Last updated on March 31st, 2024 at 04:02 pm
Looking for an honest review of the The Westin St. Francis San Francisco Hotel?
For more than a century, the iconic Westin St. Francis Hotel has been a symbol of elegance and luxury in San Francisco. Today, the hotel remains an iconic Union Square landmark and popular place to stay in San Francisco.
Here’s an honest review of this San Francisco Union Square hotel based on our personal experience, including a comparison of the Westin St. Francis Tower vs Landmark Rooms – which is a question I hear a lot!
Historic Union Square San Francisco Hotel
With its prime Union Square address, rich history and perfect location on San Francisco’s famed Cable Car line, the Westin St. Francis is an ideal hotel for families visiting the San Francisco Bay Area.
Dating back to 1904, the hotel is comprised of the original landmark building â which was beautifully renovated in 2018 â and the modern 32-story tower.
We were lucky enough to spend a night at the Westin St. Francis on a recent visit to San Francisco, and the hotel provided the ideal home base for our adventures. Clanging cable cars still run along Powell Street â right in front of the hotel! If you are looking to stay right in Union Square and the heart of the city, this hotel has the best location.
There are a number of display cases throughout the hotel with photos, artifacts and memorabilia showcasing the hotel’s rich history. This is almost a mini-museum mixed among the grandeur, and definitely worth a few minutes to stop and read as you walk by.
The St Francis hotel San Francisco has survived changing times, not to mention the 1906 earthquake, and remains a regal symbol of elegance to this day. While it has maintained its early 20th century formal charm, modern conveniences are plenty.
The hotel’s famous Magneta Grandfather Clock stands in the historic lobby with its ornate balcony and marble columns. “Meet me at the clock” meant one thing only in the early 1900’s – the St. Francis Hotel in Union Square. The clock was built in Vienna in 1856.
Westin St. Francis At-A-Glance
- Ideally located in downtown San Francisco’s Union Square
- Choose from the classic landmark building or newer tower building for a city view
- Some rooms overlook Union Square
- A variety of room sizes and floor plans
- Free Wi-Fi
- No pool
- Pets are welcome
- 24-hour fitness center
- Several restaurants and lounges
- Only parking available is valet at approximately $78 per night
- Close to shopping, restaurants, and transportation
Westin St. Francis Tower vs Landmark Rooms
For a historic property, rooms at the Westin St. Francis are modern and comfortable. Select from the charming and classic rooms in the Landmark Building (built in 1904) or the spacious rooms in the Tower Building (built in 1972).
Although they are billed as two separate buildings, the Landmark and Tower building are seamlessly connected and share a hotel lobby and all the amenities. There are a total of 1,195 guest rooms (including 81 suites) with a king or two queen beds.
On our most recent stay, we stayed in a room in the Landmark Building with two double beds. It was spacious and comfortable and had a wonderful view of Union Square. It was a treat to see it lit up at night from our room.
Rooms in the landmark building maintain their historic beauty and charm, while still providing modern amenities today’s travelers expect.
The bathroom in our landmark room was luxuriously big, and the shower was above par â especially nice to have all that steamy water pressure after a cold rainy day walking around the city!
Although it is obviously an older building, the Westin St. Francis is spectacularly maintained and upgraded, while still hanging on to its classic charms, such as beautiful crown molding and long, wide, gracious hallways.
The Tower is more modern. It was built in the early 1970s, but of course has been updated and modernized over the years! And if you request a high floor you can score a spectacular panoramic view of San Francisco!
All Westin St. Francis rooms feature the HeavenlyÂź Bed, as well as Westin signature amenities, including 250-thread-count sheets and duvets, Enseo SMART TV system with personal streaming capabilities, a refrigerator, private-label Westin-brand bath and beauty products, and other thoughtful touches.
âș Planning a family vacation in San Francisco? For all the best activities, don’t miss this Guide to San Francisco with Kids and Teens.
Dining Options
The hotel has a number of on-site dining options. Grab a bite to eat at the hotelâs restaurant or stay in and take advantage of room service. You can also relax at one of the two bars and lounges at the hotel.
The Oak Room Restaurant
This beautiful, wood-paneled room opened with great fanfare in 1913 as the Men’s Bar, celebrating the completion of the final wing of the Landmark Building. The Oak Room Restaurant serves a full menu of American favorites with international flavors for breakfast and lunch.
Menus include Westin Kids Clubâą Program items for children under 12, and âSuper Foodâ healthy selections that are higher in protein, lower in sodium and fat.
Clock Bar
The quintessential San Francisco meeting place, Clock Bar is the only San Francisco cocktail lounge created by Michelin Star Chef Michael Mina. Clock Bar’s cocktail program focuses on fresh produce and premium spirits.
Cafe Rito
Cafe Rito is the Westin St. Francis Hotel’s casual eatery located off the lobby. It used to be called Caruso’s, but was recently redone to have a more casual feel, with a grab and go market case in addition to made-to-order items.
Come here for a morning coffee and pastry, an afternoon snack, or a dinner menu that includes pizza and Create Your Own Pasta.
Chateau Montelena Winery
The Chateau Montelena Winery Tasting Room is located just off the Landmark Lobby across from the Grand Staircase. Chateau Montelena wines are available to taste and for purchase, along with other memorabilia from the Chateau.
Holidays at the Westin St. Francis San Francisco
Every holiday season, the Westin St. Francis unveils two one-of-a-kind holiday castles in the Landmark Lobby. If you are visiting San Francisco at Christmas be sure to check them out!
Handcrafted by Executive Pastry Chef Jean François Houdré and his team, the towering 12-ft. Medieval Sugar Castle resembles a life-like magical French Chateau. The castle weighs more than 1,200 pounds and features 20 grand circular towers, 30 rooms, glowing windows and two trains running around the castle.
The Westin St. Francis Enchanted Castle is a winter wonderland of elaborate gift boxes, gingerbread trees, and brilliantly colored candies, all intricately handmade with sugar and pastry. The castles are on display through January 2. There is also a special sweet shop and Pop-Up Champagne Bar in the lobby during the holidays!
Hotel Information & Reservations
- Address: 335 Powell Street in San Francisco
- Phone: (415) 397-7000
âș Check Rates & Availability for The Westin St. Francis
Save This Westin St. Francis Hotel Review for Later!
Planning a family vacation to San Francisco? Pin the image below for future reference!
Leave a Reply