The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel: What's the draw
This Union Square hotel may have opened in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, but the historic property has recently been given a new lease on life with an extensive, multimillion-dollar renovation. Officially reopened in the spring of 2021, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, in San Francisco, California, now welcomes guests with refreshed rooms, updated features and a warm palette of neutral hues and light driftwood. All the while, this pet-friendly hotel maintains its rich history with design touches that serve as a nod to the past.
Of The Clift's 372 sophisticated and stylishly-designed guest rooms, 70 are suites or junior suites — including a full private apartment style suite. Otherwise, choose from Deluxe King rooms or more spacious Executive Guest Rooms outfitted with either a king bed or two queens. Each of the guest rooms has a TV equipped with STAYCAST so you can access your favourite streaming apps after a long day of sight-seeing. In the washroom, you'll be greeted by a beautiful rainfall shower and the classic black and white tiles found in many historic buildings throughout San Francisco.
The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel: What's on the menu
Start your days with a visit to Fredericks. Opened in the fall of 2021, the new restaurant concept offers the perfect combination of an upscale, yet laid back atmosphere to set the scene for your morning meal. Grab small bites like gourmet pastries and sandwiches to-go or snack on them at a high-top table in the quick service part of the restaurant. If you're looking to luxuriate over a more robust breakfast, there's an area of booths and banquettes to cozy up in while you pour over a menu of entrées like buttermilk pancakes, California shakshuka and classic eggs Benedict. Soon, lunch items will be available, too.
Kitted out with Art Deco furniture, dazzling lighting and its namesake redwood panelling, the glamorous Redwood Room is the place to sip sophisticated, handcrafted cocktails paired with delicious bites. Think wagyu beef sliders and oysters on the half shell. There's plenty to love on the wine list, but cocktails are the real draw here. The list features original serves along with the bar's creative takes on the classics, like The Big Chair, an Old Fashioned made with Redwood Room Select Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon. Yum.
The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel: What else
While you're here, be sure to snap a pic with The Big Chair — the famed oversized chair that every hotel guests takes a photo with — and discover the surprise underneath.
495 Geary St., San Francisco; 415-775-4700; sonesta.com
