Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel

The Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel, a property rich in history and recognized by the Michelin Key, has since been rebranded as the Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel. While it operates under a new name, many reviews and its historical identity are tied to its time as the Sir Francis Drake, reflecting a blend of classic elegance and modern hospitality.

Here's a comprehensive review based on guest experiences:

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the former Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel, now Beacon Grand, is largely positive, with guests often appreciating its historic charm and prime location. Many reviews highlight a "great location, good value, clean and comfortable with old world charm." It holds an 8.5 "Fabulous" rating based on over 3800 reviews on some platforms. However, some more recent feedback, possibly post-rebranding, indicates mixed experiences, particularly regarding room condition and staff interactions.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the hotel's:

• Location: Situated in the heart of Union Square, it offers excellent access to major attractions.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel showcases a "debonair new design that is a contemporary interpretation of the classic attitude and elegance" of its 1928 origins, featuring a "luxurious and ornamented lobby" with antique crystal chandeliers, gilded ceilings, and a sweeping staircase. The "Renaissance splendor" of its artisan interiors is frequently noted.
• Service & Pet-Friendliness: The Kimpton brand's "friendly boutique charm" is often praised, including a notably pet-friendly policy with no extra costs or restrictions.
• Amenities: Complimentary perks like morning coffee and tea in the lobby, and a free evening wine happy hour, are popular among guests. In-room yoga mats and loaner bikes are also appreciated. The rooftop Starlight Room (when open) is a highlight for cocktails and city views.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at the former Sir Francis Drake are described as clean, comfortable, and up-to-date, blending classic and contemporary design. They feature jewel-toned color palettes, funky patterns, and historic details like large closets. Amenities typically include Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, and quality bathroom toiletries. Comfortable beds and linens, along with good water pressure, are often mentioned. Views can be a significant draw, especially from higher floors overlooking Union Square or Nob Hill.

However, a recurring point of feedback is that standard rooms and bathrooms can be "quite tiny," a common characteristic of older, historic buildings. Some guests advise reviewing room types carefully before booking, as upgrading to a suite generally provides more space.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features Scala's Bistro, an Italian restaurant specialized in Italian cuisine with Californian ingredients, noted for its "upscale ambiance with a comfortable feel." It's a popular choice for guests, particularly business travelers, and also provides room service. The restaurant serves breakfast, dinner, and cocktails. The Starlight Room, a retro-chic rooftop bar, offers 360-degree skyline views and is a "great place for a cocktail." It also reportedly serves an "amazing brunch" on Sunday mornings. Additionally, Bar Drake in the lobby is available for drinks. Complimentary coffee and tea are offered in the lobby each morning.

5. Service & Staff

Kimpton's reputation for outstanding and friendly service is frequently upheld, with the iconic Beefeater-styled doormen often singled out for their welcoming presence. Many guests praise the staff as "incredible," "accommodating and friendly," and some have reported exceptional experiences, such as having left items returned promptly. Staff have been noted for making stays "personal, meaningful, and truly unforgettable," and providing upgrades for special occasions. Check-in is generally described as a "breeze."

However, there are isolated but significant complaints about unfriendly staff or issues with problem resolution, including one detailed account of difficulties with room access and unhelpful management.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "unbeatable location" in the heart of Union Square, making it ideal for exploring San Francisco. It's within easy walking distance to major shopping areas, restaurants, theaters, galleries, Chinatown, Nob Hill, the Financial District, the Embarcadero, and the Ferry Building. The Powell Street cable car passes right by the front door, offering convenient transportation to popular sites like Fisherman's Wharf. Public transportation, including subway stations and bus lines, is also readily accessible.

7. Value & Pricing

The hotel is often considered good value, especially given its prime Union Square location. However, specific pricing can vary, with a room starting around $391. One significant cost mentioned is valet parking, which can be expensive, ranging from approximately $57 to $79 per day with tax. Guests have noted that rooms being smaller is a tradeoff for the central location and historic charm.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Room Size: Standard rooms and bathrooms are often described as small.
• Noise: Despite the central location, street noise is generally not an issue in the rooms. However, some guests have noted "paper thin walls," leading to audible conversations and plumbing noises from adjacent rooms.
• Starlight Room Hours: The rooftop Starlight Room has been reported as closed on certain days (e.g., Mondays and Tuesdays), which can be a disappointment for guests expecting a 7-day-a-week hotel bar.
• Valet Parking Cost: The high cost of valet parking is a frequent point of concern.
• Inconsistent Service: While many praise the staff, there are instances of complaints regarding unhelpful or unfriendly staff members and issues with timely service, such as receiving requested items like towels.
• Dated Aspects: Despite renovations, some reviews suggest that certain elements of the hotel, particularly in the rooms, can appear dated and have minor maintenance issues.

Sources

1. luxurylink.com
2. thesanfranciscohotels.net
3. booking.com
4. fivestaralliance.com
5. oyster.com
6. broadwaytravel.com
7. jenisonajourney.com
8. michelin.com
9. boardingarea.com
10. myvirtualvacations.net