San Francisco, CaliforniaUnion Square
JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square
Glass elevator theatre
Union Square San Francisco, California
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe SocialOutside the door
The house
MarriottGlass elevator theatre
Cylindrical glass elevators glide through an eighteen-story atrium above an inlaid stone floor and a central bronze dancing sculpture.
“The lobby of the JW Marriott is an exuberant space, with a large sculpture of people dancing at the center of its inlaid stone floor.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Cylindrical glass elevators glide through an eighteen-story atrium above an inlaid stone floor and bronze dancing sculpture.
Notable
Marble bathrooms feature separate deep soaking bathtubs, alongside plush feather beds and pillowtop mattresses in restful rooms.
Listed
Level III Bar serves California wines and local craft beers around a gas fireplace and high communal table.
What they say
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square has an elegant and modern design style that incorporates its unique architecture and evokes a sense of rich history.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set at Post and Mason, the hotel sits three minutes from Union Square shopping and Powell Street cable car lines.
The rooms
Light gray interiors feature pillowtop beds and spacious marble bathrooms fitted with separate deep soaking tubs and walk-in showers.
The gym
Arched windows bring natural light across hardwood floors fitted with cardio machines and free weights.
Dogs stay too.
Level III Bar
Red stools line the illuminated bar counter, where bartenders mix artisanal cocktails alongside Northern California wines and shared plates.
At the table
Level III Restaurant serves Bay Area farm-to-table dishes beneath glowing columns and a linear glass chandelier.
How it began
Architect John Portman designed the property in 1987 as the flagship for his own signature luxury hotel brand.
Good to know
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JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square
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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.