The Westin St. Francis Hotel is the epitome of classic, the rooms are still adorned with crustal chandeliers and ornate molding, and the service is what you would have expected in the golden days of travel. The property keeps it's traditional elegance while not feeling old or tired. The staff is refreshing - friendly, expertless pressed and knowledgeable about the area. The gentlemen at the door will hail you a cab and point you in the direction of your favorite high-end boutique.
History fills the Westin St. Francis. The phrase “Meet me at the clock tower” originated there, referring to the massive wooden clock in the lobby of the Westin St. Francis that made an easy landmark for meet-ups when the hotel was first built in San Francisco. Employees still polish all silver coins, a tradition started to protect women’s white gloves in the 1930s. The San Francisco Westin St. Francis’s website has even more stories. The lobby is also adorned with San Francisco history, from the Ansel Adams photography to memorabilia from WWII.
If you have the chance, make sure to take the elevators to the top floor, where a spectacular event space awaits. Floor to ceiling windows give a amazing 360 degree view of the city.
I was fortunate enough to stay at the Westin St. Francis for around two weeks. I had a room that imagine was an upgrade, but I did not ask for one. It had a large sitting area with very high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the famous Union Square.
View of Union Square from my room
One day I could not find my cell phone, but remembered it being on my bed the night before. I called security, and several hours later they found my phone - in the linen washroom! Not only did they promptly return it, the hotel sent a bottle of wine and fresh fruit. Another time I was riding in an elevator on the historic side of the hotel. The elevator was stopped for a half hour. Again, the hotel's response was above and beyond, offering free dinner at the properties five star restaurant and a massage.
My stay at the Westin, all though not with out hiccups was more then pleasent. The staff went above and beyond to make sure my stay was wonderful - and it was.
I did stop at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, just for the view from the penthouse bar. It definitely left a lot to be desired. The view was great, but the bar was outdated, overpriced and my martini wasn’t even good. Just say no to the Mark Hopkins!
