... two minutes to the Ferry Building, two to BART/MUNI, ten minute walk to Union Square, etc.

It is expensive, no denying that. But if a luxury room is your splurge or standard, this is a great place to stay. Silk Road food is great and the service is wonderful. Daily assortment of papers, turn down, all the amenities and some charming extras too.

Stayed here for business last year .. mostly because I think the mandarin in HK is one of the best hotels in the world, but I was disappointed by the hotel in SF. First they couldn't find the booking, they didn't try hard to resolve it despite my obviously tiredness following a direct flight from London. I ordered room service and it was slow, the food was look warm and there wasn't much of it.