San Francisco, CaliforniaUnion Square
The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco
Theatrical cocktail stage
Union Square San Francisco, California
Renovated
2020
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage SocialOutside the door
The house
SonestaTheatrical cocktail stage
An oversized statement chair anchors the lobby, setting a theatrical tone that balances century-old architecture with sleek, moody modern styling.
“The swanky lounge sports sleek backlit shelves, its original redwood paneling, and a bar supposedly crafted from a single redwood tree.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Preserved original redwood woodwork and an etched glass bar anchor the 1933 lounge.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The lobby has clean lines, designed lighting, and striking furniture, including a Salvador Dalí coffee table, Eames chairs, and a surreal stool by Robert Matta.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Located right beside the Curran Theater, the hotel sits two blocks from Union Square and steps from classic cable car lines.
The rooms
Neutral palettes and tailored wood furnishings define the renovated spaces, layered with merino wool throws for chilly Bay Area evenings.
The gym
The second-floor fitness studio stays open around the clock with Peloton bikes, free weights, and yoga mats.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Fredericks
Patterned chevron floors run past leather booths and a coffee counter serving morning pastries and brunch classics.
Bar
The Redwood Room
Restored Gustav Klimt artworks hang against redwood paneling, setting the stage for evening cocktails and live jazz sessions.
How it began
Frederick C. Clift commissioned the hotel in 1915 to host visitors arriving for San Francisco's Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
Good to know
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The Clift Royal Sonesta 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.