It takes more than just time for hotels to be considered landmarks, especially in a city like San Francisco. Located directly across from Union Square, The Westin St. Francis boasts a location that’s hard to beat. Opened more than a century ago, its rich history makes its landmark status undeniable. And though in some cases old age can come with negative connotations, it suits the St. Francis in a charming way.
The Westin St. Francis from Union Square
A bit of history fosters appreciation for the hotel. It opened its doors on March 21, 1904 only to have its interior destroyed in the Great Earthquake of 1906. It reopened in 1907 with 450 guestrooms. Fast forward to today, its 1195 rooms have hosted thousands of guests from movie stars to military heroes and Presidents.
The lobby area of the hotel is constantly bustling with activity. A thousand plus rooms means a thousand plus guests. Add folks that come for the three onsite restaurants, Bourbon Steak, Caruso’s and The Oak Room and it’s easy to understand the constant and steady stream.
Guest Rooms with Old School Details
The elevators are a bit tricky to use, but after the first time you get the hang of it. To access the historic building, you call the elevator with your card (not an up and down button) than enter the floor. Rooms in the historic Landmark Building, show off their age in beautiful ways. Wide hallways with sitting areas and windows, lead the way to guestrooms where visitors are treated to smile evoking touches, like real old school style closets. Distinctive details like glass door knobs co-exist with keycards and other expected modern amenities like flat screen televisions and coffee makers. Grand Deluxe Landmark Rooms overlook Union Square.
Wide Hallways
The Union Square location means tourists probably don’t typically spend their free time at the hotel, but The Westin St. Francis offers some nice ways for guests to be active and stay fit. The Gear Lending with New Balance® program also allows guests to lighten the load in their suitcase. For $5 the hotel provides workout clothes and shoes for you to use during your stay. The shoes come with new socks that are yours to keep. The gear comes in handy when you visit the large and well-stocked 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. The hotel also has a running concierge that leads organized runs through the city on select mornings.
WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio
Regardless of where your room is located on the property, be sure to make time to ride the glass elevator in the modern Tower Building. The front desk provides guests with an access card to zoom to the top and take in the panoramic San Francisco view.
The Westin St. Francis is part of the Starwood Hotels group. If you are a Starwood Preferred Guest®,SPG® and you book direct through one of the company’s many websites or SPG app, Wi-Fi is free. If you get a deal using another booking source, expect to pay for internet access in your room. Wi-Fi is complimentary in the hotel lobby.
Room rates for Grand Main Double/Double rooms overlooking Union Square range from $329 to $899, based on availability. Book direct or go through Booking.com.
Dana was hosted by The Westin St. Francis, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
