Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
Historic grand hotel energy with a confident, stylish renovation. Think European Renaissance bones dressed up with European oak floors, regal blue walls, and eco-luxe toiletries. Lively rather than hushed — cable cars run right past the front door.
Ask about the Prohibition Room — it's accessible only with an elevator stop key and doesn't appear on any original blueprints. Staff can tell you more.
Why It Matters
One of San Francisco's original landmark hotels, opened 1928. Housed Prohibition-era secrets including a hidden bootlegger's room still accessible only by elevator key. Starlite bar named one of the Best Bars in America 2024 by Esquire. Cocktails by Scott Baird (creator of Trick Dog) and food by Michelin-awarded Chef Johnny Spero.
Built in 1928 as the Sir Francis Drake — then the most expensive hotel in California — the Beacon Grand came roaring back after a thorough 2020–2022 renovation. The Gothic-Renaissance building still anchors the corner of Powell and Sutter with the same ornate lobby, gold-leafed vaulted ceilings, and marble staircase it opened with. But it's not a museum piece: the guest rooms are genuinely fresh, Starlite on the 21st floor is one of the best bars in America according to Esquire, and The Post Room downstairs has become a proper neighborhood brasserie.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Beacon Grand Suite
The top-tier suite at 885 sq ft on an open floor plan. Dining for six, a spacious living room, large bathroom, and a private rooftop terrace with city views. Can be configured as a two-bedroom by connecting a Grand King room (subject to availability). This one is genuinely apartment-scale — the kind of space you'll actually use rather than just sleep in.
Classic Guestroom
The entry-level room and still perfectly solid. High ceilings, European oak floors, and a 55-inch 4K Ultra HD TV with Chromecast. Bedside charging stations, Illy coffee maker, mini fridge, and C.O. Bigelow eco-luxury toiletries are standard. Clothes steamers in the room; robes, slippers, and cribs available on request. Note: bathrooms run small by modern standards — a common guest comment.
Grand Guestroom
More space and a signature color scheme distinguish the Grand rooms from the Classic tier. Located on higher floors with views — either Union Square or the surrounding city. Same tech and amenity package as Classic rooms, but with the added bonus of better outlooks and a bit more breathing room.
Grand Junior Suite
A step up with a king bed plus a separate plush seating area and a walk-in shower. Located on floors 3 through 15, with views of either the interior courtyard or Powell Street. Good for longer stays where a bit of separation between sleep and lounge space makes a difference.
King
Grand One Bedroom Suite
A full one-bedroom layout with inspiring city views, a proper seating area, and a grand bathroom. Good for those who want a genuine home-away-from-home setup for a longer SF trip. Full amenity package included.
The Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Orderable through Social Hosts: California charcuterie platters, fresh farmer's market fruits and juices, decadent sweets, bottles of wine, and a specialty SF-themed cocktail. Good for arrivals, celebrations, or just a room-service upgrade.
The iconic Powell-Mason cable car line stops directly in front of the hotel — rides up to Nob Hill, across to Fisherman's Wharf, and down to the Embarcadero. Hotel can assist with MuniMobile app setup or SFMTA kiosk directions.
A hidden room built during Prohibition to store bootlegged liquor — accessible only via elevator stop key and absent from the original blueprints. Ask staff for the story; tiny peepholes drilled through the lobby floor ceiling (to watch for police) are still visible if you look closely.
In-house 'Social Hosts' serve as a genuine local guide service — making restaurant reservations, arranging tickets, sharing insider neighborhood tips, and curating in-room treat packages. Reachable at Hosts@BeaconGrand.com. Think best friend with a black book rather than a standard hotel concierge.
Table-side bottle service on the 21st floor featuring premium spirits (mezcal, tequila, whiskey, scotch, vodka, gin, rum, cognac) with curated sodas, house-made garnishes, and thoughtful pairings. Best for groups celebrating a special occasion at height.
All-vinyl DJ sets by Nina Tarr nightly at Starlite on the 21st floor. Regular album listening parties. Scott Baird's SF-inspired cocktail menu. 360-degree panoramic city views.
Monthly drag show at Starlite featuring rotating local queens and performers. Doors at 4 PM, curtains at 4:45 PM sharp. Free to reserve a seat; optional Champagne or Bottle Service add-ons. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Full bell service for luggage transport and valet coordination. Luggage storage available before check-in and after checkout.
Robust high-speed Wi-Fi included throughout the property as part of the Urban Destination Fee ($35/night + tax).
Included with the Urban Destination Fee.
Located on the 3rd floor, open around the clock. Peloton Bikes, treadmills, elliptical, CLMBER, Hydrow rower, recumbent stepper, Smith machine, dumbbells, weight balls, and kettlebells.
Premium Illy espresso/coffee maker in every room, included with the Urban Destination Fee.
Gilded ballroom, grand chandeliers, and intimate salons totaling 17,000 sq ft. Fully renovated. Cuts across everything from product launches to weddings. Catering available on-site.
Valet-only parking at $79/day including in-and-out privileges. Hourly rate is $18/hr ($6 per additional 30 min). Oversized vehicles $89. Maximum vehicle height 6'8".
Electric vehicle charging available for $15.
Dogs welcome, two maximum per room. $75 + tax cleaning fee per stay. Dogs must be leashed in public spaces and cannot be left unattended in rooms. Not permitted in The Post Room.
There is no pool on the property — confirmed explicitly in the hotel FAQ.
Two reusable PATH water bottles provided in every room; water refill stations on every floor. Part of the hotel's eco-friendly commitment.
BUILD YOUR BEACON GRAND, A UNION SQUARE HOTEL PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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