So, here’s the thing about San Francisco: everyone wants that "authentic" experience, but most people just end up at a sterile high-rise near Union Square. If you’ve ever walked up Bush Street and noticed a building that looks like it was plucked straight out of a Parisian side street and dropped onto a California hill, you’ve seen the Cornell Hotel de France.
It is weird. It’s wonderful. Honestly, it’s one of the last places in the city that feels like a human being actually designed it, rather than a corporate board seeking "synergy."
But there’s a lot of confusion lately. Is the restaurant open? Who owns it? Why are there different artists on every floor? If you’re planning a stay or just curious about this 1910 landmark, you need the real story.
The Lambert Legacy and the "New" Cornell Hotel de France
For over fifty years, this place was the soul of the French community in SF. Claude and Micheline Lambert didn't just buy a hotel; they lived the American Dream in reverse, bringing Orléans to the West Coast. Back in the day, Claude literally slept under the stairs while renovating the then-dilapidated building.
The Lamberts retired in 2020. That was a huge deal. People thought the magic would vanish when Oceanic Properties took over. While the management changed, the vibe—kinda like your eccentric French grandmother’s attic—remains surprisingly intact.
The hotel still operates as a 50-room boutique treasure. It’s not a Hilton. Don't expect a massive gym or a robotic check-in kiosk. You get a metal key. You get a historic Otis elevator that has more personality (and occasionally more moods) than most people you know.
Why the Art on the Walls Actually Matters
Most hotels use generic "lifestyle" photography or abstract blobs to fill wall space. Not here.
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At the Cornell Hotel de France, each floor is a dedicated tribute to a specific avant-garde master. It’s a bit of a trip. You might step off the elevator into a hallway filled with the dreamy, floating figures of Marc Chagall.
- Third Floor: Gauguin’s Tahitian colors.
- Fourth Floor: The bold, cut-out shapes of Matisse.
- Fifth Floor: Modigliani’s elongated, soulful portraits.
- Sixth Floor: The vibrant, gritty world of Toulouse-Lautrec.
It isn't just "decor." It’s a curated experience. You’re not just staying in Room 402; you’re staying in the Matisse wing. It’s the kind of detail that makes you actually look at the walls instead of staring at your phone while walking to your room.
The Truth About Restaurant Jeanne d'Arc
We have to talk about the elephant in the basement. Or rather, the saint in the basement.
For 52 years, Restaurant Jeanne d'Arc was the go-to for anyone wanting a four-course prix fixe menu without a tech-bro price tag. It was subterranean, cozy, and filled with enough Joan of Arc memorabilia to stock a small museum.
Here is the update for 2026: The restaurant is closed for daily dining. This breaks a lot of hearts. After a brief attempt to revive it in late 2023 with the original chef, Bernard Moutal (who came out of retirement at 78!), the owners officially pivoted. As of late 2024 and through 2026, the space is strictly an event venue.
You can still see the stained glass. The tapestries are still there. But you can't just walk in and order the rabbit with mushrooms anymore. It’s now used for private receptions and parties for up to 80 people. If you want that French fix, you're heading elsewhere in the neighborhood, though the hotel still offers a breakfast service for guests who book directly.
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What it’s Actually Like to Stay Here
Let’s be real: this is an old building.
If you need central air conditioning to survive, look elsewhere. The Cornell Hotel de France relies on that classic San Francisco technology called "opening the window." The rooms are individually decorated, which is code for "none of them look the same." Some are tiny. Some are junior suites with separate sitting areas.
What you get:
- L'Occitane bath products (because, France).
- High-quality linens and surprisingly comfortable beds.
- A location that is basically unbeatable—0.2 miles from Union Square but far enough uphill to feel residential.
- Free Wi-Fi that actually works.
What you don't get:
- A gym (they ended their partnership with the local fitness center recently).
- On-site parking (you’ll be using a garage about 200 feet away for roughly $40 a day).
- Modern soundproofing. It’s a 1910 building. You might hear a floorboard creak or a distant cable car bell. That’s the point.
Navigating the "Lower Nob Hill" Vibe
The hotel sits at 715 Bush Street. This is the "tender-nob"—the transition zone between the ritzy hotels of Nob Hill and the grit of the city.
It’s safe, but it's urban. You’re steps away from the Dragon’s Gate in Chinatown and the Powell Street cable car turnaround. Honestly, you should just walk. Head down to Belden Place for more French food, or hit up a local spot like the BeanStalk Café for your morning caffeine fix.
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Actionable Tips for Your Visit
Don't just book the cheapest rate on a third-party site. If you book directly through the Cornell Hotel website, you often get breakfast included. In a city where a croissant and a latte can cost $20, that’s a win.
Ask for a street-facing room if you like light, but grab an interior room if you’re a light sleeper. The double-pane windows on the street side help, but Bush Street can be busy.
Finally, take the stairs at least once. It’s the only way to see the transition between the different artist floors. It’s like a vertical gallery crawl that doubles as cardio.
Checklist for your stay:
- Direct Booking: Check the official site first for breakfast deals.
- Parking: Budget $40+ per day if you’re bringing a car (or just don't bring one).
- Dining: Since Jeanne d'Arc is closed, make reservations at Le Central or Café Claude nearby.
- Art: Take ten minutes to walk through each hallway; the prints are genuinely high quality.
The Cornell Hotel de France isn't trying to be the future of hospitality. It’s trying to be a bridge to a version of San Francisco—and France—that is slowly disappearing. It’s quirky, a little bit stubborn, and exactly what a boutique hotel should be.