Along with celebrities and sports stars, the Westin St. Francis also welcomes guests like you and me who wish to experience the high style of a hotel first conceived to be the finest on the Pacific Coast. Charles Crocker and his family spent $2.5M to realize their vision and a century later, it's safe to say that they succeeded in building a hotel that truly set the standard for luxury, one that to this day continues to reinvent itself to reflect modern times while also remaining loyal to its "proud past". A pursuit that's admirable and a sight to behold.
- 335 Powell St., overlooking the Dewey Monument.
- 1,275 units between Main Building and The Tower.
- Guest rooms and suites range from $199 to $550/night.
- Buses include 2, 3, 4, 30, 38, 45, 76.
- Cable cars include Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason.
Guests of the Westin St. Francis will feel as if they've stepped back in time upon entering the hotel, as its decor and service reflect its history. From the famous clock found in the hotel's Powell Street lobby to the continued tradition of coin laundering that began in 1938, The St. Francis is a hotel that offers a unique stay, one likely not to be forgotten. It's almost a trip within a trip. Even those who aren't guests of the hotel visit it for the experience, whether it's to view the city from the glass elevators, to dine at Michael Mina or Victor's, or to meet at the clock - there's always a draw to The St. Francis.
Price-wise, the hotel is on the expensive end. Business travelers may wish to stay in the 32-story Tower, where the conference centers are located. Families on the other hand, may prefer to stay in the main building, as the decor is more reflective of the hotel's past. Overall, The St. Francis has spent close to $185M in renovations in the past 10 years alone, and each of the guest rooms in the main building have been appointed with new furniture and safety upgrades. As perfect as The St. Francis may be, renovations are still ongoing.
The hotel has also become a premiere setting for fund-raisers, formal galas, and more. Its Grand Ballroom has seating for up to 1,500 people and together with the Italian Room, provides a beautiful location for special events. Business travelers will find everything they need for a trip to SF. The hotel's full-service Business Center offers cellular phone rental, personal computer rental, and document services. For conferences, The St. Francis provides state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment to make every presentation move smoothly, without a hitch.
For families, the hotel is equally accommodating and in fact, it goes out of its way to make its younger guests feel welcomed. Though The Westin St. Francis may host world leaders and celebrities, it also values the little guys. Kids under 12 years of age are presented with goody bags upon their arrival. Just one of the thoughtful gestures The St. Francis is committed to in making each of its guests feel appreciated. And that includes pets. Yes, the hotel is pet-friendly, accepting pets under 40 lb. and providing dog beds on request. So the entire family can truly enjoy a trip to San Francisco.
If you visit the hotel's official website, you'll be asked: "Isn't it time that you came to experience The Westin St. Francis?" I would agree; this is a hotel that should be experienced, and with discount room rates, special offers, and hotel packages available, it's quite possible you can find a match for your budget. To stay here is an investment, but the room rate goes beyond a place to stay, and extends to an experience to never forget. From the restored facade to the ornate interior to the fine dining, The Westin St. Francis holds an array of sights to see and things to do within its very structure. You're certain to find it worthy of its "history and legend".
Plus, you might see someone famous!
* Photos reprinted with permission of Gena Egelston.
