Sir Francis Drake hotel reopening 'soon' with new look, owner and GM Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions, Property does not require health documentation at check-in, Property confirms they are implementing guest safety measures, Contactless food service / room service is available, Property follows sanitization practices of SafeStay (AHLA - USA), Guests are provided with free hand sanitizer, Property confirms they are implementing enhanced cleaning measures, Bed sheets and towels are washed at a temperature of at least 60C/140F, Food service has been amended for enhanced safety, Protective clothing is available to guests, Commonly-touched surfaces are cleaned with disinfectant. Find a cancellation policy that works for you. Sir Francis Drake sale closes as former owner reopens S.F. hotel What the Sir Francis Drake hotel sale says about the S.F. hotel market Contact Beacon Grand Hotel in San Francisco, with weddings starting at $16,299 for 50 guests. It is located at the corner of Sutter and Powell Streets adjacent to Union Square . "We are aiming for early March.". The Beacon Grand is a historic 416-room hotel in San Francisco, California, opened in 1928 as the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. 8.7. Explore reviews, photos & menus and find the perfect spot for any occasion. I got a little spooked so walked down the hallway to get some ice and I saw one of the maids preparing one of the rooms on my floor. All rights reserved, Sir Francis Drake High School to Change Its Name, City Removes Sir Francis Drake Statue From Larkspur Landing. As SFGate explains , Drake's legacy involves "enslaving around 1,300 Africans, which likely meant about three times as many died." Sir Francis Drake Hotel. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. VIDEO: Mayor Breed calls for review of public art after crowds topple 3 historic statues in San Francisco. New Restaurant In Scala's Bistro Space at Union Square Will Be French Overlooking the lobby, the mezzanine accommodates the convivial Beacon Lounge, where an original fireplace and mantle have been restoredallowing it to continue serving as an ornate focal point. San Franciscos Sir Francis Drake Hotel will be called The Beacon Grand in the latest attempt in the Bay Area to rename streets and landmarks after the slave-trading explorer. Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel also offers fitness studio and fitness classes. 4 Dont-Miss Speakers Heading to HD Expo + Conference 2022 Joe Rosato Jr. reports. Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel - KAYAK St hit the fan: Tahoes young people may not come back, 168-year-old California newspaper files for bankruptcy, Fight over Death Valley's 134-degree temperature record heats up, Horoscope for Tuesday, 7/25/23 by Christopher Renstrom, Famous Central Coast mansion to be demolished, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). So she didn't quite deny the fact that the hotel was haunted. ), as the SF Business times reported back then, which industry analysts still considered a lowball price. Reservations Have questions or need additional help? For 94 years the hotel, famous for the Beefeater doormen who greet tourists and passersby on the sidewalk by Union Square, paid tribute to Francis Drake, the first English sea captain to circumnavigate the globe in the 1500s. I didn't really think about it again until I boarded my flight from Philadelphia to San Francisco and decided to Google the hotel. Of course this would happen to me. The Sir Francis Drake Hotel in SF's Union Square, closed since the start of the pandemic, will reopen next month fully rebranded and renovated, under a new name and with new owners. Death at Sir Francis Drake: 2 actors and a tragic accident - SFGATE You may, however, care about the top floor, the former Harry Dentons Starlight Room. The property, located in downtown Union Square, first opened its doors as the Sir Francis Drake in 1928. And there's no word about what will happen with the ground-floor restaurant space, which for years was home to the (sometimes) acclaimed Scala's Bistro. "We're excited to share the extraordinary story of the Beacon Grand - the name change and the many new and refined experiences from street to star - as soon as the details are finalized. 2,184,000 genuine hotel reviews Most of our rooms can be cancelled free of charge - up until 6 pm on the day of arrival. The hotel representative declined to comment further beyond the opening date target.. One painting was a scary haunted looking child with praying hands and the other was a creepy boy with a crown. within 0.3 miles. SF's Sir Francis Drake Hotel is under new ownership. What does its BEACON GRAND, A UNION SQUARE HOTEL in San Francisco located at 450 Powell Street. The Sir Francis Drake was a staple of San Francisco's civic life for nearly a century, but the 21-story, 416-room hotel has not reopened since March 2020, during the onslaught of the pandemic. And I got off and said goodnight. Watch opening ceremony here, Bay Area Life; Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on ABC7, Mayor Breed calls for review of public art after