Sir Francis Drake Review

San Francisco

450 Powell Street @ Sutter - Union Square Area 417 Rooms

Parking - $46 per day

Our editors review : Before entering the hotel, you are greeted by valets dressed as historic Beefeaters. The Sir Francis Drake welcomes visitors in its grand lobby. The lobby is very attractive, ornate and welcoming with its over sized cushy seats and incredible chandeliers. The décor is modern though it brings the historic aspect of the hotel. The hotel receptionist was friendly and efficient.

Our room was fitted with a queen size bed that was quite comfortable. Though the bright and colorful décor fit in well in the room, the room itself was rather small. There really wasn’t much room to walk by the foot of the bed. Though the room was on the small side, it had all the amenities we needed. In one corner, there was a cubby for the TV and some drawers underneath it. On the opposite corner was a desk with a table lamp and chair. On the desk is a book of Historical Hotels since Sir Francis Drake is considered to be a Historic Hotel dating back in the 1928. Needless to say, it has been remodeled since. On the wall by the desk is a large round mirror. The heater for the room is just below the window and can be controlled for the room individually. Our room faced a tall hotel across the way, which could not be seen above or around.

Official Website - Sir Francis Drake Hotel

The bathroom was decorated in black and white with a towel rack/holder located on the wall inside the tub. The bathroom features historic tile work and toilet / sink fixtures that are vintage for the period and work great. The bathroom’s vintage plumbing fixtures give a really historic feel.

Next door to the hotel is a café owned by Sir Francis Drake. We enjoyed our mocha and coffee along with scones. The café offered breakfast items such as cereal, oatmeal, granola, yogurt, muffins, scones, sticky buns, and bagels. Though the particular morning we visited, they were out of sticky buns and the oatmeal. The café also offers lunch. You can choose from a variety of sandwiches.

Sir Francis Drake also offers valet parking for $46 a day. One might want to consider this since it is a very hectic area and parking is difficult. I would suggest that once your car is parked, leave it parked and take public transportation or cab to get around. Of course, the other option is don’t rent a car if you don’t plan on leaving the city. Public transportation is easily available to get around town though the Sir Francis Drake is located in the heart of downtown.

For a historical hotel in the heart of shopping, the Sir Francis Drake is a nice, if somewhat expensive choice. Depending on your room rate, this hotel can give a very central location and a historic vintage feel for your visit.

George writes, "Driving, we arrived at the Sir Francis Drake about mid-afternoon on Sunday. The Beefeater quickly helped us with our luggage, and tagged it for later delivery to our room. He also hung onto the car keys while I registered (wanted to get the car returned by 5PM.) Great service, and kept us from having to pay a parking charge for, essentially, a short stop.

A lovely hotel, as we found out later when we finally got up to our room. I'd booked it a few weeks before over the WWW, via a third-party. Got a great rate, as they're currently cleaning the outside facade (sidewalk IS protected.) The room was about 10x20, plus closet and bathroom. Had a queen-size bed, desk, bedside table, chair and TV cabinet/dresser.

Found the help quite helpful. From the front desk, through the concierge, and those manning the front door, request for assistance were quickly and pleasantly answered. We had no tough demands, until the last day, when we needed a 3AM shuttle to the airport (they normally don't start until 4.) However, before we went out to dinner, we left it in the hands of the concierge. When we got back, later in the evening, we found she'd done the trick and made our reservation.

Yup, the Union Square location is great. As is the cable-car stop at the front door. Eateries abound, from the corner coffee shop upwards. Shopping for all tastes...I was particularly fond of the Borders book store within walking distance.

Would we stay there again? You bet!

L.P. raves "We had a wonderful experience in S. Fran. Took all your advice, and experienced the great city fast and furiously for four days.  The people at the SFD are friendly, helpful, and most accommodating...We loved their service. The hotel is newly remodeled, decorated, and painted.  Rooms are individually heated and cooled, and a well-stocked honor bar is handy and re-stocked each day.

Rooms and bathrooms are small, but very clean.  The view of the city from our 11th floor was delightful.  The rooms are also very quiet, with the only noise being the historic clang of cable cars outside.

The best feature of the Sir Francis is its location:  one can easily walk to cable car/bus station, BART, Chinatown, and The Golden Gate Theater.   We saved on transportation because of the ideal location.  We would stay there again as well as recommend it to readers.

Another plus:  Cafe Espresso (I hope I spelled it correctly) is downstairs on the corner.  This is a fabulous, bakery/deli.  Opening at 6:30 a.m., every pastry, sandwich is fresh and the coffee/tea excellent. Once again, the service here is fast and friendly.  We stopped there each day for breakfast and had a dinner there as well.   The patrons and waiters recognize you by name when you return :)  The wine selections are also excellent.  A definite stop for those visiting the Drake."

While hotel prices fluctuate rapidly -- recent prices quoted ranged from $170-$360 with a median price quote of $240.

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Not a "family" hotel . . ., August 08, 2010 Reviewer: Anonymous from Anytown, AT 55555 - See all reviews by Anonymous 0 of 0 people found this review helpful Reasonably priced and quaint, this hotel focuses on such a narrow segment of the travel industry that it should not advertise as being family friendly. If you are traveling with your dog and treat your dog as a child, you will be delighted with this hotel. There are signs welcoming dogs (no kidding, as if they could read them) with water bowls and extra dog toys up front. We made a reservation months in advance, joined the Kimpton website (allegedly to get better service), advised that we were a family of five with children and need rooms on the same floor. A week before our arrival, I called and requested 2 rooms on the same floor. Upon arrival, we were coldly greeted with a room on the 12th floor and one on the 7th floor (sorry, conventions in town). None of the child promos advertised. One of our rooms looked like someone shaved their dog (seriously dog hair everywhere). I love the quiant small rooms, but houskeeping can only do so much. Paper thin walls. Was this review helpful?   Comments | (Report this)