The fog rolls in over the Twin Peaks, spilling down toward Market Street, but if you’re standing in the middle of Union Square, your eyes naturally drift toward the gray stone giant on Powell Street. It's the Westin St Francis Hotel Union Square. Most locals just call it "The St. Francis." It’s been there since 1904. Think about that for a second. It survived the 1906 earthquake. Well, the structure did; the inside was a different story back then.
Honestly, if these walls could talk, they’d probably tell you to mind your own business because they’ve seen everything from royal scandals to silent film era tragedies.
You’ve likely seen the glass elevators. They zip up the side of the Tower Building, offering a view of the city that makes your stomach drop in the best way possible. It’s a weird mix. You have the Landmark Building, which feels like a Gilded Age fever dream, and then the Tower, which screams 1970s brutalist-meets-luxury. It shouldn't work. Somehow, it does.
The Weird History of Dirty Money
Here is something most people don't realize when they're checking in: the hotel literally washes its money. I’m not talking about some shady offshore accounting. It's actual coins. Back in 1938, the hotel’s manager, Dan London, noticed that the white gloves of the ladies staying at the hotel were getting stained by dirty change. Since the St. Francis was—and is—the height of high society, this simply wouldn't do.
He started a silver-cleaning operation.
They use a burnishing machine, some soap, and water to make sure every nickel and quarter handed back to a guest is shiny. They still do it today. It’s one of those tiny, absurdly "extra" details that explains why this place hasn't been swallowed up by the sea of generic, cookie-cutter hotel chains that plague most major cities. You get your change back and it looks brand new. It’s a flex. A 100-year-old flex.
Staying at the Westin St Francis Hotel Union Square: Landmark vs. Tower
When you’re booking, you have a choice. This is where people get tripped up. The Landmark Building is for the history nerds. We’re talking high ceilings, elaborate crown molding, and that heavy, "I'm staying in a palace" vibe. The hallways are long. They feel a bit like a movie set.
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Then you have the Tower.
It was added in 1971. It’s taller. Much taller. If you want the view—the one where you can see the Coit Tower, the Transamerica Pyramid, and the Bay Bridge all at once—you book the Tower. The rooms there feel more modern, a bit more streamlined. If you’re afraid of heights, maybe stick to the lower floors of the Landmark. Those glass elevators in the Tower move fast. Really fast. It’s the closest thing to a theme park ride in a five-star hotel.
The Great Dining Debate
You aren't going to go hungry here, but Union Square is a tourist trap minefield. Inside the hotel, the Magneta Lounge is the spot for a cocktail. It's dark, it's moody, and it feels like a place where a spy would meet a contact.
For something more substantial, you’ve got Oak Room Restaurant. It’s classic American. Is it the most "avant-garde" meal in San Francisco? No. San Francisco has a Michelin-starred spot on every corner for that. But for a solid breakfast before hitting the cable cars? It’s hard to beat.
- The Chilaquiles are surprisingly legit.
- The coffee is strong enough to wake the dead.
- Service is old-school. They actually remember your name if you stay more than two nights.
The Tragedy of Room 1219
We have to talk about it. The "Fatty" Arbuckle scandal. In 1921, the silent film star threw a party in rooms 1219, 1220, and 1221. It ended with the death of actress Virginia Rappe. It was the first "Trial of the Century." Even though Arbuckle was eventually acquitted, it destroyed his career and changed how the public viewed Hollywood forever.
People still ask about those rooms. The hotel doesn't exactly advertise it. You won't find a plaque. But for the true crime fans, standing in that hallway feels heavy. It’s a reminder that beneath the gold leaf and the marble, San Francisco has always had a gritty, noir underbelly. The St. Francis is the intersection of that glamour and that grit.
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Location is Everything (And Everything is Loud)
You are at the corner of Powell and Geary. This is the epicenter. The cable cars literally stop right outside the front door. You can hear the "ding-ding" from your room if you're on a lower floor.
The proximity to shopping is dangerous for your credit card. You've got Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Tiffany & Co. within a three-minute walk. If you’re here for work, the Financial District is a ten-minute stroll. If you’re here for the vibes, the Tenderloin is also right there.
That’s the thing about San Francisco. It changes block by block. One minute you're looking at a $50,000 watch, the next you're navigating the complexities of a city with a massive wealth gap. Staying at the Westin St Francis Hotel Union Square puts you right in the middle of that reality. It’s not an insulated resort. It’s a city hotel. It's loud, it's busy, and it's alive.
The Logistics You Actually Care About
Let's get practical because travel isn't all ghost stories and shiny coins.
Parking: It’s expensive. Like, "I could have bought a small car for the price of this weekend's valet" expensive. If you can avoid bringing a car to San Francisco, do it. Use Uber, use the Muni, use your feet. If you must drive, be prepared for a $70+ per night charge.
The Gym: It’s a Westin, so the fitness studio is actually good. They have Peloton bikes. They have actual weights that go beyond 25 pounds. You can even borrow New Balance gear if you forgot yours.
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The Lobby: The Great Hall is a masterpiece. The "Master Clock" is the meeting point. For over a century, people have said, "Meet me under the clock at the St. Francis." It’s the city's version of the clock at Grand Central.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think the St. Francis is "stuffy."
Sure, there’s a lot of marble. Yes, the doormen wear hats. But it’s actually pretty laid back once you get past the velvet curtains. It’s a Marriott property (Westin brand), so you get those standard comforts. The "Heavenly Bed" is real. It’s not just marketing. You will sleep like a rock.
Another misconception? That it’s too old to be functional. They’ve poured millions into renovations. The Wi-Fi works. The plumbing—mostly—behaves. You get the aesthetic of 1904 with the charging ports of 2026.
Specific Tips for a Better Stay
- Request a Corner Room in the Tower: The views are 270 degrees. You can see the Pacific on a clear day and the Bay on the other side.
- Check the Event Calendar: The hotel hosts massive galas. If there's a big tech conference or a society ball, the lobby will be packed.
- The Wine Program: They have an incredible selection of Northern California wines. Skip the generic stuff and ask for a local Napa or Sonoma small-batch pour.
- The Hidden Art: Walk the hallways of the Landmark Building. There are original paintings and artifacts tucked away in corners that most guests sprint past.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning to book the Westin St Francis Hotel Union Square, don't just treat it as a place to crash. Start by choosing your "vibe"—Landmark for romance and history, Tower for the "wow" factor views.
Plan your arrival around the cable car schedule. Don't try to take one with luggage; it's a nightmare. Instead, drop your bags at the hotel first, then walk out the front door and hop on the Powell-Hyde line for a ride down to Ghirardelli Square.
Make a point to visit the lobby clock exactly on the hour to watch the crowds. It's one of the best people-watching spots in North America. Finally, check your change when you buy a drink at the bar. If that quarter is sparkling, you’ll know you’re truly in the heart of San Francisco tradition.
The hotel isn't just a building. It's a survivor. It represents a version of the city that refuses to go away, no matter how many tech booms or busts come through. It’s expensive, it’s grand, and it’s a little bit eccentric. In other words, it’s exactly what San Francisco is supposed to be.