Westin St Francis

Union Square, San Francisco

Virgin rating

Traditional Room
Clock Bar
Bourbon Steak
Bourbon Steak
Traditional King Room
Traditional King Room
Traditional Room
Clock Bar
Bourbon Steak
Bourbon Steak
Traditional King Room
Traditional King Room

The hotel

Standing proudly on San Francisco’s Union Square, this grand hotel has welcomed guests since 1904. Full of history and classic charm, the original landmark building is complemented by the Tower, where a glass lift (check it out at night when the city is all lit up) will take you to modern, residential-style rooms with Heavenly Beds®. Back in the impressive lobby, enjoy the vintage vibes and spot the cable cars pass outside — experiencing San Francisco could hardly be easier. But before you do, why not pay a visit to the elegant Clock Bar, whose menu changes with the seasons, inspired by a different historical era each time.

Amenities

  • Babysitting service
  • Kids Club
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • No Smoking
  • Restaurant
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Close to City Centre

Where is it

On Powell Street, opposite Union Square in central San Francisco, close to shopping, restaurants and attractions.

Hotel information

1,195 rooms in 2 buildings: Main Building on 12 floors and Tower Building on 31 floors. Rooms with air-conditioning, satellite TV, WiFi*, mini-bar, safe and bathrobes. Traditional Rooms with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Traditional Rooms have 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Deluxe Rooms with a view of the city have 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Grand Deluxe King with a vista of downtown and San Francisco Bay have 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Classic One-Bedroom Suites are spacious and offer a separate living room and bedroom with 1 king size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

St Francis Health Club with Westin WORKOUT Facility. Westin Kids' Club™. Babysitting referrals*. WiFi in  Café Rito/lobby*. 24-hour front desk.  Room service*(6 am-11 am)_. Valet parking $70 per night plus tax and self-parking is available nearby (both payable locally, subject to change).

Oak Room (open for breakfast). ENO Wine Bar (casual restaurant and wine bar, open Thurs - Sat). Cafe Rito (Italian restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Chateau Montelena Tasting Room (wine tasting). Clock Bar (open 4.00pm - midnight daily).

*Denotes local charge.

This hotel is a smoke-free environment.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (407)
  • Very good (241)
  • Average (89)
  • Poor (75)
  • Terrible (98)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating great location, but thats all this hotel has.

Aug 5, 2022 Barrie D Miami Beach, Florida

I've stayed at this hotel many times over the past 23 years actually. When im in the area, i tend to stay here, even for a couple of days, but this will be the last time i stay here. The staff are busy at this hotel and way to busy to give time to individual customers obviously, but most people have an expectation of the staff in a hotel they… Read more
I've stayed at this hotel many times over the past 23 years actually. When im in the area, i tend to stay here, even for a couple of days, but this will be the last time i stay here. The staff are busy at this hotel and way to busy to give time to individual customers obviously, but most people have an expectation of the staff in a hotel they stay at. They also charge residents $70 per night for parking so remember to add this to your calculations when you stay here. I looked on expedia and that is half the cost of a room here too, so its way over the top for guests. Greedy. I can understand to charge this to people visiting or just wanting to park for the day, of course but residents parking should be included in the cost of the room. On top of that, the concierge asked for a tip! WHAT!! the reception staff were nice at checkin, but, only because she recognised three of the people we are travelling with from TV. but still, she was very nice. the rooms are comfortable, but old fashioned. another reviewer said "classic" but there is nothing classic about mixing old and new furnishings, in fact its tacky. The designer should be brought back in and asked to relook at the mix of furnishings in the rooms. More like old and tide. The best part of the room we had, 710, was the incredible view onto union square. Must be one of the best views in SF. We have had many christmas days here along with NYE over those years - always had fond memories of WSF but now time to move on. Well, its been fun over the years, but farewell old friend. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Venerable, historic hotel with modern upgrades, excellent location

