Palace Hotel, San Francisco, California

In the heart of San Francisco, the Palace Hotel has stood as a monument to elegance since 1875. 

Beyond its grand archways lies a world of marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and the soft murmur of piano music under the famed Garden Court glass dome. 

With 553 rooms and suites, this historic icon blends Gilded Age opulence with the warmth of modern California hospitality—a meeting place of past and present beneath the city’s shifting light.

What Makes It Special

• Historic Legacy: A San Francisco institution since the 19th century, reborn after the 1906 earthquake.
• The Garden Court: The crown jewel of the hotel—a glass-domed dining hall filled with golden light.
• The Pied Piper Bar: Famous for its restored Maxfield Parrish mural, serving classic cocktails since 1909
• Elegant Accommodations: High ceilings, plush fabrics, and marble details evoke timeless grandeur.
• Prime Location: Steps from Union Square, the Embarcadero, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
• Marriott Luxury Collection: Service that honors the hotel’s heritage while embracing modern comfort.

A Day at the Palace Hotel

Morning

Breakfast beneath the Garden Court’s glass dome, where sunlight pours through a ceiling of crystal and steel. The scent of freshly baked croissants mingles with the quiet notes of a pianist.

Afternoon

Wander through Union Square’s boutiques, or relax in the heated indoor pool framed by marble columns. The hum of the city outside fades into a gentle echo.

Evening

Return to the Pied Piper Bar, where travelers and locals meet under the glow of the mural. Sip an Old Fashioned—a nod to a century of stories told over amber light.

Night

Back in your suite, city lights shimmer beyond the window as the sounds of Market Street drift softly upward.

Insider Tips for Palace Hotel, San Francisco

• Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop and Flatiron Wines & Spirits are right by the hotel.
• Traffic can be rough—plan extra travel time if driving.
• Avoid valet parking—it’s expensive ($72/night) and sometimes slow. The garage across the street is a cheaper alternative
• Reserve breakfast the night before—especially if you want to dine in The Garden Court, which gets crowded.
• Check for perks if booking through Amex Platinum or Marriott elite status—benefits are strong here.

Why We Love It (Curated Highlights)

At Hotelagio we hand-pick only stays that feel truly one-of-a-kind. This property made our list because of these rare details:

• Architectural Grandeur: One of America’s most storied hotels, restored to perfection.
• The Garden Court: A sunlit masterpiece of glass and gold.
• The Pied Piper Bar: A living slice of San Francisco history.
• Cultural Proximity: Steps from the city’s best art, dining, and shopping.
• Enduring Spirit: Old-world luxury seamlessly married with contemporary ease.

For Whom

For couples: Candlelit dinners under the Garden Court dome and romantic strolls to the Embarcadero.
For families: Spacious suites and proximity to Golden Gate Park and city landmarks.
For business travelers: Elegant meeting rooms and timeless prestige in the city’s heart.

Quick Facts (Luxury Snapshot)

Location: San Francisco, California, USA—25minutes from SFO International Airport
Rooms: 553 rooms and suites
Rates: From USD 255—a rare chance to sleep inside San Francisco’s living history
Best for: Architecture lovers, history buffs, couples, and urban explorers
Style: Classic and historical, offering Gilded Age beauty with modern comfort and prime city access.