Beacon Grand, San Francisco
Expert reviews
“Beacon Grand, formerly the 96-year-old Sir Francis Drake Hotel, reopened in 2022 with a new name and an extensive remodel. Its location in the heart of downtown, overlooking Union Square, along with its elegant bar, the Starlite, and whiskey lounge, the Hidden Library, evoke the hotel’s glamorous history.”
“Enter Beacon Grand, the rejuvenated embodiment of the landmark Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Elevating one of San Francisco’s most famous historic hotels into a modern destination for the 21st-century traveler, the hotel has been updated and rebranded. Combining legacy with ambition, it’s still the social focal point of Union Square.”
“This 1928 landmark—renovated and reopened in 2022—welcomes guests in its ornate, high-ceilinged lobby and classically elegant rooms that come equipped with 21st-century tech amenities but evoke the hotel’s heyday with gorgeously restored wood plank floors and plush white comforters.”
What guests liked
- Central location
- Private parking
- Free Wifi
- Comfortable beds
All you need to know
Beacon Grand (formerly the Sir Francis Drake) is a seriously cool spot right in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square. The building oozes old-world charm, think marble staircases, vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, but it’s been totally reimagined for modern travelers.
Their rooms mix elegant craftsmanship (European oak floors, high ceilings) with contemporary perks like high-speed internet, Chromecast TVs, and eco-luxury toiletries.
When you’re not crashing in your room, there’s plenty to do: The Post Room is their cozy all-day lounge spot perfect for breakfast, dinner, or a cocktail, complete with local live music on weekends.
And for a bit of glamour, head up to Starlite on the 21st floor. It’s got a storied past as a rooftop bar and now spins vinyl nights, creative cocktails, and killer views.
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Location
Recent guest reviews
20 December 2025
Classy hotel in the heart of the city. Visit the starlite room. Highly recommend.
The bed and pillow were very comfortable. The proximity to union square perfect. The staff were very pleasant and attentive. The decor for the holidays beautiful. Quiet despite being in the heart of the city.
20 December 2025
Very good
great location, friendly staff. atmospheric lobby and rooms decoration. Nice view from the room.
a little dusty and some of the interior parts looked like they were about to break
19 December 2025
Excellent in every way!
Very comfy beds, attentive staff, great location, and just a beautiful historic hotel.
We were there on a very busy weekend, so didn’t get to experience the Star Lounge. But I don’t fault the hotel for that. Obviously a very popular place!
14 December 2025
Great location, comfortable, very noisy
The room was really comfortable and well appointed. The bed was very comfortable. Location is great, easily walkable to lots of SF.
It was super noisy. There was construction going on all night, and because the window's weren't double glazed you could hear everything - even on the 15th floor. This is an old hotel with very little soundproofing. You could hear people in the room next to you putting down their blinds.
13 December 2025
Okay for the price
Location near to Union Square
The bathroom. Baffles me how short women of 5’2” are supposed to get clean under rain showers…. Badly designed bathroom
11 December 2025
AMAZING!!!! WILL BE BACK AGAIN!!
Clean, staff are nice overall its a great experience!
None
11 December 2025
Nice stay for work
A really cool hotel, the position is near all the major transports even if it’s too close to the Tenderloin area, ste staff was super friendly they let me do the check out a little bit late without any problems
There was a little bit of noise coming from the air conditioning of the hotel
9 December 2025
It was great
Location. The Post Room. Very accommodating!! And nicer than the Starlight.
My hair dryer didn’t work and the coffee pot didn’t work . And that donut at the Starlight~~ absolutely horrid. Get it off the menu. And I wanted to watch the sunset and Macys Christmas, ect. I was told I had a table so I could see both. When I got there at my reserved time the sun had gone down, and I couldn’t see Macys or other.. no view at all. Very disappointing!!
8 December 2025
The staff was so friendly and welcoming. The valet service was a plus! I loved the hotel, I will be staying here again
It is beautifully decorated and cozy.
Some of the space is a bit small
6 December 2025
Fabulous
This a beautiful tradicional hotel. Great location!
We used the bar a couple of times and we felt the service was not very organize. Love the lounge and the location.
3 December 2025
Very good
Historic building
Name change
3 December 2025
The best of San Francisco! Can’t wait to come back.
Beautiful hotel, excellent location. The most comfortable bed!
3 December 2025
Pleasant
Affordable and centrally located, and has a sense of history about it. Bathrooms were in good shape.