Jul 25, 2022 jerryskc Kansas City, Missouri

This is the second time I've stayed here and on this occasion, was allocated a room on the 30th floor of the "new" wing of the hotel. You can see this building looming behind the classic structure of the old hotel (which is still in use) with it's bank of 5 wall creeper elevators, about which, more later. We checked in somewhat later and the… Read more
This is the second time I've stayed here and on this occasion, was allocated a room on the 30th floor of the "new" wing of the hotel. You can see this building looming behind the classic structure of the old hotel (which is still in use) with it's bank of 5 wall creeper elevators, about which, more later. We checked in somewhat later and the reception staff were very friendly but a little frazzled after a long day. This was the weekend of the SF Marathon and therefore, busy. Once again I am reminded of the benefits to being a Bonvoy Elite member as we were given upgraded rooms on the 30th floor, commanding excellent views across the often foggy city. Rooms this high are always worth it if you can get one of course. If you arrive by Uber, cab, or on foot you will enter the main entrance on Powell St, pass through an expansive, columned lobby with the feel of 1920s opulence, into a more modern foyer area with a snack bar and, to your right, a bank of check in desks. These seem to be well staffed which is important - I didn't see any significant lines waiting to check in during my entire stay. If you arrive by car, you will need to proceed around to Geary St where there is a valet parking operation, with no self park option. The valet parking is expensive, but pretty efficient most of the time. If you know ahead of time when you will leave it pays to call ahead so you car is waiting, especially at busy times. The elevators throughout the hotel are of the destination despatch type and is very efficient. On keys your destination floor outside the bank of elevators (and you will need your room key when ascending from the lobby) and you are directed to an available elevator that is programmed to take you to your destination with minimal intermediate stops. It works extremely well and I never waited more than a minute at any time, on any floor. This is greatly preferable to other hotels, even other Westins, where the wait for traditional elevators has sometimes reached 15 mins. The St. Francis is to be congratulated for installing these. The wall creepers in this new wing afford spectacular views through the glass walls, although this is unnerving for height fearing folks like me so be warned. The rooms in the new wing are modern and large with ample space in both the bedroom and the bathroom. The tubs are just about deep enough to soak in, but they still double up as shower over. I wish more hotels would simply provide a large, walk in shower instead. Shower was OK but the pressure not great most mornings, but nothing too serious. Bedding was, as usual, very comfortable as Marriott brands usually are. Heavy duvets and choice of firm or soft pillow which is a nice touch. Several charging points around the room although I would have liked to see more USBs next to the bed. There were none in the bedside lamp or table, although there were regular sockets. USBs can be found near the TV and in the table lamp across the room from the bed. Our rate included breakfast in the Oak Room which includes a really excellent omelette station that was very popular. Good selection of buffet breakfasts both hot and cold however, I wouldn't partake if I had to pay separately for this since it is very costly if not included. having stayed in both the "old" and the "new" sections I think I prefer the more modern accommodations but they do lack the charm of the traditional style rooms and corridors. Both are excellent choices, and what you prefer is obviously down to personal taste. Staff are the same both sides and were very helpful and friendly. An excellent base for the city, there is even a cablecar stop outside the main entrance. If you are a history buff there are displays of the great and the good who have stayed, and sometimes died, in this historic property. I would definitely stay here again. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An ideal city hotel

Jul 23, 2022 sarahsvermont18 Shelburne, Vermont

A lovely historic hotel in the heart of Union Square. Close to epic shopping and easily accessible to major businesses. The rooms are of good size and are well appointed, very clean and nice amenities. The staff was very accommodating. I appreciated the location as it is central to so many things I wanted to see and do well in San Francisco.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Comfortable and classic

Jul 23, 2022 Rather_Nomadic Panama City, Florida

Nice location in downtown with tons of things walkable. Just make sure you don’t stray into the Tenderloin. Classic old school hotel with impeccable service. Probably the biggest and nicest hotel gym I’ve ever used. Beds are insanely comfortable and rooms are surprisingly large for an old hotel. Stayed multiple times for business.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great location and excellent service

Jul 18, 2022 MinYing Taipei, Taiwan

I was in town for a 3 day conference at Moscone West and most of the Bonvoy hotels were asking $300+, if not much more. Given the Westin's location and its prestige status as I had remembered it to be (as I had first moved to the Bay Area/visited Union sqaure exactly 30 years ago), it was a good value. And Westin did live up to its brand with its… Read more
I was in town for a 3 day conference at Moscone West and most of the Bonvoy hotels were asking $300+, if not much more. Given the Westin's location and its prestige status as I had remembered it to be (as I had first moved to the Bay Area/visited Union sqaure exactly 30 years ago), it was a good value. And Westin did live up to its brand with its excellent service and attention to upgrade a Titanium member to a high floor room with a clear view of the Union Square and the COIT tower. Luis at the front desk was extremely welcoming and made me felt at home. Despite the room being somewhat dated, I would definitely come back on future trips. Read less