Union Square San Francisco, California
Renovated
2022
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Design SocialOutside the door
Gilded Renaissance revival
A grand staircase, marble floors, and gold leaf ceilings give the lobby 1920s swagger, beneath hand-painted murals and vintage chandeliers.
“Inside, the hotel's grand ceilings, oak floors, and breathtaking chandeliers set the tone for a splendid stay.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A 1928 Renaissance revival landmark with original gold leaf ceilings and grand marble staircases.
Notable
European oak floors meet custom sourdough-patterned wallpaper in the revitalized rooms.
Notable
The 21st-floor Starlite spins all-vinyl sets alongside weekend music in The Post Room.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
the lobby is as ornate as ever, the top-floor bar and lounge, Starlite, still offers its famous panoramic view of San Francisco’s hills…
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Cable cars rattle past the front doors along Powell Street, placing Union Square theaters and shopping blocks away.
The rooms
Custom sourdough motifs pattern the wallpaper, paired with European oak floors, deep blue paneling, and brass bathroom fixtures.
The gym
Peloton bikes, Hydrow rowers, and free weights fill the third-floor studio, alongside complimentary loaner bicycles.
Dogs stay too.
Bar
Starlite
Curved velvet sofas line panoramic windows on the 21st floor, with craft cocktails and shareable plates by Jonny Spero.
The 418 guest rooms have been refreshed with oak hardwood floors, white bathrooms with brass fixtures, and a jewel-toned color scheme.
At the table
The Post Room serves brasserie classics and oysters on the mezzanine, alongside Saturday afternoon tea with live piano.
How it began
Original Servidor cabinets connected guestrooms to corridors for discreet deliveries when the hotel opened in 1928 as the Sir Francis Drake.
Good to know
Stay here
Beacon Grand
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San Francisco
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.