It’s a well-known secret among locals that fall is the best time to visit San Francisco. The fog, affectionately named Karl, eases up and the warm winds from the deserts bring about a feeling that summer could last forever.
It also makes it the perfect time to book your stay at the Clift Royal Sonesta. Conveniently located just a block away from Union Square, this hotel offers a peaceful and tranquil escape from the busy city life. The Clift is one of those hotels where everything feels just perfect. It’s modern, yet cozy and welcoming, with classic vibes and all the latest technological needs.
The hotel has an interesting history as it was originally built for the Panama–Pacific International Exposition, a world fair that was held in San Francisco in 1915 to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal. Originally opened by Frederick C. Clift, the hotel has been an ever-evolving classic, attracting guests from all over the world. Its true value to the city of San Francisco goes beyond that, as it was a symbol of recovery and rebirth after the 1906 earthquake and a beacon of hope for the future and the accomplishments of the past.
The hotel features stylish rooms, junior suites, one-bedroom suites, and even a private apartment that can be used for private events. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations that suit their needs. The rooms offer separate work and dining areas, a minibar with curated refreshments, energy-saving environmental controls to reduce carbon footprint, 50-inch in-room televisions, STAYCAST™ powered by Google Chromecast for streaming content from personal devices including popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, and HBO. In-room electronic laptop size safes, Keurig coffee makers with locally sourced coffee and tea, and large bathrooms featuring hair dryers, rainfall showers, and magnifying makeup mirrors are also included.
The Clift impresses from the moment visitors step into the lobby. The warmth of the place reminisces old times in San Francisco with modern charms. The lobby walls are made of oak, a hardy and durable wood that invokes the image of a strong ship in the bay.
The lobby itself features a towering, light-filled gas fireplace and man-made terrazzo floors that harken back to the 1920s and 30s. Terrazzo was a customary ground covering in grand hotels of those days. The front office pods and concierge desk were custom constructed by a master millworker in Montana. The lobby lounge was designed as a functional and collaborative space and is enhanced by several custom-built buffets that offer food and drinks.
One of the highlights of the Clift is the famous big chair, which provides a photo opportunity for all visitors. It’s a larger-than-life chair where people can jump on, lounge, and take lots of photos. Every visitor who comes to the Clift wants to take their photo on the big chair, and the staff is always happy to oblige.
Even if you’re planning for a romantic getaway, the Clift knows that it’s hard to leave your pets behind, which is why the hotel is completely pet-friendly and accommodating to all the four-legged friends.
The Clift is also part of a large city effort to keep bees and features 10 hives with over 10,000 honey bees on the roof. The honey produced is proudly used in the hotel’s craft cocktail drinks, as well as dishes including the compressed watermelon salad with lavender-infused honey and goat cheese. A local beekeeper is in charge of installing and maintaining the hives throughout the year.
Another highlight of the Clift is the Redwood Room, the bar and lounge downstairs. It is over 100 years old and was named after the paneling, which was carved out of a single redwood tree. The renowned architecture firm Gensler has added a 21st-century elegance to the space, as well as an expansive new redwood bar. This new bar is manufactured from an 800-year-old redwood tree found by a custom woodworker in Montana.
Entertainment at The Redwood Room includes live jazz with the Patrick Wolff Quartet, piano bar performances with Josh Gelfand, and a rotating list of popular DJs throughout the month. The Redwood Room plans to host an R&B party on the first Saturday of each month with Mind Motion and a list of rotating beverage partners such as Remy Cointreau. Voted as #1 for Best Nightlife in San Francisco, the Redwood Room is the perfect place for romantic cocktails and treats as visitors wind down from their busy day.
Fredericks, the onsite eatery with creative cuisine, features gourmet coffees, pastries, and other delicious culinary creations by chef Dan Corey, formerly of Michelin Star LUCE at the InterContinental. Guests can grab food or drink with selections designed to complement the offerings in the Redwood Room, including elevated comfort food, and wine, beer, and cocktails on tap. The new restaurant has a beautiful black and white floor similar to what adorned the space in the 1920s, as well as neutral walls with exposed brick. The floor itself was the inspiration for the rest of the decor, which features a classical look from the hotel’s original restaurant while echoing the chic feel of modern-day San Francisco. The restaurant has an area for quick-to-go orders with high seating, and smaller tables where guests can enjoy a quick bite or a cup of coffee. The remainder of the restaurant has a combination of booth, banquette, and square table seating for guests who want to linger, enjoy their meal, and soak up the ambiance.
With its proximity to Union Square, the iconic cable car, a number of high-end eateries, and lots of museums, The Clift is the perfect fall destination for anyone looking to relax and enjoy the city’s romantic fall vibe.
For couples looking to have a bigger celebration such as a wedding or an engagement party, the hotel offers multiple banquet halls, breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline, and luxurious amenities.
Image Source: Trip Advisor
