Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel

This hotel is perfect. The situation is ideal near a tube station (Powell Street) and near a cable car station. The staff is friendly and our room was very quiet although the view was on the street. Climatization worked perfectly well. There was room enough to put big suitcases. We were a little afraid before arriving as we were told there were many junkies or drug addicts in Union Square but in reality there are a few but you see them from time to time but no danger and no worries. Just avoid the Tenderloin area but you see more tramps or homeless people in France (Paris). The town is very safe. Near the hotel you have restaurants if you want to have dinner without working a lot in the evening. In the morning you have a Starbuck not far to have breakfast. If we come back to San Francisco, we will return to Beacon Grand A Union Square with great delight.

The location and atmosphere were quintessential San Fransisco. The rooms were well appointed, but a bit petite. The cleanliness was impeccable. It was indeed a grand memory at the Grand Beacon.

It’s quite a grand lobby, the greeting was good. The person at check in made a big fuss about what a great room I had though… always a red flag. Sure enough, the standard rooms are very small with small bathrooms. The shower was an awkward shape and so you can’t really step out of the water flow. It wasn’t a special room at all, being high up with a poor view doesn’t make it special. Water flow on the shower was poor (common in California it seems). Walls are very thin and I was awoken on a couple of nights by my neighbours, I could make out every word of one conversation! The room has big TVs that support chrome cast and HDMI connection (although not straight forward). Room was clean and dark. Quite a bit of noise from outdoor AC units (I didn’t use mine as you can open the windows). Bed was comfortable and pillows were good. Fridge in the room which you can’t switch off. Water dispensers with filters on every floor. Bar was nice but expensive as you would expect. I didn’t eat there. Probably a 3.5 star but the location was great so I went for 4 rather than 3.

Upon my arrival at the hotel, I was pleasantly surprised by the attentive service. Jojit, at the front desk, promptly began the process. When I inquired about any available upgrades, Jojit swiftly reviewed the system and found me a delightful Junior Suite on the 9th Floor. He mentioned that there was a larger king room available (at no charge) recognizing that I was celebrating a special occasion. I went with the Junior Suite for slightly more. The interaction was truly remarkable. Jojit went above and beyond also by gifting me two (2) complimentary tickets to the hotel’s renowned bar and restaurant, conveniently located just steps away from the front desk. As I stepped into my room, my heart skipped a beat. The immaculate interior design, the luxurious bed, and the breathtaking view left me speechless. A few hours later, I returned to the bar and indulged in the most exquisite mezcal cocktail I’ve ever tasted. It’s called “The Longest Sunset,” and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable experience.

It was a great time I have been staying here for years. The hospitality was amazing and there was an issue, but it was resolved and we really appreciated it.