$167 Avg/night
Rate and special offer based on Check-in: Jan 25, 2013 Check-out: Jan 27, 2013

Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

4 stars
450 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
3.8
out of 5
108 reviews
Great girl's stay

Comfortable rooms, great service,awesome location,definitely will return! See full review

  • Traveling PT
  • Nov 25, 2012
Fantastic historic hotel

Our stay at this hotel was great. The customer service at check-in surpassed our expectations. The... See full review

  • DeeRezd
  • Sep 7, 2012
Legendary grandeur with modern convenience and views in Union Square

Grand in architecture and design, the Sir Francis Drake is a majestic hotel with connections to the past and present. The restored 1930s lobby -- complete with classically attired doormen -- invokes the Italian renaissance, while rooms boast modern conveniences such as TV and high-speed Internet access (fees apply). Food lovers appreciate tasty dishes from Scala's Bistro, while the views of the city from legendary lounge Harry Denton's Starlight Room are second to none. The hotel is part of the Kimpton chain.

Highlights
  • Amazing lounge views of San Francisco from Harry Denton's Starlight Room
  • Classic elegance and service
  • On-site restaurant serves local ingredients
  • Located steps from Union Square
Rooms
The Sir Francis Drake hotel boasts 416 rooms, including 24 suites, and all accommodations are bathed in a cream-and-sage color pattern. Rooms come standard with flat-screen TVs, ironing boards, laptop-sized in-room safes and hair dryers. Rooms also are outfitted with a number of essential travel items that visitors generally forget, such as toothbrushes and dental floss. Wi-Fi and high-speed Internet access are available in all rooms (fees apply). Pets are welcome (fees apply).
Features
When the Sir Francis Drake hotel opened its doors in 1928, San Francisco never had seen anything like it. Back then, it had an indoor golf course, ice water on tap and radios in every room. Today, only one of these features remains (the radios). The main lobby is a total throwback, complete with dark wood and Beefeater doormen. Upstairs, at the Harry Denton Starlight Room, locals and visitors line up for cocktails and priceless views of the entire city. All guests have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, complimentary yoga accessories and in-room spa services (fees apply). Visitors who opt out of housekeeping services for a day receive a $10 credit toward food at any of the on-site eateries. Guests enjoy food made from local ingredients at Scala's Bistro, which is run by former "Top Chef" contestants Jen Biesty and Tim Nugent. Valet and self parking are available (fees apply).
Transportation
  • San Francisco International Airport (18 mi/29 km)
  • Oakland International Airport (16 mi/25.8 km)
  • Cable car stops (0.1 mi/0.1 km)
  • MUNI bus (0.1 mi/0.1 km)
  • BART (0.3 mi/0.5 km)
Attractions
  • Union Square (0.1 mi/0.1 km)
  • Theater district (0.2 mi/0.4 km)
  • Embarcadero (0.9 mi/1.4 km)
  • AT&T Park (1.3 mi/2.1 km)
Business
  • 24-hour business center
  • 16,000 square feet of meeting space
  • Dedicated convention coordinator to assist with all meeting plans

Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel Rooms

City View King Deluxe
City View King Deluxe with one king bed
Classic Queen
Classic Room with 1 queen bed
Classic Two Double
Classic room with 2 double beds
Classic Two Queen
Classic room with 2 queen beds
Accessible Classic Queen
Accessible room with 1 queen bed
Acc Classic Queen Roll In Shwr
1 Queen Bed, Room has a roll in Shower. Communication Features Available.
Accessible Classic Two Double
Accessible room with 2 double beds
Parlor Suite
Parlor Suite 384 square feet seating for 8 connect to second bedroom.
Accessible Grand King
Accessible Spacious Grand King Room, 1 King bed
Presidential Suite
Presidential Suite 644 square feet connects to KPRE and pullout sofa
City View Queen Room
City View Queen Room with a queen bed
City View Two Queen
City View Deluxe Room with two Queen beds
Historic Queen
Historic Queen room with 1 queen bed
Grand King
One king bed - additional seating arrangement
Grand Two Queen
Spacious room with 2 queen beds and additional seating arrangement
Classic King
Classic Room with 1 king bed

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Hotel Map

37.789 -122.4086
Nearby airports
Oakland International Airport, (OAK), 20.00, MI, S; San Francisco International Airport, (SFO), 17.00, MI, S; San Jose International Airport, (SJC), 46.00, MI, N;
Area description
City Center

