Review: The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square | Marriott Bonvoy

This historic building, one of the city’s great landmarks, is part of the Marriott Bonvoy hotel chain. It has played host to the world’s greatest celebrities and politicians over the past 120 years.

For a basic room, The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square costs between 160 and 400 USD per night, depending on the time of year or events. Alternatively, it can be accessed through points ranging from 44,000 to 66,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

However, like the San Francisco Marriott Union Square visited the day before, it has a ”destination charge” of USD 25 per night, added to the basic cost of the room.

It includes:

• $ 25 food and beverage credit per day at the hotel’s 3 restaurants and on room service
• High-speed Internet
• 2 one-way tickets for a single trip in a cable car
• 2 reusable stainless steel bottles (once per stay)
• 2 X 1 hour self-service bike rental (once per stay)
• A signature cocktail a day at the Clock Bar

Since I could benefit from it, I resigned myself to paying for it.

If you’re looking to earn Marriott Bonvoy points to stay free at over 8,000 hotels worldwide, the best way is to be a Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card (and/or Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Cardmember).

In addition to the exceptional welcome bonus of each of these two cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all your purchases and 5 points per dollar at any of the Marriott establishments. On top of that, every year, you’ll receive a free hotel night certificate (worth 35,000 points) and 15 Elite Night Credits toward your Marriott Bonvoy status.

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square is located in downtown San Francisco, within walking distance of :

• Powell metro station
• Several popular department stores (Macy’s, Apple Store, Saks Fifth Avenue, Williams Sonoma, etc.)
• From the Powell/Hyde cable car line, which runs directly across the street
• From a Hop On Hop Off bus stop
• Westfield San Francisco Centre
• As well as multiple Starbucks

Fisherman’s Wharf is a 12-minute drive away. Also, tickets (“donated” thanks to the destination fee) can be taken by the hotel for a ride on a Cable Car, to avoid climbing the city’s hills.

On this chilly spring day, the entrance to St.Francis was in full bloom. The awning overlooking the street was filled with multicolored artificial flowers and set the tone.

Inside, several impressive artificial pink apple trees were arranged in all four corners. In the center, a huge table with real flowers in different colors provided the perfect backdrop for selfies.

Check-in was efficient and the receptionist took the time to list the hotel’s various options.

Over the years, the Westin St.Francis San Francisco on Union Square has grown and sections have been added.

My room was located in the rear part of the Tower. Another part is located further forward, overlooking Union Square.

My room was standard.

It had 2 double beds, a desk, TV, mini-refrigerator and armchair.

A huge wardrobe contained two bathrobes.

The gray-veined white marble bathroom was large, with a shower bath and a large vanity.

The toilet was less standard, reminiscent of what you’d find in public places.

Several catering options are available, depending on the time of day:

• The Oak Room: refined American cuisine in a cozy setting. Open daily from 06:30 to 11:30 for breakfast only.
• Cafe Rito: Open-plan counter for a quick, healthy meal, opposite reception. It’s open every day between 06:30 and 11:30 for breakfast and lunch, then dinner between 11:30 and 22:00.
• 
  Clock Bar
  is open from 4pm to midnight. Its atmosphere and décor recall the hotel’s early years.

There is no swimming pool at The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square.

There is no lounge at the Westin St.Francis San Francisco on Union Square. Breakfast is served at The Oak Room restaurant daily between 06:30 and 11:30.

Elite Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador members and their guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast. It consists of a hearty continental buffet.

The fitness room is a good size and filled with large mirrors on the walls, giving the illusion of a much larger room than it actually is.

As in other historic hotels built a long time ago, The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square has poor soundproofing and plumbing.

What’s more, during my stay, the hotel was packed with Bay to Breakers runners and wedding guests. The overcrowded elevators were very slow and stopped at every floor, so you had to get to know other guests as you went up and down.

On the other hand, its excellent customer service, historical character, elegance and proximity to everything make it a good hotel. As soon as you enter the hotel, you feel like you’re in another era.

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