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Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel

450 Powell Street Union Square San Francisco, CA 94102
Property Type: Hotel
  • Lodging offering guest rooms, a 24-hour front desk and a variety of services and amenities.
The recently renovated Sir Francis Drake Hotel, housed in a landmark building in the heart of Union Square, is quintessential San Francisco... The recently renovated Sir Francis Drake Hotel, housed in a landmark building in the heart of Union Square, is quintessential San Francisco: exciting, romantic, timelessly elegant and unique. The ornately decorated lobby, old-world hospitality, and Tom Sweeney, the hotel's infamous Beefeater doorman, transport you to another time and place. The legendary Harry Denton's Starlight Room, the adjacent Scala's Bistro and unmatched hospitality complete the picture to create an unforgettable San Francisco experience. more » « less
Business Center No Fitness Center Free High-Speed Internet No Free Parking Pets Not Allowed Restaurant No Room Service No Swimming Pool
Check Rates and Availability: $286 Avg. Price
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TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars Based on 237 traveler reviews
  • What to Expect:
    • 3.5 based on 181 reviews Rooms
    • 3.5 based on 171 reviews Service
    • 3.5 based on 180 reviews Value
    • 4 based on 183 reviews Cleanliness
    • 4 based on 2 reviews Pool

Reviews of Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel

( 1-10 of 239 )
2 of 5 stars
Brisbane, Australia
Oct 6, 2008

I'd like to start with the positives about this hotel - firstly we had no problem with the staff at the hotel, always friendly and helpful. Our room was TINY but it was clean and as I've never stayed in SF before I can't compare the size to other hotel rooms. For other US cities though it is miniscule. The... more

Management response from
SFDManager, Hotel Manager

Hello SuzieQ78. I'm sorry for the confusion surrounding your price match guarantee. It appears as though the proper way of securing a matched rate was not followed properly. Kimpton Hotels will match any rate that is advertised through 3rd party channels such as Expedia at the time of your reservation. All that is required is for the reservationists to verify...

Sep 28, 2008

We are Canadians who stayed at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel this September and were really disappointed. This is an old hotel badly needing an update. Our room was so small it had only one small computer chair. We asked for another chair and received a metal meeting room chair. I think our view was fabulous but the windows were... more

Management response from
SFDManager, Hotel Manager

Dear EDMONTONSANDY, I would like to thank you for reviewing the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in the spirit of Trip Advisor. I am sorry that you were not satisfied with your stay as you detailed the problems you have experienced. I do hope that the staff was made aware of your challenges as we will do what is necessary to...

3 of 5 stars
Washington, DC
Sep 25, 2008

We switched hotels mid-way through our visit to San Francisco due to an allergy attack from our first hotel room. When we called around looking for rooms in the neighborhood, the Sir Francis Drake had available rooms at a very affordable price. They checked us in right away, and were incredibly accomodating. The staff provided us with 5-star service, and... more

5 of 5 stars
Belfast
Sep 17, 2008

We stayed at the Sir Francis Drake for 5 nights in July. We booked the hotel due to its central location just a few steps away from Union Square and all the great shops and we weren't disappointed. Chinatown is also within walking distance and the cable car stops right outside the hotel for getting to Fisherman's Wharf. From the... more

Management response from
SFDManager, Hotel Manager

Dear TraceyJG, we hope that you are well on your way to full recovery. Thank you for your nice comments about the hotel and staff. I will be sure to share them with the staff. We certainly would love to have you visit with us again. All the best. Patrick Jackson - Hotel Manager.

3 of 5 stars
London
Sep 14, 2008
3/3 found this review helpful

The best feature of this hotel is its central location and the close proximity to Union Square. Sir Francis Drake has an entrance and lobby which is reminiscent of the architecture that a London West End theatre would have. The charming cable cars- which are symbolic of San Francisco- stop outside the hotel before climbing its way up Nob Hill.... more

Management response from
SFDManager, Hotel Manager

Dear Purn, I would like to thank you for detailing your stay with us in San Francisco. I'm certain that readers will get a good sense of what the Sir Francis Drake is like as you are well written. However, I would like to point out that even though this hotel is over 400 rooms in size, we have familiarity...

Sep 9, 2008

The rooms are so small...They did not have the room we booked...and in fact could'nt find our reservation at all. Luckily I had the printout of the confermation. Although we were with our 2 children in the room, we had 2 towels and one shampoo. It took three calls to house keeping for that. Party goers kept us all awake... more

Management response from
SFDManager, Hotel Manager

Dear odanao, I would like to thank you for taking the time to review the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. As your stay was not to your complete satisfaction, I would like to apologize. Our aim is to deliver a first rate and unique experience for our guests in this beautiful and historic boutique hotel. Our staff is trained to follow...

5 of 5 stars
Spokane, WA
Sep 8, 2008

We spent five days at the Sir Francis Drake and loved it. The architecture and decorating in the lobby are really fantastic. We got a corner room on the 20th floor with a spectacular view of the city. The room was very clean and the linens were top quality. The staff was courteous and accommodating. Ryan, one of the Valets,... more

Management response from
SFDManager, Hotel Manager

Dear bkimberly, The staff here takes great pride in this hotel and I will be certain to celebrate your comments with them. I would like to thank you for the kind and understanding words. We will do whatever is necessary to continually improve this hotel in line with the governing regulations of the historic society to preserve this buildings history....

3 of 5 stars
karmaghost
Sep 7, 2008

We stayed at the Sir Francis Drake for our honeymoon and overall we really enjoyed our stay. The location is hard to beat, just seconds from union square and right in the heart of activity in San Fran. If you've never been to SF, the hotel is right on Powell Street, which is where the famous cable car trolleys can... more

4 of 5 stars
Grand Ledge, Michigan
Sep 3, 2008

This is a great place for the money. Be mindful that much cheaper rates may be available on the hotel's website. Don't count on the reservation staff telling you so. That having been said, when I did find a lower rate online they did honor it. The good: great lounge scene; cool decor; great location; we found the doormen to... more

4 of 5 stars
Virgnia
Sep 2, 2008

We really enjoyed our stay at the Sir Francis Drake. The location is great and the hotel is exactly as represented. The staff was very nice (although when we asked how far Napa was, they said 2 hrs, it's only 1 hr). Parking is a hefty $50 per day, something you need to know before you go. more

Reviews of Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel

( 1-10 of 239 )
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Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel Also Known As

Address: 450 Powell Street, Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94102