“It’s an odd thing, but anyone who disappears is said to be seen in San Francisco. It must be a delightful city and possess all the attractions of the next world.” – Oscar Wilde
The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco or The Clift, as it’s fondly known to the locals, is a newly renovated hotel with nods to both the classic and the contemporary.
Classically, the hotel keeps much of its faux renaissance palace exterior design dating back to 1915 when the hotel opened along with its imposing Art Deco Redwood Room added in 1933. Whilst the contemporary stretches across the hotel’s newly renovated modern yet comfortable rooms and suites to its various dining and drinking experiences. To put it simply, The Clift, much like San Francisco itself, has a welcoming charm and lots of character.
Location of The Clift
Located in Downtown San Francisco, one block from Union Square, the hotel is perfectly placed for those visiting for business as well as the tourist looking for a central location for some San Francisco sightseeing. Surrounded by upscale shops, theaters, and renowned dining establishments, guests at The Clift have easy access to the city’s cultural attractions and entertainment options. The hotel’s central position allows for convenient exploration of nearby landmarks such as Chinatown, and the iconic cable cars that traverse the city’s hilly terrain.
For the business executives amongst you, the hotel houses distinguished meeting spaces with 11 meeting and breakout rooms, the technologically advanced ‘Fraser’ boardroom and The Living Room located to the left of the lobby boasting several seating options for working, having a space for some impromptu collaborative engagement or just having a drink with colleagues.
If your focus is on the tourist hot spots, The Clift is conveniently located for those wishing to experience San Francisco’s headline acts, from Union Square, Oracle Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, Chase Center and The Moscone Center all being in close proximity to The Clift Royal Sonesta hotel.
And once those business meetings or Golden Gate Bridge crusades have concluded? Look no further than the hotel’s dining and drinking offerings of course.
Food & Drink Experiences
Combining California’s culinary traditions and farm-fresh ingredients the hotel restaurant uses local flavours as part of their exceptional dishes to elevate your dining experience, be that in the Redwood Room or Fredericks.
The Redwood Room transports you back to a period of art deco decadence after the prohibition era reached its conclusion. With its original redwood interior panelling, of which legend notes was carved from a single redwood tree to the original and restored artwork on the walls by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. The Redwood Room is an encapsulating enclave in the heart of San Francisco punctuated by its high ceilings, and centrally illuminated bar stretching from floor to ceiling. Serving cocktail classics and a carefully curated small plates menu, it really is the jewel in The Clift’s classic crown.
For those seeking a more relaxed café and eatery, look no further than Fredericks. With its monochrome panel flooring, soft wood furnishings and large windows inviting lots of natural light, Fredericks provides a welcome calm as you start the day.
Fredericks’ friendly staff offer a variety of coffee options, gourmet pastries, along with sweet and savoury options for a delicious breakfast. Drawing inspiration from San Francisco’s historic past and its open-hearted culture, Fredericks looks to harness the lively nature of San Francisco and unify this through the power of good food and drink…just try not to overindulge on those mimosas!
And if that wasn’t enough to tempt you through the arched brickwork then let the honey do the enticing. The Clift Royal Sonesta hosts 10 hives with over 10,000 honeybees on the roof of the hotel. Spearheading an effort to encourage city hotels to keep bees as an environmentally friendly initiative, the rooftop honey produced by the hotel is used in the craft cocktail drinks as well as some of the dishes.
Hotel Amenities
For those who may have overindulged on The Clift’s food and drink offerings, there is always The Clift’s impressive 24-hour Fitness centre complete with Peloton Bike, a selection of free weights, yoga mats, kettlebells, resistance machines and an elliptical and Treadmill by Life Fitness.
The Rooms at The Clift
And once you’ve exhausted all the hotel offerings it’s time to retire to your room. There are nine different room and suite choices to choose from, ranging from the Deluxe King through to the Private Apartment – King. All rooms and suites offer a modern, clean and comfortable resting spot, designed for adaptability and convenience before tackling what San Francisco has to offer, which in Oscar Wilde’s mind is “all the attractions of the next world.”
Blending modern comfort with classic sophistication, the rooms are designed to provide a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere for guests. Plush bedding, stylish furnishings, and contemporary amenities abound, as the hotel emphasizes a chic design, with each room showcasing a unique aesthetic. Guests can find amenities incluing flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access, and well-appointed bathrooms with upscale toiletries. Suites offer additional space and upgraded features, providing a more indulgent experience for those seeking extra comfort.
And if you’re traveling with a furry companion? The Clift is dog-friendly, with no breed or weight restrictions, and provides special amenities like comfy pet beds, bowls, waterproof mats, and treats at check-in. They’ll even greet your pet with an arrival letter outlining their local recommendations for a “pawsome” stay.
Timeless Charm and Modern Vibrancy
The Clift seamlessly marries classic elegance with contemporary comfort, mirroring the duality of San Francisco’s timeless charm and modern vibrancy. The juxtaposition of the faux renaissance palace exterior, reminiscent of the hotel’s 1915 origins, and the newly renovated, modern rooms and suites reflects the rich tapestry of the city itself. Strategically located in downtown San Francisco, The Clift offers convenience for both business and leisure travelers, providing a gateway to iconic landmarks and cultural attractions.
The hotel’s commitment to sustainability, exemplified by its rooftop honeybee initiative, adds a unique touch to its dining experiences, where the Redwood Room and Fredericks beckon with culinary delights. As the day winds down, the well-appointed rooms and suites offer a haven of comfort, blending luxurious touches with adaptability. The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco truly encapsulates the essence of a delightful city, inviting guests to immerse themselves in all the attractions of this captivating destination.
Book a stay at The Clift Royal Sonesta
Edward Lumley is Editor-in-Chief for Of Wealth & Life and a Freelance Men’s Fashion Writer. Edward has written for publications such as FashionBeans, Harrods and a variety of online outlets specialising in Men’s fashion for the past eight years. Follow Edward on Instagram.
