When it opened in 1875, the Palace Hotel was the world’s largest and most costly.
This year marks the grand dame’s 150th anniversary. Like much of San Francisco, it has survived some reinvention. Although the 1906 earthquake and fire decimated the original building, the Palace reopened more beautiful than before in 1909.
In the nearly century-and-a-quarter that’s followed, the Palace has frequently been at the center of local—and national—history, with a number of major events taking place here, including (allegedly) the death of President Warren G. Harding in the Presidential Suite in 1923.
We jumped at the chance to spend a night inside the Palace. Here’s what it’s like to dine, drink, and stay at the iconic downtown hotel.
The Palace Hotel's Signature Afternoon Tea is a must, whether you're staying overnight or not.(Courtesy of Palace Hotel)
Whether you’re staying overnight or not, a visit to the Palace should begin with their Signature Afternoon Tea in Garden Court, one of the city’s most stunning dining rooms. Enjoy gourmet finger sandwiches (think less cucumber and cream cheese on toast points and more Dungeness crab salad on brioche), artistic pastries, and custom tea blends beneath an atrium of 80,000 stained-glass panes and sparkling Austrian crystal chandeliers that transport you back to the turn of the century. Surrounded by Italian marble and lush greenery, Garden Court welcomes attire ranging from hoodies and jeans to tea dresses and fascinators. Go on and dress up; I sure did.
After tea, immerse yourself in the story of the Palace at Landmark 18 in the former hotel barber shop. The name, which pays tribute to Garden Court, San Francisco’s 18th historic landmark, belongs to the mini-museum celebrating the Palace’s history, from its grand opening to notable events like President Woodrow Wilson’s 1919 Versailles Treaty luncheons and the banquet for the opening session of the United Nations in 1945. You’ll also find the original recipe for green goddess dressing, photos of celebrity guests, invitations, menus, and other artifacts.
The historic Pied Piper Bar.(Courtesy of Palace Hotel)
If Garden Court is the epitome of light, airy elegance, the Pied Piper is its sultry, sophisticated counterpart. Deep colors, wood paneling, and an intimate atmosphere create the perfect setting for sipping a cocktail under Maxfield Parrish’s famed Pied Piper of Hamelin.
The bar offers classic and original drinks, beer and wine, and a California menu that puts a modern twist on pub fare: truffle fries, Brussels sprouts, hearty pastas, and steaks share the stage with dishes like chicken katsu and California chowder. The pan-roasted barramundi is expertly executed and served over rice with a Thai-style curry of toybox squash and seasonal vegetables. To finish, there’s a decadent Ghirardelli dark chocolate mousse or vanilla bean crème brûlée.
After dinner, retreat to your room. For a truly luxurious stay, consider booking one of the hotel’s 53 suites, where rich hues and intricate textiles pay tribute to California Impressionism and 11-foot-high ceilings and large windows afford views of downtown. Slip into a plush bathrobe, pour a glass of wine or cup of tea, and treat yourself to a bubble bath—some suites even feature Jacuzzi tubs. The pillowtop mattress practically guarantees one of the best nights of sleep you’ll have in months.
A guest room at San Francisco's Palace Hotel(Courtesy of Palace Hotel)
In the morning, the Palace’s legendary breakfast buffet is laid out under the brilliant Garden Court ceiling that transforms the room with the shifting light. A generous array of fresh pastries, fruits, and cheeses are served alongside heartier fare like sausages, baby quiches, and breakfast potatoes. To get a taste of the historic Green Goddess Salad, created at the Palace in 1923, you’ll need to come back for lunch.
With its blend of history, artistry, and modern indulgence, a night at the Palace Hotel is an experience that leaves you steeped in the grandeur of San Francisco’s past while staying connected to its modern present.
// 2 New Montgomery St. (SoMA), sfpalace.com
