| Hotel Rating: |   | | Satisfaction: |   | | Reviews: 8 | Photos: 6 | | 450 Powell Street Union Square |
 | San Francisco Sir Francis Drake Hotel - A Kimpton Hotel Reviews | 1 - 8 of 8 |  |
 | |  |  | Sir Francis Drake Hotel - A Kimpton Hotel: Nice to see, nice to touch, but don't stay
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The Sir Francis Drake Hotel on Union Square is in a great location. The cable car stops are right outside the entrance (this is also a problem due to the noise they generate at night). Famous for it's Beefeater doormen, it's nice to be met with a smile after returning from an exploration of nearby Chinatown or the wharf precinct.
Reception staff are efficient, but very rude. Concierge service is the absolute worst I've experienced anywhere - you're probably better off DIY - or do what I was forced to do - go to the hotel across the street and see their concierge.
The hotel lobby has a quaint almost Aladdinesque feel to it - a little tacky for some. The carpeting in the hallways is reminescent of that in "The Shining". The rooms are clean, but need serious updating - peeling wall paper, every tile in the bathroom was cracked - plumbing needs checking (seems to take the bath forever to drain), and cracked bathroom mirrors. The window mounted airconditioning is noisy (useful for blocking out the clamour of the cable cars). The toiletries provided are nice though (Aveda).
The hotel restaurant serves Italian food - competently prepared with service to match. The cafe/bistro has a nice ambience to it, friendly staff and the coffee is very good. The Starlight room is spectacular - wonderful views, cocktails, a quality wine list. Live music some nights - great if you're into jazz and lounge, or for pre-dinner drinks - make sure you book on weekends. Gentlemen should wear a jacket.
So the verdict - great amenities - all open to the public. Poor service, dated rooms needing some TLC. Come for the bar and the restaurants, but stay elsewhere.
The famous Beefeater doormen - get a photo with one - they're very friendly.
Unbeatable location - close to cable cars, Chinatown, and with a bonus 24 hour Walgreens across the road for thos last minute "oops I forgot (my toothbrush again)" emergencies. Theme: HotelPrice: US$180 and up » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageDirections: Union Square - Powell St.
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This is a rather average hotel with the regular amenities... minbar, concierge, airport shuttle, exercise room, room service, etc. They also have two restaurants/ coffee bars and even a club. But what really sets this hotel apart from the others is it's history. Built in 1928 the Drake still retains that old time charm, forever captured in the style of the time.
The Sir Francis Drake Hotel is a landmark that I often use with my friends (e.g. 'let's meet in Caffe Espresso in the Drake hotel at six'). It is so convenient, just blocks from Chinatown, Nob Hill, Moscone, SOMA, and the theatre and financial districts. Leave a Comment Theme: HotelComparison: about averagePhone: 800-795-7129Directions: Union Square
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| | | | Sir Francis Drake Hotel - A Kimpton Hotel: "... a San Francisco legend..."
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Sir Francis Drake is a historic hotel, built in 1928. It offers a mixture of timeless elegance and high style. Very chic! The service from it's entire staff was very professional and very friendly.
The concierge available assists in almost anything, from taxi cabs, tickets to shows, meusums, or local attractions, to rental car reservations. The hotel offers Scala's Bistro for fine dining (i highly recommend it). Harry Denton's Starlight Room, which is a 1930's style nightclub with a 180 degree view of downtown from the 21st floor (also highly recommended!) Plus a european coffee shop, Caffe Espresso, complete with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The rooms come complete with Aveda products such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, and facial wash. A fully stocked mini bar, and great views from the rooms! Leave a Comment
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