$169 Avg/night
Rate and special offer based on Check-in: May 26, 2013 Check-out: May 28, 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
122 reviews
We LOVED THIS HOTEL!

My husband, mother and I stayed at Sir Francis Drake for just one night and absolutely loved it.... See full review

  • LadyRay
  • Apr 16, 2013
Great at UnionSquare

Just what you need when you visit San Francisco. Close to everything. Hotel is well done and staff... See full review

  • Worldwide Traveler Couple
  • Apr 16, 2013
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

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

Amenities

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

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Reviewer score 4.0 out of 5
Reviewer score 4.5 out of 5

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

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 (122)

Ratings and reviews for Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Overall score

3.8 / 5
122 out of 122
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.

Sort by:
Review this hotel
Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

5
Anonymous
Business
Fresno, CA
Apr 21, 2008

Just what I needed

I have not stayed at this hotel for a few years. However, decided to try it again. I was very satisfied with the location , staff and my petite room. It was fine for one person but not for more. The only down side was that their gym was still being remodeled and a charge to use another gym. I will rebook again.

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

Business

Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Withiin a few blocks there are many dining options. A cab ride is not necessary

Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

5
Anonymous
Bowdoinham
Jul 27, 2008

Can't beat the location

We got a rock-bottom (for San Francisco) price on a small but very comfortable room within earshot of the cable car bells. San Francisco is a great city to walk in, and the Drake is a fine place to start: we strolled to Chinatown, the financial district, the Embarcadero, but BART, Muni, the historic F tram, and of course the cable cars are all convenient to the hotel as well. We enjoyed a cocktail at the Starlight lounge with twinkling views of the city, followed by a very comfortable bed. The Drake is a San Fransisco legend, and Kimpton has done a great job of preserving the ambiance.

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

Every designer under the sun has a shop in the Union Square area.

Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

5
Anonymous
Business
DUARTE, CA
May 24, 2008

Great City Accessability

This hotel stands at the hub of San Francisco Marketplace district , walking distance from Union Square. The cable car stops directly in front of the lobby doors. The upgrade to the room with 2 queen beds was well worth the extra $14/night. This room was spacious with a large tub for relaxing bubble baths. The room refrigerator helped with keeping our water cool and our fruit fresh. Overall, we'd do ti all again just the same.

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

Business

Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

5
Anonymous
Business
USA
Oct 11, 2008

Great location, nice staff.

It was a great hotel in downtown san fran. Trolley stop just outside the door. The bell hop was always smiling and very accomodating. Hotel room was comfortable- small but cozy. Bathroom is tight but still a good value for the price. Nice bar in the lobby. Italian restaurant was delicious and crowded.

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

Business

Shopping tip: Short walk from hotel

Starbucks next door and nice breakfast across the street.

Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

5
Anonymous
USA
Feb 15, 2008

A dip in another city.

Traveling on Valentine's Day - I didn't expect to have such a great time, I was alone, and there wasn't a big to-do about the day. The Sir Francis Drake Hotel provided an excellent time - while there I dined at Scala, and had a great time talking with the bartenders about the city. When I checked in - they gave me a rundown of the area and the services they provided. It was a great time.

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

Take time out to walk around The Conversations opening scene. For the film fan - San Francisco provides many areas to walk through - but the best is Union Square - located right around the corner of the hotel.

Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

5
Anonymous
Business
LONGVIEW, WA
May 23, 2008

Good location

This hotel was the perfect location to the doctor's offices that we needed to visit.

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

Business

Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

5
Anonymous
Phoenix, AZ
Jul 13, 2008

Adult Fun

This Hotel was perfect for adult fun. There was a beautiful bar in the lobby and a fun night club up top, with a dance floor/band and a beautiful view of the city. Great for a couples getaway.

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

Tons of stores at every turn

Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

5
Anonymous
vancouver
May 26, 2008

Great Location & Price

Had a great stay at this hotel. Staff were great and hotel was in a nice location and rooms clean. On the down side the rooms were a bit small.

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

Reviewer score

5
Anonymous
Hanover
Oct 28, 2008

centrally located, Union Sq.

Our room was very comfortable, yet very small, I would call it a boutique size, and maybe we received a better price with this size room, although I am not sure. The hotel was in the middle of top named stores, restaurants, the trolleys.

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

San francisco is a walking city/ and very easy to get around.

Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

5
Anonymous
Austin
Dec 23, 2008

great hotel

Best hotel by Union Square. Close to everything and a great value for the money. :)

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