Next year marks the 150th anniversary of San Francisco’s Palace Hotel, which first opened in 1909 as the New Palace Hotel. The iconic Beaux-Arts landmark occupies the site of the original Palace Hotel, which was destroyed by the legendary 7.9 earthquake that struck the city in April 1906. The hotel has recently undergone a series of updates and upgrades, giving it a new look while still maintaining its historic charm.
The Palace Hotel is grand and expansive, yet designed with intimate spaces that make it feel like a full-service resort in the heart of San Francisco. The property is steeped in history, having hosted significant events such as Pres. Woodrow Wilson’s support for the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations in 1919, and the establishment of the United Nations decades later. The hotel, now part of Starwood’s Luxury Collection Portfolio, continues to exude a sense of history and occasion.
While the Palace Hotel is rich in history, it is also well-suited for families. The hotel offers amenities that cater to younger guests, such as a street-level branch of San Francisco’s Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory and an indoor pool, one of the largest in the city. Families can dine at Pied Piper, the hotel’s upscale pub, where children are made to feel as welcome as grown-ups. The menu, curated by Executive Chef David Tieg, features comfort classics with a global twist, appealing to both children and adults.
The rooms at the Palace Hotel are luxurious and spacious, with 556 rooms and suites throughout the property. Each room is accessed via a dramatic central hallway and is filled with luxe touches like solid oak doors, Frette linens, and marble baths. Oversized windows provide views of the fog rolling in across San Francisco Bay, adding to the overall charm of the accommodations. No visit to the Palace is complete without experiencing tea at the Garden Court Restaurant, a truly royal experience in a neoclassical setting with a European glass domed roof.
The Palace Hotel offers a range of room options starting at $339, making it an accessible luxury option for visitors to San Francisco. With its rich history, family-friendly amenities, and luxurious accommodations, the Palace Hotel provides a unique and memorable experience for guests of all ages. Whether exploring the city or relaxing in the hotel’s grand spaces, visitors are sure to create lasting memories during their stay at this iconic landmark.
