Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel
Grand-dame historic with a confident modern refresh. Glamorous without being stuffy. The public spaces feel genuinely old San Francisco — vaulted ceilings, eclectic art, the kind of lobby that makes you slow down. Guest rooms are crisp and contemporary. The overall mood is upscale city hotel that knows exactly what it is.
Ask about the Prohibition Room — it's above the elevator lobby and accessible only with a special elevator key. The room doesn't appear on the original hotel blueprints.
Why It Matters
Built in 1928 for $5 million, the property was the most expensive hotel built in California at the time. It hosted Conrad Hilton's first hotel outside Texas, survived Prohibition with a hidden speakeasy room still accessible today, and its 21st-floor Starlite bar earned Esquire's Best Bars in America 2024. Location directly on the Powell-Mason cable car line is hard to beat.
Opened in 1928 as the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, this 21-story Renaissance Revival landmark at the corner of Powell and Sutter streets is one of San Francisco's most storied addresses. After closing in 2020 and changing ownership, it reopened in June 2022 as the Beacon Grand — independent, fully renovated, and no longer part of Kimpton. The iconic Beefeater doormen are gone, but the gilded lobby ceilings, marble staircases, and European oak floors absolutely are not. And the rooftop bar, now called Starlite, is legitimately one of the best bars in the country.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Beacon Grand Suite
From USD719 / nightThe flagship suite at 885 sq ft with an open floor plan that genuinely earns the 'city apartment' description. The standout feature is a private rooftop terrace with city views. Dining table for six, full living room seating, premium Illy coffee bar, clothes steamer, guest bath — it's genuinely well-equipped. Can connect to a Classic King Guestroom to create a two-bedroom configuration.
King
Classic Guestroom
From USD249 / nightEntry-level rooms renovated with high ceilings, European oak floors, and clean contemporary finishes. They run on the smaller side but are comfortable and quiet. Standard across the board: bedside charging stations, 55-inch 4K Ultra HD TV with Chromecast, Illy coffee maker, mini fridge, and C.O. Bigelow eco-luxury toiletries. Clothes steamers included; robes and slippers on request.
King or QueenGrand Guestroom
From USD349 / nightLarger than the Classics, located on higher floors with better views of Union Square, Nob Hill, or the city skyline. Signature color scheme gives them a distinctive look. Same tech and amenity package as Classic Guestrooms but with the added bonus of extra square footage and elevated sightlines.
King or Two QueensGrand Junior Suite
From USD499 / nightLocated on floors 3 through 15, these suites add a plush seating area to the king bedroom layout plus a walk-in shower. Views look out to either the interior courtyard or Powell Street. The extra breathing room is worth it if you're spending more than a night or two.
King
Grand One Bedroom Suite
From USD619 / nightA proper one-bedroom suite with a separate living/seating area and a grand bathroom. Inspiring San Francisco views. Same full tech and amenity package. Good for longer stays or anyone who needs to actually spread out.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Rotating exclusive wine dinners at The Post Room featuring prominent California wineries — Ridge Vineyards and Barnett Vineyards of Spring Mountain among the 2025 lineup. Farm-to-table menus paired with featured winemaker selections.
The hotel's Social Hosts — a step up from standard concierge — offer personalized SF itineraries, restaurant reservations, neighborhood tips, and dog-friendly city guides. Reachable at Hosts@BeaconGrand.com during your stay.
Monthly Sunday drag shows at Starlite on the 21st floor. Doors open at 4 PM, curtains at 4:45 PM sharp. Hosted by rotating SF drag performers. Free to reserve with optional Champagne or bottle service add-ons. After the show, the DJ sets kick in.
Regular album listening parties at Starlite hosted by DJ Nina Tarr, who spins funk, glam, afrobeat, disco, hip-hop, new wave, and more from a collection of pristine vinyl records.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
13 meeting rooms plus a grand ballroom with gilded ceilings and chandeliers. Renovated in 2022. Suitable for small board meetings to large galas.
Bell staff assist with luggage transport. Luggage storage available.
Room service menu available from The Post Room kitchen. Curated in-room amenity packages also available — charcuterie platters, fruit, wine, specialty cocktails with San Francisco twists.
24-hour front desk and concierge service. Check-in at 4:00 PM, check-out at 11:00 AM.
Pets welcome with no size or weight restrictions and no additional fees reported. Dedicated pet-friendly room category on website.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi in all guest rooms and public spaces.
Valet parking available at approximately $72 + tax per night with in-and-out privileges. No self-parking option. California Residents Package includes valet in the room rate.
The property does not have a swimming pool.
Filtered water refill stations on every guest floor and inside the Fitness Studio. A PATH water bottle is included in each room.
On the third floor. Peloton Bikes, Hydrow rower, CLMBER, treadmills, elliptical, recumbent stepper, Smith Machine, dumbbells, weight balls, and kettlebells.
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