The Palace Hotel is one of San Francisco's great historic hotels, a grand 1909 property (successor to an even earlier 1875 original) on Market Street at the edge of SoMa and the Financial District, near Union Square. Its crown jewel is the Garden Court, a breathtaking dining room beneath a vast stained-glass dome — long one of the most beautiful interiors in the city. The hotel pairs that grandeur with traditionally elegant rooms, a handsome skylit indoor pool, and a central, transit-friendly downtown location.
The Palace Hotel carries one of the longest pedigrees in San Francisco hospitality. The original Palace opened in 1875 as one of the largest and most luxurious hotels in the world; after it was destroyed in the fires following the 1906 earthquake, the current grand building rose in its place and reopened in 1909. It stands on Market Street where downtown meets SoMa and the Financial District, a short walk from Union Square.
Its defining space is the Garden Court — a soaring dining room crowned by an enormous leaded stained-glass dome, ringed by chandeliers and columns, and considered one of the most beautiful rooms in the city (afternoon tea and brunch here are local traditions). Beyond it, the hotel offers traditionally elegant, generously sized rooms, a classic skylit indoor swimming pool, the historic Pied Piper bar (named for a celebrated mural), and full-service amenities in keeping with a landmark luxury hotel.
The location is excellent for getting around: it's near Union Square's shopping, walkable to SFMOMA and Yerba Buena, close to the Financial District, and well served by transit and the cable car turnaround a few blocks away. The Palace suits travelers who want grand historic character and a central downtown base, with the Garden Court as a genuine destination in itself.
Why stay here
- ✓The Garden Court (stained-glass dome)
- ✓Historic skylit indoor pool
- ✓Pied Piper bar
- ✓On-site dining
- ✓Fitness center
- ✓Concierge
- ✓Valet parking
- ✓Central downtown location
Good questions
What is the Garden Court?+
The Palace Hotel's signature dining room, beneath an enormous stained-glass dome — considered one of the most beautiful interiors in San Francisco. Afternoon tea and brunch there are local traditions.
How historic is the Palace?+
The original Palace opened in 1875 as one of the world's grandest hotels; after the 1906 earthquake and fire, the current building rose and reopened in 1909. It's one of the city's storied historic hotels.
Where is it located?+
On Market Street where downtown meets SoMa and the Financial District, a short walk from Union Square, SFMOMA, and Yerba Buena, and well served by transit.
