The Sir Francis Drake Hotel
Affordable Luxury Hotel Rooms in Downtown San Francisco, California
Feb 20, 2008
Tourists and business travelers looking for a reasonably priced luxury hotel room in downtown San Francisco, California should consider the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, a three-star boutique property managed by Kimpton Hotels. Located at 450 Powell Street in Union Square, the Sir Francis Drake Hotel is within walking distance of San Francisco’s financial district, theatre district, Moscone Convention Centre, the Museum of Modern Art, and some of the City by the Bay’s best shopping.
Guest Rooms
Sir Francis Drake Hotel recently received a $20 million makeover, and the investment shows.
Although the property maintains the original 1928 décor in a few of the guest rooms, most are now furnished with oversized everything. Beds are so comfortable, they are difficult to get out of in the morning. Wingback chairs and love seats are plush. The interior design of each of seven room types is essentially the same: color and upholstery schemes juxtapose large vertical and horizontal stripes in eggplant, lime, orange, and eggshell; mirrors, pillows, and lamps provide circular accents.
Rooms start at $159 per night and top out at $599. Substantial discounts are available to those who reserve rooms early, book special packages, or join Kimpton’s In Touch customer loyalty program. For telephone reservations, call the Sir Francis Drake directly at 415-392-7755 or Kimpton’s toll-free number at 1-800-795-7129. Online reservations are also available at either website.
Food, Beverage, and Entertainment
Both lobbies are something to behold.
Backlit with mandarin-colored light, the hypervertical Bar Drake centers the main lobby, which has high, vaulted ceilings. Comfortable furniture populates this central area, which serves coffee and pastries from 6 a.m. until 9 a.m., cocktails and appetizers from noon until midnight.
Flanking Bar Drake, two massive Renaissance replica paintings depict the maritime adventures of the hotel’s namesake, the British pirate Sir Francis Drake, who almost discovered San Francisco Bay in 1579. Directly across from Bar Drake, a winding double staircase leads to a quiet mezzanine lobby complete with fireplace, reading chairs, and baby grand piano. Numerous baroque, crystal chandeliers hang on both the first and second floors.
On the 21st floor, Harry Denton’s Starlight Room boasts a gorgeous, 360-degree view of San Francisco. The Starlight Room opens nightly at 6 p.m., except Sundays, when the fun starts at noon and again at 2:30 p.m. for Sunday’s a Drag, which includes a drag show with brunch for $39.95 (alcoholic beverages cost extra). Regular cover charge is $10 to $15; cocktails range from $10 to $16; appetizers, pizzas, and salads start at $7, while caviar service will set you back at least $65.
Scala’s Bistro opens for breakfast at 8 a.m.; prices range from $6 to $12. For lunch, pizzas and salads cost from $4 to $12, and entrees start at $22. Dinner appetizers start at $11, while entrees range from $17 to $34. Stick with signature Italian fare and avoid the steaks, which tend toward tough. Scala’s Bistro closes at midnight.
Starbucks will open at Sir Francis Drake Hotel in May 2008.
Service and Amenities
The Sir Francis Drake is a pet friendly hotel with an array of services available, including pet sitting, pet walking, and pet massage. Just let reservations know you will be bringing a furry friend.
If you need a massage, spa treatments are brought directly to the room. Sir Francis Drake provides complimentary robes and slippers to all guests.
Rated at three stars, Sir Francis Drake Hotel is not flawless. However, a great location, lively and lovely atmosphere, and comfortable rooms make up for minor inconveniences, such as high-strung bellhops and unpredictable maid service.
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