crowds topple 3 historic statues in San Francisco, Christopher Columbus, Queen Isabella statue removed from California State Capitol, Name change underway at San Anselmo's Sir Francis Drake High School, district says. A loyalty program with your airport, 1 Hotels arrives in Europe with a new hotel in London's Mayfair district, San Francisco's Sir Francis Drake Hotel reopening as the Beacon Grand, 'Barbie' blockbuster movie mania has some hotels getting all dolled up, New land at Universal Orlando will have DreamWorks Animation theme, Club Med plans December opening of ski resort in Japan, Scrub Island will drop Autograph Collection affiliation. Although he missed the entry to San Francisco Bay, he is believed to have claimed the coastline for Queen Elizabeth I around Point Reyes (hence the name Drakes Bay). It wouldn't be a surprise to see it get another rebrand. If your plans change, you can cancel free of charge until free cancellation expires. Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel. I started to write this very article in my room the morning of day three. The propertys former Scalas restaurant space will also be overhauled to host a modern brasserie. + 26 Fotos. . 450 Powell Street Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94102-1504. Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel San Francisco United States Your cancellation request will be handled by the property based on your chosen policy and mandatory consumer law, where applicable. You, a Bay Area resident, are likely to care little about the lower 21 stories of the tourist-serving Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Before that, the company launched two other brands named Hotel Palomar and Hotel Monaco in 2005. Please wait, we're checking available rooms for you. February 20, 2022 / 4:22 PM Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Completes Sale of Sir Francis Drake Hotel and Kimpton told SFGATE in 2020 that they were "working with property ownership to evaluate a name change and potential rebranding of the property.". "That's spooky," he responded. He told me he was investigating a problem with the elevator. Learn the latest news from Katina Athanasiou, Senior Vice President, Sales and Services, The Americas, and how to earn more https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/San-Francisco-Sir-Francis-Drake-Hotel-reopening-as-Beacon-Grand. Situated on a 12,500 square foot parcel of land, the subject property was originally constructed in 1949 and has a gross building area of approximately 5,661 square feet. Beacon Grand - Venue - San Francisco, CA - WeddingWire The Kimpton Sir Drake Hotel has an onsite Italian restaurant that serves delicious and mouth-watering cuisine that is well-plated and priced reasonably. If you want to look for another hotel, I have plenty of other recommendations." I got cozy and started to drift off to sleep but whenever I was just about to doze off I would hear a strange noise. If you were on the 12th floor we would change that for you." By 2011, the group was the largest chain of boutique hotels in the United States. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature rainfall showerheads and designer toiletries. Feb. 19, 2022 Updated: Feb. 22, 2022 11:48 a.m. 2. Frequently asked questions. Check out Bay Area safety tracker, AIDS Walk San Francisco 2023 on ABC7. I promise it will be worth the wait," said Sebastien Pfeiffer, General Manager of the Beacon Grand. The Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel offers large bedrooms that is well decorated and features modern amenities. A bar/lounge and a 24-hour front desk are featured at this hotel, along with valet parking. Oak floors, high ceilings, and ornate fixtures serve as a grand stage for a night of curated cocktails. The San Francisco icon will emerge from an extensive renovation this spring, Words by: Will Speros Photos courtesy of Northview Hotel Group. Sir Francis Drake Hotel to Reopen as the Beacon Grand But it turns out those flowery wooden boards arent just to protect the windows. Indeed. And if you're really brave, ask for room 823. TV star Paul Lynde was involved with a terrible accident that took place here back in 1965. He gave me a somewhat creepy wave and I was back in my room. It was quietly purchased by the Northview Hotel Group last April; the Northview Hotel Group currently owns the Beach House in Hilton Head, the Boca Raton in Florida, Brasada Ranch in Bend, Ore., and Tapatio Springs in Boerne, Tex. Airport (SFO) - 23.1 km / 14.4 mi Oakland Intl. The Beacon Lounge will function as a cafe during daytime hours, then transition into a craft cocktail-focused bar in the evening. Situated in the heart of Union Square, this elegant and iconic venue features gilded and ornate dcor, breathtaking views of downtown San Francisco, and superb cuisine and service. The 416-room . This 4-star hotel is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Grace Cathedral and 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Moscone Convention Center. From 6 April 2020, your chosen cancellation policy will apply, regardless of Coronavirus. Sir Francis Drake is well-situated