Like many older hotels, the rooms are on the small side and it shows its age a bit. Valet service is quite expensive.
3 December 2025
Exceptional
The location is excellent.
The two bottles/cans of water was open when we made the check in.
27 November 2025
Lovely location and easy access to all events/shops/activities
Location and ambience - great staff
Room was not huge but we did not spend much time in it!
25 November 2025
Very nice historic hotel in a convenient location
Bed was so comfortable, room was small but lovely, with classic elegance but some modern amenities. All the staff we interacted with were pretty nice. The bartender Casey was the best and went above and beyond for us.
Room service was so expensive, but it was delicious. A light in the room entryway would be really helpful.
24 November 2025
Very good
Very comfortable bed, nice lounge and atmosphere. Excellent breakfast.
20 November 2025
Fabulous
In the heart of downtown, convenient to restaurants and shopping.
The neighborhood can be a little seedy, but this is not the hotel's fault.
19 November 2025
Fabulous
Staff was very helpful. Rooms were nice and clean.
Price was too expensive for the property.
17 November 2025
Good Hotel, But Valet Parking Is Overpriced
Great location, nice rooms, very clean.
The hotel itself is nice, but be aware that there is no on-site parking. They offer valet parking only, and it costs $72 plus tax per day, which is definitely not the same as having proper hotel parking. The price is excessively expensive, and it felt unreasonable for what is essentially a basic service. If you’re planning to drive, keep this in mind because it really affects the overall value of the stay.
15 November 2025
Central and boujie
Friendly staff. Nice locality
They don't have photos of the older rooms you might be in. All be it clean, quite dated and worn out. Also i was disturbed twice when privacy was requested. On two separate days.
13 November 2025
Exceptional
Beautiful old hotel. Nicely renovated in reception areas and once you got inside the bedrooms.
Drab corridors to rooms. Some bathrooms still need renovation. Our second room was better than the first.
11 November 2025
Excellent location and extremely comfortable stay. Would recommend
Excellent location around the corner from Union Square. Old worldly building- well maintained with very comfortable bedroom and bathroom well appointed. Staff were exceptional. Roof top bar with an amazing view of San Fran. Value for money
Staff casually dressed seemed strange but very polite and courteous
5 November 2025
Exceptional
Good location, nice interior. The manager is a thoughtful and nice person.
5 November 2025
Memorable, comfortable and relaxing stay - thank you!
Beautiful art deco hotel with wonderful staff and service.
4 November 2025
Very good
There was no fan in the bathroom. Sinks were too small, hard to rinse face off without hitting the faucet or getting water all over the floor, and the towels could be fluffier.
4 November 2025
Exceptional stay, amazing staff and stunning historic centrally located hotel,highly recommended.
What a stunning hotel. The entrance was of course grand,impressive and had the wow factor. A beautiful historic hotel with a modern twist. Alma on reception gave us a warm and very generous welcome, offering us a complimentary room upgrade and vouchers for drinks at the beautiful lobby bar. Our room was beautiful, luxurious,stylish and had a fantastic view over Union Square but was surprisingly quiet. Beds were the best I've ever slept in, room was immaculate and had everything we needed. We ate in the restaurant for dinner and the food was exceptionally good and we enjoyed lovely cocktails and our son a delicious milkshake. The waiter whose name I've forgotten ( so sorry) was warm and friendly and very attentive. We really enjoyed the experience. Location wise, it's super central and the Powell line cable car goes right past the hotel. Walking distance to Chinatown, Union Square etc.. We went up to have a look at the Starlight bar on the 21st floor and it had magnificent panoramic views over the city. Being Halloween there was a brilliant party atmosphere in there and it again was beautifully decorated. We were unable to stay for a drink as there was a party on and we had our 11 year old with us but it will give us a reason to return 😊 The only downside was that one night of course was not long enough. The concierge staff and doorman Angelo out front were warm, friendly and kind and nothing was too much trouble. I do hope that the Management acknowledge the exceptional staff they have at the Beacon Grand and customer service they deliver. They really made our stay perfect in every way and we would of course, love to visit again one day.
Nothing.
3 November 2025
Beautiful hotel with amazing staff
Absolutely beautiful and the staff were amazing
Rooms were a little small but very tastefully decorated
3 November 2025
Exceptional
It is a beautiful, clean hotel in a great location.
Parking is pricey and the room was warm.
