The Westin St Francis is a historic, 4 star hotel, located right on Union Square, the famous central shopping, theatre and dining area, in downtown San Fransisco.

 

The Hotel was opened in 1904, with only two 12-storey wings, now called the South Wings, with the double-width North Wing being completed in 1913.  The South Wings were normal hotel rooms, where as the North Wing was designed initially as apartments for their many permanent guests.  It became THE hotel for the rich and famous of the time to be seen at, and many film stars, politicians and presidents stayed here.

 

In 1972, the hotel was expanded and doubled in size, when the 32-storey rear tower was constructed across the full width of the original building.  This made it one of the biggest hotels in the city at the time, with over 1200 rooms and suites, and had ground-breaking exterior glass elevators, offering guests stunning views of Union Square and the panoramic bay beyond.

 

Today it is still one of the best hotels in San Fransisco, the only one actually facing onto Union Square, and the rich and famous still make it their home.  Even Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip stayed here during their visit to San Fransisco in 1983, and the Windsor Suite in the Tower was named in their honour.

 

The Westin St Francis celebrates the history of the building, with sympathetic, classic decor, marble columns, ornate balconies and carved wood, giving the ambiance of bygone times, but with modern ameneties.  The famous Magneta Grandfather Clock can still be found in pride of place in the lobby.

 

Accommodations are provided in either the Tower Building, with 566 guest rooms and 35 suites, or in the historic Landmark Building, encompassing both North and South Wings, which has 629 guest rooms and 23 suites .  The Westin Group have spent over $12 million updating and refubishing the Landmark rooms, with modern facilities, new dark wood Empire-style furniture, Heavenly bed and luxury ensuite bathrooms, but keeping the turn-of-the-century ambiance, with the high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, carved cornicing and tall windows overlooking the Square.

 

The more modern Tower rooms each have large bay windows, and more contemporary furnishings and decor.

 

All Guest rooms provide 1 king, or 2 queen/double pillowtop Heavenly Beds®, ensuite bathroom with Heavenly bath® with shower, complimentary toiletries, hair dryer and bathrobes, 37" flat screen TV with premium channels, pay-per-view movies and gaming consoles, wired and wireless internet access (fee), work desk and chair, tea/coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, air conditioning and complimentary newspapers daily.

 

Dining options at the Westin St Francis are varied, and range from an award-winning steak house to a casual coffee shop/cafe.  Bourbon Steak is a well renowned gourmet restaurant offering steak and seafood, indulgent desserts and a wide selection of accompanying fine wines, The Oak Room Restaurant offers hot and cold breakfast, a selection of fresh seafood, steak and salads and a set 3-course menu, and Caruso's cafe and coffee shop, which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner provisions, such as salads, sandwiches, snacks and desserts, as well as a selection of coffees, teas, cocktails and evening appetizers.  There is also the Clock Bar which has a wide selection of beers, spirits and 300+ wines, hand-crafted cocktails and gourmet nibbles and snacks.

 

The Westin St Francis is located right in the heart of Union Square, and you are surrounded by some of the biggest names in shopping, theatres, shows, bars and restaurants, and the tram stop is right outside the hotel, so other tourist destinations, such as Fisherman's Wharf, is only a short ride away!

 

When you're not out and about, you can try out the fitness centre, unwind in the hotel's sauna, or totally relax in the Spa and Wellness centre with a massage or beauty treatment.

 

Experience the grandeur of the past, coupled with contemporary luxury and style, with a stay at The Westin St. Francis. As an historic "San Franciscan treasure, this landmark hotel has kept legendary watch over Union Square since 1904".

 

Click HERE to visit the hotel's own website

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