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

3.7 / 5
56 out of 122
Amenities:
3.5
Room cleanliness:
4.1
Hotel staff:
4.3
Room comfort:
3.6
Location:
4.7
Value:
3.6

79% would recommend to a friend.

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

Reviewer score

5
Worldwide Traveler Couple
Palm Desert
Apr 16, 2013

Great at UnionSquare

Just what you need when you visit San Francisco. Close to everything. Hotel is well done and staff is courteous. Room was updated and always clean. Nice bed and Tv settings. Everything is in it : restaurant, coffee shop, night club and in the middle of any restaurant and shop in town at Union Square. Two stops of the Bus Tour to visit any part of San Francisco with a 24 or 48 pass are around the corner. Moscone Convention Center is a few blocks by foot as it is Chinatown. Great experience, great hotel, nice time during my long weekend in San Francisco

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

Bus Tour Hope On Hope Off. Great to go to all places of interest from the shores to the Golden Gate Bridge and any museums and neighborhoods in between

Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

4
RVU Interviewee
Archbald, PA
Apr 8, 2013

Wedding Party

Worked out great being part of the wedding party and having us all stay at the Sir Francis Drake. Conveniently located to shopping and dining on union square.

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

Right across the street is a great diner which serves and excellent, and affordable, breaktfast.

Review of Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel

Reviewer score

4
HighVoltLineman
San Francisco, CA
Feb 12, 2013

Great Location, Small beautiful Room

Overall experience was wonderful. The staff were friendly and the room was clean. However, it was very small and I could hear the street noise. I loved the environment and would stay at this location another time.

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

Swan Oyster Bar!

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

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

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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