The Omni San Francisco Hotel occupies a former bank headquarters at 500 California Street, in the Financial District at the foot of Nob Hill. The building has a 1920s look, with Italian marble, crystal chandeliers and an old-fashioned sense of grandeur that suits the setting. The hotel has 362 rooms and suites, with rooms ranging from roughly 376 to 581 square feet, which is generous by downtown standards. The California Street cable car stops about a minute away, Chinatown is a couple of blocks to the east, and the Embarcadero Center, Union Square and the Ferry Building are all within a short walk. It suits history lovers, business travelers, couples and anyone who likes a hotel with a story. Dining includes Monte's Bar and Bob's Steak and Chop House.
The building is part of the appeal. Before it was a hotel, it was a bank headquarters, built in the era when banks wanted to look like temples, and the conversion preserved much of the architecture: tall ceilings, marble details and chandeliers. Walking through the lobby feels different from entering a new-build hotel. That atmosphere comes with some quirks, such as different room layouts and sizes, so read the descriptions when you book and make requests for floors or views if they matter to you.
Room details
The rooms come in Premier, Signature, Deluxe and suite categories, with one king bed or two double beds. They feature Egyptian cotton sheets, air conditioning, a mini-fridge and a minibar, and free WiFi is included. Accessible rooms are available. Dogs are accepted in specific rooms with fees and limits, so check if you are traveling with a pet. The hotel also adds a daily destination fee and charges for parking and some extras, which can change the total cost, so review the full price before you book.
The location is a strong point. California Street is the route of one of the cable car lines, and the stop at California and Montgomery is a minute away. The Financial District has plenty of weekday life and is quieter on weekends, which some travelers find a relief after Union Square crowds. Chinatown is two blocks away, and the Embarcadero Center and Ferry Building are a short walk. Union Square is about eight minutes on foot. The area is walkable but hilly, so be ready for uphill climbs if you head toward Nob Hill.
Facilities include a 24-hour fitness room, meeting spaces including a large conference center, a ballroom, concierge service and an in-room massage service. The hotel is also set up for events, so you may see groups and weddings. Who is it for? Travelers who want a landmark building, a central location and a traditional feel. If you prefer a modern boutique style, you may want another option, but for atmosphere and convenience, the Omni is a good choice. Combine it with a cable car ride and a stroll through Chinatown for an easy first day.
Why stay here
- ✓Restored 1920s bank building
- ✓California Street cable car nearby
- ✓Monte's Bar
- ✓Bob's Steak and Chop House
- ✓24-hour fitness room
- ✓Large rooms
- ✓Concierge service
- ✓In-room massage
Good questions
What is the building?+
A former bank headquarters at 500 California Street, converted into a hotel with its 1920s marble and chandeliers preserved.
How close is the cable car?+
The California Street cable car stop at Montgomery is about a minute's walk.
Are pets allowed?+
Dogs are accepted in specific rooms with limits and fees; check the hotel for details.