for seeing all of San Francisco's most popular sites including numerous department stores, galleries, and theaters, as well as bars and restaurants. Get all the latest & greatest posts delivered straight to your inbox, Sir Francis Drake Hotel to Spiff Up and Open Under New Management, But Won't Reopen 'til 2022, quietly sold off in February for $157.6 million, New Boutique Hotel The Alton Readies for Opening in Old Holiday Inn at Fisherman's Wharf [SFist], Tuesday Morning Topline: Man Rescued From McCovey Cove After Fall, Day Around the Bay: Davis Stabbing Suspect Begins Competency Hearing, Livermore Winery Owner Mitchell Katz Killed in a Friday Car Accident. Chief among the hotel's updates is a revamp of all 418 of its guestrooms, which will now feature hardwood floors, freshly tiled showers and new furniture. Review of Lizzie's Starlight (formerly The Starlight Room) | San - AFAR The hotel chain was founded by William Kimpton in 1981 with the leadership appointed to CEO Mike DeFrino. . The name change is also part of the rebranding. Stay up to date! French breakfast is provided daily. Beacon Grand Hotel. But as the staff changed we haven't heard anything about it. A cable car passes in front of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco. . San Francisco's Sir Francis Drake Hotel reopening as Beacon Grand (844) 757-5657. Honestly, I felt like the more prodding I was doing about the hotel, the weirder the experiences I was encountering. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The minimum age to check-in is 18. Book now at 25 restaurants near Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel on OpenTable. "I have them lined up at home like an old soldier.". Complimentary wired Internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Gorgeous Glamping Destinations Across the U.S. Must-Visit Ice Cream Fests Across the U.S. Is This the Best Small Town in the Midwest? I could just imagine myself waking up to get a glass of water in the middle of the night and seeing a small ghostly child waving at me in the mirror. The 416-room hotel, which has been shuttered since the onset of the pandemic, is scheduled to reopen this spring following a makeover of interior elements. The Sir Francis Drake Hotel itself, as he was a slave trader. 450 Powell Street, Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States - Excellent location - show map - Metro access. Book the Kimpton SIR FRANCIS DRAKE HOTEL (San Francisco) for as little as 110 EUR! Restaurants near Sir Francis Drake, a Kimpton Hotel The hotel has 1 building/tower. "One's procession through the Beacon Grand is one through history, evoking the grandeur of the . Looking back on it, that was pretty bizarre of us. I asked what the problem was and he said that many guests were trying to take this elevator to go to the 21st floor where the hotel's famed "Starlight Room" was located but the floor wouldn't light up. Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel Hotel Amenities, If you are a person who needs an accessibility accommodation in order to utilize this Site and our Services, we offer certain assistance that may help. More from HD: Their other services like restaurants and bars also continue to have separate yet equally notable brands, bringing the company ahead of its industry. All 418 guestrooms and suites will showcase updated finishes like European oak hardwood floors and railroad shower tiles. Due to that marketable recognition, IHG decided to acquire Kimpton for $430 million in cash. The Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel is conveniently located within the downtown area and is nearby public transportation stops. I pressed a bit further, "Can you be a little more specific with me? Pedestrians walk by the boarded up Sir Francis Drake Hotel on August 13, 2020 in San Francisco. But when it came down to me being face-to-face with *real* ghosts for four days straight, it turned out not to be as exciting as I thought. The Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel has a total of 418 guest rooms. Travel the U.S. with Perfect 70-Degree Weather, The Best Beach Beach Umbrellas for Summer 2023, 42 of Our Favorite Quaint Small Towns in New York, The Best Things to Do on South Padre Island, 21 Easy RV Storage Ideas to Maximize Space. Hearing voices. The 419-room hotel, opened in 1928 in San Francisco's premier luxury shopping district, is replacing four exterior Sir Francis Drake Hotel signs on its marquee with new signs bearing a new name . If you are thinking of bringing your pet (dog or cat) and want to know if pets are allowed at Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel, please read the hotel pet policy. Beacon Grand - Union Square | A Historic SF Hotel It was in the 1560s with the help of Elizabeth I. Save big with Reservations.com exclusive deals and discounts. This is when things got weird. 