Nearby points of interest

  • Kertesz Gallery: 0 mi
  • Union Square: 0.1 mi
  • Toomey Tourell Gallery: 0.3 mi
  • Old St Mary's Cathedral: 0.3 mi
  • Grace Cathedral: 0.3 mi
  • Don Soker Gallery: 0.4 mi
  • St Patrick's Church: 0.4 mi
  • Cable Car Museum: 0.4 mi
  • Cartoon Art Museum: 0.4 mi
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: 0.5 mi
  • Transamerica Pyramid: 0.5 mi
  • Moscone Center: 0.5 mi
  • Nob Hill: 0.5 mi
  • Chinatown: 0.6 mi
  • 871 Fine Arts: 0.6 mi
  • Kertesz Gallery: 0 mi
  • Union Square: 0.1 mi
  • Toomey Tourell Gallery: 0.3 mi
  • Old St Mary's Cathedral: 0.3 mi
  • Grace Cathedral: 0.3 mi
  • Don Soker Gallery: 0.4 mi
  • St Patrick's Church: 0.4 mi
  • Cable Car Museum: 0.4 mi
  • Cartoon Art Museum: 0.4 mi
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: 0.5 mi
  • Transamerica Pyramid: 0.5 mi
  • Moscone Center: 0.5 mi
  • Nob Hill: 0.5 mi
  • Chinatown: 0.6 mi
  • 871 Fine Arts: 0.6 mi
  • Octagon House: 0.7 mi
  • Civic Centre: 0.8 mi
  • SoMa: 0.8 mi
  • San Francisco City Hall: 0.9 mi
  • Ferry Building: 0.9 mi
  • Coit Tower: 0.9 mi
  • Haas Lilienthal House: 0.9 mi
  • Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption: 1 mi
  • San Francisco Symphony: 1 mi
  • Lafayette Park: 1.1 mi
  • ATT Park: 1.1 mi
  • Pioneer's Monument: 1.1 mi
  • Konko Church of San Francisco: 1.1 mi
  • Japantown: 1.2 mi
  • Japan Center: 1.2 mi
  • Port of San Francisco: 1.2 mi
  • Lombard Street: 1.3 mi
  • Underwater World: 1.3 mi
  • Aquarium of the Bay: 1.3 mi
  • Pier 39: 1.4 mi
  • Wax Museum Entertainment Complex: 1.4 mi
  • Ghirardelli Square: 1.4 mi
  • San Francisco Experience: 1.4 mi
  • Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum: 1.4 mi
  • Wyland Gallery: 1.4 mi
  • Hyde Street Pier: 1.5 mi
  • Musee Mecanique: 1.5 mi
  • Lands End: 1.8 mi
  • Mission Dolores: 2 mi
  • Mission Delores: 2 mi

Amenities

  • 24 hour front desk
  • 24 hour security
  • Accessible facilities
  • Accessible rooms
  • Air conditioned
  • AM/FM alarm clock
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Audio visual equipment
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Business center
  • Coffee shop
  • Concierge desk
  • Conference facilities
  • Conference suite
  • Cordless phone
  • Desk with lamp
  • Electronic door locks
  • Elevators
  • Executive level
  • FEMA approved
  • Hairdryer in room
  • Handicapped rooms/facilities
  • In room movies
  • Iron
  • Ironing board
  • Laundry service
  • Maid service
  • Meeting/Banquet facilities
  • Mini bar
  • Night club
  • No smoking rooms/facilities
  • Pets allowed
  • Phone with speaker
  • Porters
  • Radio
  • Restaurant
  • Room service
  • Safe
  • Safe deposit box
  • Security
  • Spa services
  • Sprinklers in rooms
  • Telephone
  • Television with cable
  • Temperature control
  • TV
  • TV remote control
  • Valet parking
  • Wake-up service

Dining

Scalas Bistro
Scalas Bistro located on the main level of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel features an award-winning Italian and French inspired menu with breakfast lunch and dinner served daily.

Hotel Policies

Check-in:
03:00 PM
Check-out:
12:00 PM

Terms and conditions

Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.

The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.

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Guest Reviews (108)

Ratings and reviews for Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Overall score

3.8 / 5
108 out of 108
Amenities:
3.6
Room cleanliness:
4.2
Hotel staff:
4.4
Room comfort:
3.7
Location:
4.7
Value:
3.7

81% would recommend to a friend.

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Review this hotel
Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

4
rosenyny
New York, New York
Dec 26, 2012

Charming Hotel in Charming Union Square, SF

We spent one very lovely evening at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel on Union Square in between visiting family up and down California. The room is very stylishly appointed with great beds, pillows, and linens. The only down side for room amenities was there was no coffee maker or mini-refrigerator in the room. The other disappointment was that the Starlight room is closed on Sunday nights so we were not able to enjoy any time there. We were looking forward to having a cocktail there and taking in the view. Oh well, on another stay. Otherwise it was a really nice holiday splurge to stay here the one night. Got a good price for the one night. Additionally, valet parking including tax was $57 per night. That seems steep even for San Francisco and I live in Manhattan. The staff at the hotel are all super friendly and helpful.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Would definitely recommend Piazza Pelligrini in the North Beach neighborhood for a good Italian meal (about a mile walk from Union Square). It's on the corner of Washington Square on Columbus and Green I think. Very fun and charming wait staff and great food and lots of it for the price.

Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

4
parvez23
Burlingame CA
Dec 17, 2012

Solid Elegance

Overall we had a great time. Amazing location, right smack in the heart of Union Square area of San Francisco. The room was very comfortable. Only downside was our bathroom was super small. It was a solid stay for the price we got. If I were to have paid more I would of been a bit disappointed.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

4
KBSHERM
Kansas City
Dec 13, 2012

Perfect SF Union Square

We arrived 4 hours before check in and the gracious young man at the front desk was able to check us in! On a Friday! Great location to check out and explore all of SF. Room was small, but very well appointed and clean! Overall a great value for the price. Only suprise, $50 to vallet the car overnight.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Sparky George
San Francisco, Ca
Dec 9, 2012

Great for Union Square shopping.

Very nice and elegant. Staff was very friendly. Great location for Union Square shopping and sight seeing. The room and bathroom were very small, but I figured with a last minute reservation the better rooms were taken.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
3
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

5
Traveling PT
Florida
Nov 25, 2012

Great girl's stay

Comfortable rooms, great service,awesome location,definitely will return!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Sightseeing tip: Long walk from hotel

Use the great transit system

Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

4
SF expat
Seattle WA
Nov 24, 2012

Convienent to all things downtown

The main entry has stairs which lead to a grand lobby which is also a bar. Many different kinds of seating create an inviting atmosphere for many kinds of visitors. We got in late and after unpacking went to the bar/lobby for a glass of wine. The rooms were clean, not too garish and had all the usual things one expects in a hotel. The bathroom is teensy. If you're a large person, good luck with sitting on the toilet without your knee on one wall and your shoulder pushed up against the vanity on the other side. At least you won't get lost in there! Starbucks right next door, Walgreen's 24 hr. drugstore across the street. We didn't eat in their restaurant, but it looked good.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
3
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

If you want a more SF kind of coffee experience, go down the street to Union Square. Walk across the square and find an Italian coffee bistro with delicious coffee, pastries and sandwiches made fresh daily. Seating inside or out, with lots of space for people watching.

Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Colleen K.
Mount Joy, PA
Oct 20, 2012

Charming Hotel

This was my first trip to SF and we decided on the Sir Francis Drake because of its location and charm. Located by a cable car stop which was great. I read some prior reviews where people complained about how loud it was. I found that you got used to the sound and it was quite charming. My thought is if you book a hotel that has a cable car stop out front, you shouldn't expect it to be quiet. In fact, the hotel is in the city so it's not quiet at all. I liked the sounds of the city. Room was clean but small especially the bathroom but it served its purpose for our trip. The staff is awesome and the doormen are great. They were always willing to answer questions we had especially how to get around the city. Would definitely recommend this hotel if you are looking for a charming place to stay.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Check out John's Grill. It's a little pricey but the food and service was excellent.

Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

1
Copernicus
ATL
Oct 8, 2012

Not Good

For the price ($350/night) the value was abismal: Hair on the shower wall Painfully slow elevator Big crowds in the hotel no mini-bar in room no bath robes pay for internet etc...

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
1
Hotel staff:
2
Room comfort:
2
Location:
3
Value:
1
Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

5
DeeRezd
Denver, CO
Sep 7, 2012

Fantastic historic hotel

Our stay at this hotel was great. The customer service at check-in surpassed our expectations. The gentleman who was assisting us with choosing a room was nice enough to explain the layout of the building, which rooms had the best views, and which rooms were the quietest (there's a nightclub on the top floor of the hotel). He was even nice enough to upgrade our room to a junior suite. The room was spacious, clean, decorated beautifully, and the bathroom was huge. Overall, the hotel was in a great central location, and the cable car stop was right outside which was super convenient. We would definitely stay there again if we found ourselves back in San Francisco.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

4
blc187
New York City
Sep 4, 2012

small and noisy but clean with lots of character

I booked a historic queen room at this hotel because the photos looked amazing. Walking in, the lobby is gorgeous and has an awesome bar. The room itself was about 8x10, not room for anything more than a bed, dresser, and chair. Bed was comfy, toiletries were great. My complaint was that it was the room right next to the elevator and the walls rattled so loudly all night long. Fine if you're a heavy sleeper, otherwise request a different room.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
4
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