Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel

The Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel, a Michelin Key Selected property in San Francisco, offers a blend of historic grandeur and modern luxury, making it a highly regarded destination in the heart of the city. Formerly known as The Sir Francis Drake, the hotel underwent extensive renovations before reopening in early 2022, restoring much of its original 1928 splendor while incorporating contemporary comforts.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Beacon Grand is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising its historic charm, excellent location, and friendly staff. It consistently receives "Very good" to "Outstanding" ratings across various platforms. The hotel is often described as a "high-end hotel with a sense of history" offering "great value for money and excellent service."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects that make Beacon Grand stand out:

• Location: Its prime position on Powell Street, just one block from Union Square, is a major draw. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of major shops, restaurants, galleries, theaters, Chinatown, and cable car stops.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's opulent lobby, with its European Renaissance-inspired design, towering two-story ceilings, marble walls, parquetry flooring, antique chandeliers, and hand-painted murals, transports guests to a bygone era. The recent renovations have successfully retained this old-world elegance.
• Service: The staff is frequently lauded for being fabulous, helpful, friendly, and attentive.
• Starlite Room: The iconic rooftop bar on the 21st floor, Starlite, is a significant highlight, offering panoramic views of San Francisco's hills, craft cocktails, and live music with DJs.
• Comfortable Beds: Many guests specifically mention the comfortable beds and nice linen, contributing to a good night's sleep.

3. Room Quality

The 418 guest rooms and suites at Beacon Grand are designed to blend contemporary stylings with historic touches, paying tribute to the hotel's original opening era without feeling dated. Rooms feature European oak floors, regal blue walls, and high ceilings, alongside modern amenities such as 55″ UHD TVs, premium Illy coffee bars, mini-fridges, clothes steamers, and eco-luxury toiletries from C.O. Bigelow. Many rooms offer impressive views of Union Square or the surrounding city. Guests describe the rooms as clean and comfortable, although some note that standard rooms may not be particularly large. Blackout curtains and strong air conditioning are also appreciated features.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers several dining and bar options:

• The Post Room: Located on the mezzanine above the lobby, The Post Room serves as an intimate all-day bar, lounge, and dining room. It features a menu that blends Mediterranean flavors with California produce, offering dishes like Ahi Tuna sashimi and lobster ravioli. Guests have praised the quality of the food, with one noting a delicious Caesar salad. Weekends often include a curated live music program. An executive prix fixe lunch menu is also available during weekdays.
• Starlite: The rooftop bar on the 21st floor is a renowned spot for cocktails, offering a vibrant atmosphere with DJs and stunning city views.
• The Hidden Library: This discreet, Prohibition-era speakeasy provides a cozy setting for nightcaps, offering a menu of aged whiskeys.
• Breakfast: While some guests have had positive experiences with breakfast, noting it to be "complete and friendly," others mention that breakfast is primarily available via room service and can be quite expensive.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Beacon Grand is consistently lauded as exceptional. Guests frequently describe the staff as "fabulous," "helpful," "friendly," and "attentive." Many recount instances of staff going "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay. The hotel also offers "Social Hosts" who can assist with recommendations and reservations for dining and local attractions.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Beacon Grand boasts a superb location in the heart of San Francisco's Union Square. Situated on Powell Street, it's just a short walk to major shopping districts, numerous restaurants, galleries, and theaters. Iconic San Francisco cable cars pass right by the hotel's entrance, providing easy access to attractions like Nob Hill, Fisherman's Wharf, and ferry terminals to Alcatraz. The surrounding area is generally considered safe, although some guests note the presence of homeless people, which is common in urban areas. San Francisco International Airport is approximately a 20-30 minute drive away.

7. Value & Pricing

Beacon Grand is generally considered to offer good value for money, especially given its prime location and amenities. Prices can vary, but a 1-night stay for two adults can start from around $199.20, excluding taxes and fees. Average prices can range from $200 for a weekend night to $560 for a weeknight. The cheapest month to stay is typically February, while January can be the most expensive. The hotel is considered an "affordable luxury" option in San Francisco with an average price of $273 per room.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring issues or criticisms include:

• Valet Parking Cost: Valet parking is often cited as very expensive.
• Room Size: Some guests found the rooms, particularly standard ones, to be on the smaller side.
• Bathroom Design: A few reviews mentioned awkward bathroom showers with no doors, leading to water spilling onto the floor. Some bathrooms could also benefit from renovation.
• Noise: While inward-facing rooms are quieter, some guests reported noise, especially on weekends, with one mentioning "protestors" being noisy. The plumbing in older sections of the hotel can also be noisy.
• Lobby Temperature/Ambiance: One guest found the newly remodeled lobby to be "extremely cold and not inviting."
• Elevator Congestion: Elevators can get busy, especially in the evenings with patrons going to the Starlite Room.
• Lack of Self-Service Laundry: The hotel does not have a self-service laundry room.
• No Free Breakfast: Breakfast is available, often via room service, but it is not complimentary and can be pricey.

Sources

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