The Clift Royal Sonesta

Our experience at the Clift Royal Sonesta was largely very good. The valet/bellhop was prompt and courteous. The check-in was clear and efficient. The breakfast restaurant was good, if expensive. (It doesn't provide table service, so it is more like a cafe). They should stock more bakery items, as the woman in front of us bought out all the remaining pastries at 7:30 am. We didn't ask the hotel for much, but when we did have some small requests, they were promptly delivered. The credits on our bill were correctly applied without asking. The hotel does have a destination fee which I generally hate, but it was disclosed at the time of booking. The hotel has been fully renovated and very nicely done. It maintains its classic feel while being clean and modern. The bathrooms on the lobby level are excellent. The room itself was spacious for SF. We had a junior suite, which was generally well-designed if for a few missteps. The coffee table furniture by the couch was too big for the room, making it difficult to pass, and the room lacked storage. There was space for a dresser, but we only got two small drawers by the mini-fridge. Perhaps they are trying to avoid overcrowding, but it wasn't enough to unpack. Before we stayed, we had a significant question as to whether the safety of the area around the hotel would affect our stay. The answer was mixed. We didn't have any issues, but perhaps this is because the concierge told us not to walk west of the hotel. We were also aware of the car break-in issue, and the very high nightly parking rates at the hotel, so we chose to return our rental ahead of time. It's an unfortunate reality for the city and Tenderloin specifically that this is the case. If the area isn't going to bother you (and it doesn't have to), then this is a nice hotel. But there are better areas to stay in SF. Read less

I stayed here for Pride weekend, and from the moment I arrived, it was a bad experience. There was no parking available, and the front of the hotel had a "no parking" sign. I pulled up to the side and asked if I could check in and get help with my bags. They said they would park my car but didn't mention there would be a $75 per day charge. Despite the lack of parking, the attendant was really rude and unhelpful. On Sunday, I left for an event around 1 PM, and when I returned at 6 PM, I noticed someone had been in my room even though I hadn't requested any service. This invasion of privacy is unacceptable. I will not be coming back. Read less

Your staff are absolutely wonderful at this location. Front desk was incredibly responsive and accommodating, something I don’t always find in hotels anymore. Steven was particularly helpful to gather a bag for me in storage while the front desk was helping others so that I could make my flight. I hope this message helps show my gratitude. The location is perfect for being in the center of the city - close to transit, great restaurants, Union Square, and a short ride to the wharf, Embarcadero, or Giants games. If you don’t mind waiting a few minutes, local restaurant one block up, Ebishi is also worth hitting up. The room was also very clean, well appointed, and comfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Thank you! Read less

The AC Unit was poor. It didn't cool or heat silently, it stayed on too long by not measuring accurately the room temp. And it didn't truly cool the entire space. I was on the top floor and several times employees were on the roof right outside my window. And some of the TV stations didn't have clear pictures. And finally, for my entire three days there were two 'wet floor' signs right outside of my room. And there was no wet floor. No one picked them up. And the food at the restaurant on the lobby floor was very average. Not need to make a continued booking for time to dine. Read less