855-516-1090. Coincidence? The staff is also one of the best I've seen in many years, they assisted promptly to all of . While a beautiful hotel with great service, the energy at the Sir Francis Drake put me on edge the whole time I was there. A legacy of exquisite service seeks to transform a stay into an experience. San Francisco Intl Airport 12 mi See all flights. Youre likely more familiar with the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, whove managed the place in recent decades, though the Drake has been owned by Pebblebrook Hotel Trust since 2010. The news was first reported by the San Francisco Business Times. He stared at me for a quick second and went back to mixing his drinks. "His name doesn't have to be honored. Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel is in Downtown San Francisco, a short 1-minute walk from Powell St & Sutter St Stop and 15 minutes' walk from Moscone Convention Center. We have lowest special group rates and discounts for any type or group size. When I found out I had booked a stay in a rumored-to-be-haunted hotel, I could have never imagined what would happen next. We recommend booking a free cancellation option in case your travel plans need to change.Read more. A year earlier, in 2020 a 30 foot-tall Sir Francis Drake statue in Marin County was removed after a community petition. "Ah, this one elevator wouldn't stop on the 21st floor the entire time I've been here. Within a 10-minute walk of this Union Square hotel, you'll find Dragon's Gate and Westfield San Francisco Centre. Recently, a school in Marin County and a stretch of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard have been renamed to stop honoring Drake. He seemed open and honest about the elevator issue and so I started to ask him questions on our elevator ride, that seemed to mysteriously stop at every floor. High ceilings and openable windows will further accentuate the sense of openness. The oversized bar in the grand lobby has been removed to convey a greater sense of openness, and new jewel-toned furnishings were added to the space. I went back to my room and made myself a glass of ice water and turned the table lamp on next to my bed to continue writing. Fun! But yes, people definitely do see and hear things." Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel, San Francisco, USA I booked a stay there a few years back and ended up only spending one sleepless night there. The Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel has friendly and accommodating hotel staff. I took a spinning class early in the morning to make sure that I would truly be exhausted and so that I would hopefully fall asleep more easily. But she brought up a good point. The historic Sir Francis Drake hotel at Union Square is under contract to sell for $379,000 per room . 8.4 . Oakland A's manager Bob Melvin dumps the team after 11 great seasons, new city administrator Carmen Chu is already taking knocks for enabling corruption, and Outside Lands is promising some sort of livestream. So I decided to sleep in the bed that didn't have the mirror in front of it. TV star Paul Lynde was involved with a terrible accident that took place here back in 1965. The gym in this hotel is amazing, something that I haven't seen in years in a hotel. But he also participated in slaving voyages to Africa, and the use of his name came under scrutiny as the Black Lives Matter movement prompted a nationwide reexamination of place names and monuments with ties to racism. The iconic 4-star luxury Sir Francis Drake Hotel in Union Square has appointed a new general manager, is nearing completion of an extensive renovation and close to naming a date to reopen for the . The classic rooms are offered with en suite bathrooms and complimentary toiletries, hair dryers and dressing gowns. Later in the year, the Beacon Grand will debut a new restaurant housed in space previously operated as the Italian eatery Scala's. According to a spokesperson for the Beacon Grand, controversy around the hotel's original namesake "was a factor in the decision to change the name," though the fresh branding was also chosen to better communicate the fact that "this will be an entirely new hotel.". Good to Know: Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel . There is a unique drama created by the multiple levels of public spaces and the grand staircases connecting them. VIDEO: Name change underway at San Anselmo's Sir Francis Drake High School, district says. Stay flexible! Save the date for the industry's leading event in Las Vegas, April 30thMay 2nd, 2024, Photos courtesy of Northview Hotel Group, What Ive Learned Podcast: Jason Pomeranc, 4 Dont-Miss Speakers Heading to HD Expo + Conference 2022, BHDM Design Envisions a Pretty-in-Pink Oasis in Miami, The Sea Ranch Lodge Completes Multiyear Renovation, The Ozarker Lodge Launches in Branson, Missouri. Especially about what happened in room 823. Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel in San Francisco: Find Hotel Reviews Grace Cathedral and Golden Gate Theatre are also within half a mile (1 km). 