The Westin St. Francis San Francisco: An Honest Review

Last updated on August 14th, 2026

Looking for Westin St. Francis reviews? 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. 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 – right in front of the hotel! If you are looking to stay in the heart of the city, this hotel has the best location in Union Square. 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 Building rooms – which is a question I hear a lot!

Westin St. Francis San Francisco At-A-Glance

• Ideally located in downtown San Francisco’s Union Square
• Choose from the classic Landmark Building or newer Tower Building
• Some rooms overlook Union Square
• A variety of room sizes and floor plans
• No pool
• 24-hour fitness center
• Several restaurants and lounges, including the new Bourbon Steak San Francisco
• New Westin Club Lounge for Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Marriott Bonvoy members 
• Only parking available is valet at approximately $84 per night
• Close to shopping, restaurants, and transportation

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 San Francisco on Union Square is a fantastic hotel for families visiting San Francisco. Dating back to 1904, the hotel is comprised of the original landmark building – which was beautifully renovated in 2018 – and the modern 32-story tower. 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.

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 technically two separate buildings constructed more than half a century apart, the Landmark Building and Tower Building are seamlessly connected and share a lobby and all the amenities. There are a total of 1,195 guest rooms (including 81 suites) with one king or two beds. On our most recent stay, we stayed in a traditional guest 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 Building room was luxuriously big, and the shower was above par – 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 Building is more modern. It was built in the early 1970s, but of course has been updated and modernized over the years. If you request a high floor, you can score a spectacular panoramic view of San Francisco! Regardless of if you stay in the Westin St. Francis Tower vs Landmark Building, all guest rooms feature the Heavenly® Bed, as well as Westin signature amenities, Enseo SMART TV system with personal streaming capabilities, a refrigerator, private-label Westin-brand bath and beauty products, and other thoughtful touches. Here’s a closer comparison of the two buildings to help you decide where to stay.

Landmark Building Rooms

Pros:

• Historic, classic design with crown moldings, chandeliers, and carved woodwork.
• Rooms in the Landmark have windows that open and more closely overlook Union Square

Cons:

• Standard rooms are smaller than comparable Tower rooms
• If you are not facing Union Square (a premium price) your view may be limited.
• Bathrooms might be smaller. 

Tower Building Rooms

Pros:

• Rooms have a more modern, contemporary design.
• Generally larger than rooms in the Landmark Building.
• Higher floors mean better views.

Cons:

• Tower rooms lack the historic charm and architectural quirks found in the Landmark building.
• Some Tower rooms may still not have dramatic views depending on the floor and direction you face.

Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square Common Areas

Whether you stay in the Westin St Francis Landmark vs Tower building, both sections share a lobby, restaurants, and common areas. Although the check-in desk is now located in the newer area, the two buildings flow seamlessly into each other. You’ll want to spend some time checking out the historic nooks and crannies of the hotel.  For instance, 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.

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. I especially loved looking at some of the hotel’s old menus and postcards.

Dining Options

The Westin St. Francis has recently undergone an overhaul of its restaurants, including a complete redesign of the lobby to accommodate the new Bourbon Steak San Francisco and Bourbon Lounge. This also means the closure of the hotel’s iconic Oak Room Restaurant – a room that opened with great fanfare in 1913 as the Men’s Bar – and the Clock Bar.

Bourbon Steak San Francisco

Bourbon Steak SF reimagines Chef Michael Mina’s acclaimed steakhouse with modern flair, seasonal California ingredients, refined seafood, and signature tableside presentations. The new restaurant and lounge opened in October 2025.

The Eighth Rule

Created by Stephen Curry in partnership with Chef Michael Mina, The Eighth Rule is a new 40-seat bourbon bar located inside The Westin St. Francis. They serve upscale bar bites in addition to bourbon cocktails.

Westin Club Lounge

The Westin Club Lounge provides complimentary breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and non-alcoholic drinks for Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Marriott Bonvoy members. 

Cafe Rito

Cafe Rito is the Westin St. Francis Hotel’s casual eatery located off the lobby with a grab and go market case in addition to made-to-order items. You can stop by in the morning for coffee and a pastry, an afternoon snack, or a dinner menu that includes pizza and pasta. 

Chateau Montelena 

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 

Every holiday season, the Westin St. Francis unveils two one-of-a-kind holiday castles in the Landmark Building 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! ► For more help planning, check out some of my other articles about San Francisco below!

• San Francisco Museums the Whole Family Will Love
• 20 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids
• Why Every Disney Fan Should Visit The Walt Disney Family Museum
• Devil’s Slide Trail: Easy California Coastal Hike
• Day Trip to Oakland: Jack London Square & Beyond
• 15 Magical Things to Do in San Francisco at Christmastime

Hotel Information & Reservations

• 335 Powell Street, San Francisco
• (415) 397-7000
• Read reviews for this hotel on Tripadvisor

► Check Rates & Availability for The Westin St. Francis

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