The year 2028 will be a big one for the historic Beacon Grand hotel, in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square neighbourhood, as it will the mark the centenary anniversary of opening its doors for the first time. Initially known as The Sir Francis Drake – at that time it was the most expensive hotel built in California and the finest on the United States’ west coast.
These prosperous beginnings are still very much on show, following a rename and extensive refurbishment from 2020 through 2022, when it finally reopened as the even more impressive showcase hotel it is today, and was welcomed back to a city scene in which it had been sorely missed.
Hotel
Entering the two-storey lobby from the street instantly transports you back to the hotel’s early years, into its European renaissance-inspired reception space that has remained since the time of the hotel’s construction. Opulent touches linger everywhere: hand-painted murals, vaulted gold leaf ceilings with twinkling chandeliers, a striking entrance staircase, and French and Italian marble throughout for that extra palatial quality.
It’s little wonder that this place was such a glamorous draw on the society scene in San Francisco after opening in 1928: the launch party attracting some of Hollywood’s then biggest stars, while more than 10,000 members of the public came to stand outside and witness the inauguration. The ensuing decades saw a steady stream of celebrities, politicians and wealthy businessmen patronising the Beacon Grand for meetings and social events. As for event space rooms, you have a full spectrum here, from intimate salons to a lavish ballroom, which has hosted some of the grandest events in the history of San Francisco.
It’s fantastic to see some of that old-world style, which proved so appealing to city society, remaining after the hotel’s recent comprehensive refurb.
Room
Each of the 418 guest rooms and suites at the Beacon Grand was redesigned during the closedown to feature as many contemporary stylings as historic touches. So while the aforementioned old-world style endures, with European oak floors, regal blue walls and high ceilings, it is offset by a plethora of modern amenities like 55″ UHD TVs, premium Illy coffee bars and eco-luxury toiletries in the bathroom from C.O. Bigelow.
This writer was fortunate enough to spend a night in a Grand One bedroom suite on one of the upper levels of the 21-storey hotel, which had a separate well-appointed lounge and bedroom area, and provided epic views over the city.
The highest level of suite – the Beacon Grand Suite – offers an impressive open-floor plan of 885 square feet, encompassing a spacious living room with dining for six, a large bathroom plus guest bath, and a rooftop terrace area perfect for sundowners or summer breakfasts.
Food and drink
The destination restaurant at the Beacon Grand is called The Post Room, inspired in name by the property’s original glass-front mail chute which stretches from the 20th floor to the basement.
Overlooking the hotel lobby, the newly-opened Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge offers an exceptional all-day menu, marrying the flavours of Southern Europe with fresh Californian produce. On weekends, an elegant afternoon tea is a popular daytime option, while on Sunday evenings cocktails are backdropped by a curated live music programme of local musicians. Standout signature cocktails include a ‘Two Flag Punch’, made with a house-barrelled Amer Picon blend mixed with grenadine and a float of local Avrae VSOP brandy.
Then there’s the Hidden Library, for people who prefer a quieter wood-panelled oasis of bookshelves and distinctive whiskies, paying homage to the hotel’s Prohibition-era past. It’s a personal workspace by day but comes into its own by nightfall, especially if you’re a fan of vintage ryes and bourbons.
To do
This central district of San Francisco is a paradise for shoppers and culture vultures, with boulevards of boutiques and galleries within walking distance, and at least two dozen theatre or music stages between Union Square and the Tenderloin quarter.
It also has a fantastic bar scene, from cocktail lounges to dive bars and everything in between. This writer’s personal tip is the Old Ship Saloon in the neighbouring Jackson Square neighbourhood: the oldest bar in San Francisco, built on the ruins of a Gold Rush-era ship, where a superlative bar menu and warm welcome await.
Finally, you’re only a short walk away from America’s oldest Chinatown and only a few blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf and SF’s world-famous harbour, from where ferries depart daily to the infamous Alcatraz Island and iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
And if you fancy a random excursion from the centre of the city to one of its leafy commuter suburbs, and happen to be a fan of the Robin Williams classic comedy Mrs Doubtfire, make sure to pay a visit to Bridges restaurant in Danville, where the climactic ‘reveal’ scene finale was filmed!
In a nutshell
If history is your thing, and you want to experience the timeless glamour of early 20th century San Francisco, in a plum central location, there’s nowhere in the city quite like the Beacon Grand.
But its 2020-22 closure and refurb has also given the place a fresh update, with a new destination restaurant and revivified guest bedrooms and suites, making it the best of both worlds: of old and new.
With the hotel’s centenary only four years away, there’s never been a better time this side of the millennium to visit.
Getting there
It’s roughly a 40-minute journey from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on the city’s BART transit system, alighting at Powell Street station, from where it’s a 10-minute walk to Beacon Grand.
Factbox
Address: 450 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (844) 223 3713
Website: beacongrand.com
Hotel photography courtesy of Beacon Grand.