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Unique units are equipped with TV, direct dial phone and free Wi-Fi. February 20, 2022 / 4:22 PM / CBS San Francisco. The Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel is a historic classic hotel that is newly renovated with upscale amenities and state-of-the-art decorations. Fairfax renamed a stretch of the 43-mile-long Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to Coastal Miwok Trail. Courtney mysteriously turned her had to me and asked, "Wait, is it the .css-1e1wdvt{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#0A5C80;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1e1wdvt:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:#0A5C80;}Sir Francis Drake Hotel?". Any recent trip to the luxury, historic Sir Francis Drake Hotel will have shown the place completely boarded up, with none of its distinctive beefeater-costumed bellhops out front, and wooden boards covered with murals of flowers over all of its ground-floor doors and windows. A spokeswoman for the Northview Hotel Group, which purchased the hotel last year for about $157 million,told The San Francisco Chroniclethe rebranding of the hotel will preserve components of the propertys past. Finally chilly enough to wear turtlenecks and boots, we spent the afternoon driving around and catching up. SAN FRANCISCO (AP/CBS) -- San Francisco's Sir Francis Drake Hotel will be called The Beacon Grand in the latest attempt in the Bay Area to rename streets and landmarks after the slave-trading explorer. A school district in San Anselmo, north of San Francisco, voted last year to rename Sir Francis Drake Hotel to honor Archie Williams, a Black Olympic gold medalist and World War II veteran. San Francisco's Sir Francis Drake Hotel opened in 1928 and now 94 years later it's changing its name to the Beacon Grand. The hotel, which first debuted in 1928, retains original Renaissance Revival features, including its grand staircase, chandeliers, and marble floors. Now, the hotel will be named the Beacon Grand. Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel San Francisco, California, US I also found this kicker: "Suicides, murder and ghostly figures add to the mystique of this Bay Area legend." Fun! I nodded my head and she said, "Oh Micaela, the hotel is haunted. We renew focus on the progress and possibility that has always . Metropolitan Oakland Intl Airport 11 mi See all flights. The name was retained to expand global managements. Typical check-in conversation. But I couldn't find anything about room 823. Windows have been expanded and the decor glammed up and modernized with wispy white curtains and a cool color palette to usher in a new era . Airport (SFO). Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel - Expedia One site offered this haunted fact about the hotel: "The Sir Francis Drake Hotel is also found in Union Square in the heart of the city. "Well, guests complain about things all the time. After a long day of travel and scaring myself on the plane I was ready for a deep sleep. San Franciscos Sir Francis Drake Hotel will be called the Beacon Grand in the latest attempt in the Bay Area to rename streets and landmarks that honored the explorer linked to slave trading. .css-17ervdj{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Kepler,Kepler-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,Serif;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:normal;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-17ervdj:hover{color:link-hover;}}Which Stores Are Open on Labor Day? Don't worry." Then the lamp died and went dark. I also found this kicker: "Suicides, murder and ghostly figures add to the mystique of this Bay Area legend." All Rights Reserved. During its closure, the property changed hands, with Pebblebrook Hotel Trust selling it to Northview Hotel Group for $157.6 million last spring. / CBS San Francisco. S.F.'s Sir Francis Drake Hotel reveals new name ahead of grand reopening Our guests praise the comfy rooms in our reviews. Please access our Customer Support Portal, In Room Entertainment - 55-inch flat-screen TV with premium channels and pay movies, Food and Beverages - Coffee/tea maker, room service (limited hours), and free bottled water, Bed Type and Features - Premium bedding, a pillow menu, and bed sheets, Restrooms & Showers - Private bathroom, designer toiletries, and a bathtub or shower with a rainfall showerhead, Extra Features - Laptop-compatible safe, laptop workspace, and phone; free cribs/infant beds available on request, Pleasure - Climate-controlled air conditioning and daily housekeeping. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. RELATED: Christopher Columbus, Queen Isabella statue removed from California State Capitol, "They are going to retire my uniform," said Sweeney. San Francisco's Sir Francis Drake Hotel Ditches Old Name "The owner of the hotel committed suicide and still haunts the hotel," he said. It was as if the hotel was actually trying to scare their guests. The address for Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel is 450 Powell Street, San Francisco, California 94102. "He killed himself on the 21st floor, in the Starlight Room." Then I found out the true story behind the property, and I desperately wished I had been kept in the dark about its history. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. By early 2023, the property plans to reopen its Starlite Room rooftop lounge space, which is similarly receiving a full overhaul.