2 November 2025
Very good
Very good bed, bed linen, pillows and airconditioning
2 November 2025
Great location, Skyelite bar the highlight, room for improvement
Good location if you like the city centre, next to Union square. The rooms are well equipped, clean. Bed very comfortable. Liked the Skyelite bar which is a real plus and the wine list throughout the hotel which was local.
Lack of provision of breakfast in the price (€300 dollars plus a night!). Corridors dark, dingy. Food in the restaurant was inconsistent and definitely overpriced.
1 November 2025
Exceptional
A grand old hotel very nicely decorated. I think they may be in the process of renovation. The bathroom in the first room we stayed in a week ago was a bit old and tatty. The room we had on our second stay was nicer with a renovated bathroom.
The hallways to the rooms are a bit dreary.
29 October 2025
Fabulous
Clean, grand, historic property
Minimal staff, rooms are pretty small
27 October 2025
Lovely stay.
Lovely room, great restaurant, friendly staff, lovely health club.
27 October 2025
Fabulous
This is a lovely hotel - a fabulous place to stay
Decor, Room , very clean helpfull staff
21 October 2025
Gorgeous Property, Phenomenal location
The staff is literally across the street from Union Square. Plenty of restaurants, lounges, and shopping. Stunning property, amazing staff, and a great location.
It’s SF, so not really alot of parking. But they did offer valet.
20 October 2025
Good venue for SF but some surrounding districts are not good. Staff made a serious error processing my payment by dupli
Location is good for the central SF area.
12 October 2025
Wonderful
Staff are fabulous so helpful and friendly. Location is superb! Right in the middle of the shopping district and directly across from a shop/pharmacy which is very convenient! Short walk (very short) to nearest hop on hop off bus tour stop & the tram! Really enjoyed our stay.
11 October 2025
Fabulous
The hotel was in a fantastic location. We loved the grand feel of the entrance and the Post Room bar. We enjoyed cocktails in the Starlite bar, overlooking Union Square.
9 October 2025
Convenient location for cable car hop-on, heart of downtown, comfortable. Hallway was dark but bedroom had plenty of lig
Location downtown
Dark hallway, bathroom sliding door (prefer doors that shut tight)
8 October 2025
Perfect location
Superb location for a few nights stay in San Francisco
Parking costs
5 October 2025
Fabulous
Nice Room, comfy bed.
Parking cost.
3 October 2025
Fabulous
The room was beautifully furnished. The staff were kind and helpful. The location is great with a trolley running in front of the hotel and union square a minute away.
The exterior of the hotel was under reconstruction.
30 September 2025
Beautiful enjoyable stay in the heart of the city
It was beautiful and the staff was so friendly. The room was clean and comfortable
It was under construction in the front
28 September 2025
Everyone needs an ALEX!!!
Opulent hotel, built in 1928, and well looked after and recently refurbished. Very well located and easy to find - I drove myself to the front door. Staff were excellent and ALEX, on several occasions, went “above and beyond”. (If I ever buy a business in San Francisco ALEX, I’m going to come and hire you - whatever kind of business it is because you are a real “gem”!)
The charge for “valet” parking was, I thought, excessive at $72 per day when I could “self-park” in one of several nearby car parks for $48 per day. I should have researched this better, in advance. That said I left my cell ‘phone in the car and ALEX delivered it back to me in just a few minutes.
26 September 2025
Very good
Nice location
Very expensive parking and small room
26 September 2025
Exceptional
The staff and accommodations were exceptional. They ensured everyone in our group was taken care of.
25 September 2025
Great location and clean comfortable rooms
Very comfortable beds. Great location for exploring the city. Great view from the Starlight bar.
Shame the Starlight bar was closed one of the nights.
23 September 2025
It was a great stay great customer service great valet, great location, beautiful hotel.
This was a good walkable location and great staff, the hotel was beautiful. The area was safe and the valet did a great job. Honestly, I only have two complaints and one of them is just a human error. The first is that we stayed on the 10th floor and I’m not sure if it was our rooms proximity to the elevator, but you can hear the elevator going up and down, and it got pretty loud where it would wake us up, but it would pass, and it would be fine and the second thing was probably just an oversight on the cleaners part and I wouldn’t of noticed if I hadn’t dropped my earring there was a yellow baggie in between the nightstand and the bed on the floor which was from the previous guest. Honestly, for the prize, this was a really great stay.
As stated in my above comment what I didn’t like was the oversight on the cleanliness but it’s an honest mistake. It was just one small tiny bag of what could’ve been drugs. And the elevator rattling noise.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Fitness
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - Fire extinguishers

More photos

22 December 2025
Exceptional