We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 235 San Francisco hotels

Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel

4.0 of 5
450 Powell Street, Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94102 (Downtown)
Hotel amenities
Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel
Enter dates for best prices
Check-in Check-in Check-out Check-out
Show Prices
Compare best prices from top travel partners
Booking.com Expedia.com Hotels.com
and 11 more sites!
66%
Ranked #85 of 235 hotels in San Francisco
Most recent review
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013
Patrik I San Francisco
Write a Review

1,244 reviews from our community

Traveller rating
    350
    420
    263
    116
    95
See reviews for
Families
164
 
Couples
453
 
Solo
94
 
Business
287
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4 of 5 stars
  • Value
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4 of 5 stars
Date Rating
San Francisco
1 review
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW

Review collected in partnership with Easytobook.com

Was this review helpful? Yes
Newcastle, Australia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

My husband and I stayed at this hotel recently for three nights and was glad when it was over due to the size of the room, the street noise below our room and the TV noise coming from the room next to us. The hotel itself is full of old world charm and character. The problem for us was the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
New York City, New York
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
20 hotel reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

We spend 3 nights there: -our room: the king bedroom was really nice. However, our phone was not working + our bathroom was not clean at all - there were some long dark hair on the walls and on the ceiling. I think it's a shame when you pretend to be a luxurious hotel -nice free wine tasting + nice... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
miami, fl
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

Stayed here for a business trip. My experience was wonderful, from check-in to check-out. The greeter, wearing signature dress was pleasant. Young man at the front desk accommodated me in the 20th floor as requested. Warned me about music from the 21st floor club. Which I was ok with. The beds were supper comfortable. And my view of union square... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Antwerp, Belgium
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

Pleasantly surprised by the welcome and helpful "beefeater" at the door who helped us with our luggage. Highly recommendable if you like the elegance and dignity of the old world, in this case the UK. Location right in the heart of Union Square. Comfortable rooms, clean and quiet.

Was this review helpful? Yes
ponte vedra
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
19 hotel reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 June 2013 NEW

Very conveniently located hotel near union square - 1920's construction so lots of marble, dark wood, small elevators, small rooms but in great condition, the usual good customer service found at Kimpton hotels,. Super comfortably bed, cozy lightweight down comforters and good air conditioning . Bikes available for use, restaurant next door and good diner across the street for quick... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Doncaster
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
12 hotel reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

Met outside by a very helpful chap in a beefeater (yeoman of the guard) outfitwho arranged for our luggage to be taken in and then up to our room. Stayed on 3rd floor, overlooking back of hotel - not terribly attractive outlook but we didn't come to SF to stay in room so it was no problem. Room not too... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Jim G, General Manager at Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel, responded to this review
11 June 2013

Dear Westwoodsiders: Thanks for your feedback! SF has so much to offer for travellers to stay indoor! Sound like you were able to explore around town? Scala's has great food and a new chef in place, more exciting and wonderful things are planned in the near future. Bar Drake is a happening place especially during the weekend and even the... More

Huntington Beach, California
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

We absolutely loved this hotel! They don't make hotels with this kind of elegance and architecture anymore. We were referred to The Drake by my father for our anniversary and were not disappointed. The lobby and bar area are beautiful!! The rooms are small but very classy. We love the location as you are right in the heart of union... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Jim G, General Manager at Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel, responded to this review
10 June 2013

Dear Lisa A: Wow, congrats on your anniversary! Thanks to your dad for recommending the Drake! I see that neither he nor we disappointed you. You are absolutely right; you just don't see the details like ours in newer buildings and we definitely kept that in mind when we spent $9 mil to renovate and "update" our amenity. There will... More

San Diego, California
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

It's an older hotel with LOTS of character. The bathroom was extremely small, but the rooms were clean and comfortable. Although I didn't have the greatest view they more than made up for it by their service. I was there for a conference and would recommend this place to my own company. Close to the BART, lots of shopping and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Jim G, General Manager at Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel, responded to this review
10 June 2013

Dear CGSanDiego: We GOT a plenty of character! First, we are recognized as one of the historical buildings in SF (we got a "prohibition room") from that era! We spent $9mil in renovation recently to add modern amenity. Being a city hotel, especially located in such a convenient location, our rooms face all directions. Regardless of the room direction, we... More

San Francisco
Top Contributor
70 reviews 70 reviews
47 hotel reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

Positive: The staff is professional, friendly, thoughtful, and welcoming. The front desk person who checked me in exceeded even high Kimpton standards. Only one block away from Union Square is very convenient for shopping. The hotel and rooms are just plain nice in a very classical/grand sort of way. Neutral: None. Negative: The sound insulation is horrible if your room... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by mirandajjl for San Francisco
Jim G, General Manager at Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel, responded to this review
10 June 2013

Dear mirandajjl: Thanks for posting your comment. Our location and staff are definitely top notch and our hotel is definitely grand and classic especially wtih our recent $9mil renovation. Sorry to hear that your neighboring guests kept waking you up. Please keep in mind that if you ever find youself in the same situation, do mention and ask to be... More

 
 
Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel
Check-in Check-in Check-out Check-out
 
 
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Great value on a similar hotel
San Francisco, CA
4.5 of 5 stars 2,882 Reviews
Show Prices
Still looking for a hotel?
Highly rated hotels in San Francisco
Trendy
Argonaut Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel
Argonaut Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel 4.5 of 5 stars 2,743 reviews
Family-friendly
The Donatello Hotel
The Donatello Hotel 4.5 of 5 stars 1,637 reviews
Romantic
Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square
Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirard... 5.0 of 5 stars 350 reviews
Luxury
Grand Hyatt San Francisco
Grand Hyatt San Francisco 4.0 of 5 stars 1,511 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d268533?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d81394?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1175274?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d80999?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Travellers also viewed these San Francisco hotels
Prescott Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel 4.0 of 5 stars 647 reviews Hotel Triton - a Kimpton Hotel 4.0 of 5 stars 710 reviews Serrano Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel 4.0 of 5 stars 941 reviews Hotel Monaco San Francisco - a K... 4.5 of 5 stars 991 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d81215?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d81514?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d80802?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d81985?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 235 hotels in San Francisco, ranked by popularity

Been to Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Hotel Summarization (Beta)

What travellers say

  • Very nice(15)
  • Room service(11)
  • Business trip(8)
  • Powell street(7)
  • Street noise(6)
  • Very helpful(5)
  • Top floor(5)
  • Night club(3)

Additional Information about Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel

Address: 450 Powell Street, Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94102
Region: United States > California > San Francisco > Downtown
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Business Centre Fitness Centre Pets Allowed Restaurant Room Service Suites Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#33 Luxury Hotels in San Francisco
#38 Romantic Hotels in San Francisco
#62 Business Hotels in San Francisco
#90 Family Hotels in San Francisco
Price range (per night): S$284 - 497
Hotel Class:4 star (4*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
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 
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Priceline, Cheap Tickets, Amex, Travelocity, Otel, Hotwire, Venere, Olotels, Agoda, Stentorian NV and HotelsClick so you can book your Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.
Also Known As:
Kimpton San Francisco
Sir Francis Drake Hotel San Francisco
Sir Francis Drake Hotel
Drake Francis Sir

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Sir Francis Drake Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel
Show the lowest price for this hotel
Check-in Check-in Check-out Check-out
Show Prices