A vintage photo in the lobby reveals the St. Francis’ landmark status. In the tintype peek into the hotel’s turn-of-the-century origins, ladies in street-length skirts and gentlemen in dapper chapeaus congregate on Union Square benches across from the new hotel; there is no street traffic.
Designed to be a "Paris of the West," the hotel was so popular following its inaugural season in 1906, that plans to expand began a mere six months after opening. White-gloved service and attention to detail are a revered standard established during the elegant era and still permeate at St. Francis today. What other hotel offers to clean your silver coins, for instance? In the days when ladies wore white gloves, St. Francis made the effort to keep their money clean, and the service has carried over as a tradition.
We checked in late at the beautiful Westin St. Francis on a recent visit. In spite of the hour, the desk staff greeted us as chipper as sunrise over Golden Gate Bridge and acknowledged our Starwood membership by upgrading us to a top floor with an impressive view of the city’s skyline. We strolled through the Vegas-sized marble halls marveling at the classic architecture, surely a model of elegance even for this sophisticated city.
A glass elevator whisked us within moments to our towering hideout on the 31st floor where we were welcomed further by Westin’s signature "heavenly bed." The superior mattress, a duvet swaddled in luxurious but simple Egyptian linens, proved to be the most meaningful amenity of the well-appointed hotel.
Our large room had a substantial desk with internet connection, armoire, chaise lounge and marble bath. The fixtures and sink were designed by the renowned Sherle Wagner, an impressive feature adding to the room’s overall sophistication. But the view was the winning feature, especially since the Blue Angels were practicing their maneuvers right over our heads the next morning.
The Westin St. Francis is a gorgeous, old, well-dressed, hotel. There are few lobbies more magnificent than the St. Francis’ with its marble, columns, fixtures and carvings and the staircase leading to the venerable Compass Rose. Extensive facilities, including 24-hour room service, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and glorious newly installed spa, satisfy guests’ more modern requirements. With its central location across from Union Square, there’s hardly a more convenient or lively location in San Francisco. Add to that the Macy’s discount card included in check-in, and a stay at St. Francis may have you asking yourself, "What did I do to deserve all this?"
On small caveat; at $39/night, valet parking fees can add substantially to the total tariff. However, with so many fascinations within walking distance from St. Francis and the cable cars just outside the door, arriving without a car is a reasonable alternative. Or better yet, have your driver drop you off at the door…