San Francisco is magic. Even after growing up in the Bay Area and living here for most of my adult life, I still regularly stop in my tracks to marvel at its beauty. And on a recent staycation to The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco, I found the perfect place to fall in love with San Francisco yet again.
Things to know
Located just off of Union Square, the hotel has a primo spot in the historic heart of the city. While the surrounding area is experiencing an exit of retail, the area still feels lively. I found plenty of fun things to do within walking distance, and the central location also gave me easy access to San Francisco’s public transportation. Another bonus: the hotel is very close to the Cable Car, which is a can’t miss experience (even for locals).
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Other reviews
I’m not the only fan of this hotel. Tripadvisor users give it a 4.5 out of 5, and over at Kayak, past guests rate it Very Good.
The hotel
I love the design of urban hotels, especially ones that are a little bit older. Unlike houses, which often get updated in a piecemeal fashion, hotels focus on the big picture. The Clift was recently updated, but preserved many of the small design details that make old San Francisco buildings special, things like the double hung windows, stylized elevator sign, and the old mail slots. The update transformed the lobby, which feels modern, fun, and inviting; during my stay, it was always busy with people taking advantage of the welcoming space to socialize or work.
The hotel staff was also very friendly and knowledgeable, From the front desk staff to the concierge and the restaurant staff, everyone was excited to take a moment to tell you their recommendations and tips.
The rooms
I stayed in a one-bedroom suite, which felt like a little apartment in San Francisco. It sat right on the building’s corner so the living area had views in two directions. The living area included a comfortable sectional as well as a desk, and was a great place to kick back and recharge in between city adventures.
The bed and bath were down a short hallway, which added to the spaciousness on the room. I appreciated how bathroom, with its penny tile floor, gave a nod to the original character of the building, but how the vanity and shower were more modern.
I loved the bedroom, which felt like the guest room of my most stylish friend. Here again the window provided a fun view of the city, and the bed was cozy and inviting.
Most of my recent Bay Area staycations have been to Napa, where hotel pricing has skyrocketed in the last few years. I appreciated that my stay at The Clift Royal Sonesta felt like a great and much more attainable alternative to a wine country weekend.
Dining at the Clift
The hotel’s beautifully restored Art Deco cocktail lounge, The Redwood Room, is named for its historical redwood paneled bar. In the hotel’s recent redesign, this space got a refresh that preserved those art deco details and added modern touches that makes it feel sleek and glamorous at the same time. The bar uses ingredients from the hotel’s rooftop garden, and you can taste honey from its apiary in its craft artisanal cocktails.
The bar food menu had enough options (including a selection of desserts) to make it an easy dinner win. The Redwood Room really does feel like a beloved local spot for San Franciscans, with some lucky visitors in the mix.
The Clift is also home to the café Fredericks. The café is only open in the mornings for breakfast. Eating there felt like stepping into an old New York haunt, but with fresh California options.
