9 Postcards
Set in a stunning 19th-century landmark, the Palace Hotel dazzles with its opulent atrium, stylish suites, and excellent dining, embodying San Francisco luxury.
"The Palace Hotel in Union Square has a Thanksgiving Day brunch and prix fixe dinner. The brunch will take place in the atrium Garden Court, with two seatings on Thanksgiving Day at 1pm and 4pm. Expect a diverse brunch spread with turkey, dim sum, sushi, oysters, and pastries. The prix fixe dinner is at 5pm in their Pied Piper restaurant. Details on the dinner menu aren’t yet confirmed. We’ll share updates as soon as we have them." - ricky rodriguez
"If we HAD to choose a ‘must-see’ item on this list — because they all are ;) — it would be the Palace Hotel. The hotel is a historic, iconic landmark in this city, originally built in 1875 by William Ralston and William Sharon and designed by architect, J.P. Gaynor. However after the 1906 earthquake, the hotel had to be completely rebuilt and the new hotel was designed by Trowbridge and Livingston, who created the opulent, Belle-Époque spaces seen today. Since then, the hotel owners have dedicated themselves to preserving the historical details while adding modern amenities, keeping true to the original design and integrity of the hotel (fun fact: the Palace Hotel is SF’s only interior landmark). If you do stay here, you can enjoy the sky-lit indoor pool and take full advantage of their top-tiered concierge services — the team knows the city like the back of their hand and can provide recommendations for your visit.The Palace is in the heart of downtown San Francisco and open to all who wander in. You will catch tourists casually peek inside to marvel at the Austrian crystal chandeliers that float above The Garden Court, and spot locals waiting for friends at The Pied Piper Bar before carrying on with their nightly activities. The entire interior space is filled natural light, creating a warm, welcoming ambiance for all guests (even if you’re not staying there). Locals know The Garden Court is the best place in the city to enjoy an afternoon tea and Sunday brunch. The Palace has made its mark in culinary history by being credited with the invention of the Boothby cocktail, green goddess salad dressing, and turkey tetrazzini. So what’s the best time of the year to visit, you ask? CHRISTMAS — The Garden Court gets dazzled and dressed up with gigantic holiday trees decorated with beautiful ornaments. Plus, you can take part in the Palace’s grand holiday brunch assortment while basking in the holiday spirit.Bonus: Did you know that the original design of the courtyard had a circular driveway for horse carriages to enter into the hotel? Now that’s making an entrance!Photo credit: Jason Dewey Photography" - outlier
"Hosts an afternoon tea service each Saturday in June benefiting the SF LGBT Center." - Paolo Bicchieri
"As a cherished landmark of San Francisco, the Palace Hotel doesn't shy away from its historic appearance. In fact, it leans all the way in. From its opulent lobby boasting massive chandeliers to oversized beds in every suite, and of course, its iconic Garden Court, it's a space that really does make every guest feel like a star." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"How did it strike you on arrival?Though the original Palace Hotel was built in 1879, it was destroyed in the fire that engulfed San Francisco in 1906. This Palace was built in 1909, and the ornate space feels like a historic property, with marble floors, stately columns, and ornate ceilings. The massive Garden Court is 110 feet long by 85 feet wide, topped with a seven million dollar glass dome, and lined with marble ionic columns. If grand historic spaces are your taste, it's something to behold. Fans of art history also will enjoy the Pied Piper bar, named after the 16-foot Maxfield Parrish painting of the same name that holds court above the century-old oak bar. Parrish was actually commissioned to create the painting for the 1909 reopening of the hotel. More than 100 years later, it still has the bright, saturated colors he's known for. What’s the crowd like?Business travelers, couples staying for romantic weekends, families, all of it. Grab a drink at the Pied Piper, and you'll see people in jeans and leather jackets, business attire, and maybe even a formal gown or two for a glass of wine before a wedding. It's a well-heeled crowd. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The Palace renovated its rooms in 2015, so, despite the hotel's historic status, everything feels up to date, with clean lines and muted palettes. Guest rooms include details like crown molding, marble counter tops, and ample power storage. The spaces feel elegant and restful. The smallest rooms are 300 square feet. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Frette linens cover all of the beds. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?I'm not entirely sure it's possible to steal a bidet, but rooms on some floors have TOTO washlets. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Yes to the crazy robotic toilets—rooms on certain floors have TOTO washlets, which have heated seats, and front and rear cleansing options. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is $15.99 per day. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?There are three doormen—Paul, Jorge, and Marlon—who have been at the hotel for 30 years, and will give kids a gift if they say the word "luxury." On Thursdays at 4:30 p.m., child guests also can meet chief concierge Jose Lopez by the flowers in the lobby to pick up travel tips and lessons on travel etiquette. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Pool! A glass ceiling encloses the heated 60-by-20-foot pool, which is lined with lounge chairs. There is also a whirlpool. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The garden court is really something to see. Even if historic, ornate architecture isn't your style, this is a piece of San Francisco from more than a century ago. Bottom line: worth it, and why?The Palace is gorgeous, historic, and updated. The biggest downside is also a plus—it's in the middle of downtown San Francisco, on Market Street, at the border of SoMA and the Financial District, and at the crux of BART and muni lines. But street life is colorful here, so keep aware of your surroundings. It's not a bad neighborhood by any means, but that's what downtown San Francisco involves these days." - Elise Craig
