Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel
450 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102-1504
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Avg. C$284 /night, 9/13 - 9/14
C$664
per night
C$468
per night
C$272
per night
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4.5
#22 of 239 hotels in San FranciscoLocation
Cleanliness
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Value
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HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Historic Hotel
Classic
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Property amenities
Valet parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Bicycle tours
Evening entertainment
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Taxi service
Paid private parking on-site
Wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Photo copier / fax In business centre
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Doorperson
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Bath / shower
Room service
Safe
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Private bathrooms
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
On-demand films
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
City view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Hotel links
Location
450 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102-1504
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
San Francisco Intl Airport
18.8 km•
See all flights
Metropolitan Oakland Intl Airport
18.1 km•
See all flights
Powell St
6 min•Muni
Rental Cars
323 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
Reviews
4.5
846 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Despite the Beacon Grand's prime location in Union Square, which provides guests with convenient access to shopping and dining, some travelers feel the hotel doesn't offer good value due to high costs and additional fees. While guests commend the cleanliness and historic charm of the property, along with the professional and friendly service, disturbances from noise are a common concern.
The rooms are generally admired for their comfort and style; however, critiques about their size and occasional lapses in cleanliness do surface. The hotel's amenities are noteworthy, though the size of the bathrooms and issues with showers have been called out.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Historic
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Noise level
Noisy
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Satisfactory
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846Reviews3Q+A61Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
My parents and I went on a labor day trip to SF and our stay could not have been better. The staff was AMAZING, the rooms were quiet since they have double-pane glass and the beds were EXTREMELY comfortable, so much that I went online to find the same type of bedding for my own home haha! We got a room with the parking package that made checking in extremely easy, the valet and man at the entrance were so warm and helpful. There is a water refillable station on every single floor that is super easy to use. THE BATHROOM!!!!!!!!!! We always have problems with the bathrooms at the hotels we stay at but at the Beacon Grand it was the complete opposite we were impressed on how clean and eye appealing it was (our favorite part of the room). The TV was easy to use and I connected my Netflix fast and was able to feel comfortable when we were resting. The fridge works super good we kept our drinks and snacks in there. I feel like I can’t say enough about this hotel it was definitely the highlight of our SF trip and want to return solely on our experience here at this hotel. Thanks to all the staff who made our first trip to SF a memorable one.
- Mark Gomez
- Mark Gomez
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sebastien Pfeiffer, General Manager at Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel
Responded Sep 10, 2022
Dear markanthonygomez, I am delighted to read that you decided to stay at the Beacon Grand for Labor Day weekend, and that you enjoyed the service, the staff and the comfort of your room. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit to San Francisco! Hospitably, Sébastien Pfeiffer Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hotel's Favourite
A 7 night business trip to SF was booked at a big chain hotel. It was loud and impersonal- nothing special. However, I stumbled into the Beacon, and was greeted by the amazing hospitality offered by Leif who showed me my alt options- I instantly cancelled and stayed all week! What a great choice- this is my new SF 'home.' gorgeous renovation, artistic, special, beautiful history, and detail with a warm and chic vibe. Every single employee demonstrated service, care and warmth. Now, I won't stay anywhere else and can't wait to return! The bar is fabulous, with experienced and accommodating bartenders Henry and Anson and Greg, the whisky library expert. Be sure to check out the gorgeous murals and ceilings. Nothing I would change. Love the staff and can't wait to see them all again!
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â I saw several rooms and they were all elegant and inviting
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sebastien Pfeiffer, General Manager at Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel
Responded Aug 12, 2022
Dear Angelsinpower, I am delighted to read that you decided to stay at the Beacon Grand, and that our team went above and beyond. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit to San Francisco! Hospitably, Sébastien Pfeiffer Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
First of all the service was amazing. From the guys handling the valet to the manager Wali Sahli. Vey very friendly and with great attention to us the hotel guests.
I will start off by saying that turning into the street is not simple and a bit chaotic. But once you get to the hotel they have a valet service that is so easy. It has in and out privileges (which is not always the case in hotels in that area). The price of the valet is comparable to the valet parking at other hotels (not cheap).
The area itself is great if you want to be near Union square (which we did). It was a two minute walk to Union square.
Once you get inside the lobby is so nice and spacious! There is so much room . The decoration honors the historical nature of the hotel but also is
Modern.
The rooms were a good size and they were very clean/ the sheets were so cloudy and dreamy and the pillows were so comfortable.
The room was decorated so nicely - blue walls with good accents/ it was calming.
The city was chaotic just outside but the hotel itself was calming.
I will start off by saying that turning into the street is not simple and a bit chaotic. But once you get to the hotel they have a valet service that is so easy. It has in and out privileges (which is not always the case in hotels in that area). The price of the valet is comparable to the valet parking at other hotels (not cheap).
The area itself is great if you want to be near Union square (which we did). It was a two minute walk to Union square.
Once you get inside the lobby is so nice and spacious! There is so much room . The decoration honors the historical nature of the hotel but also is
Modern.
The rooms were a good size and they were very clean/ the sheets were so cloudy and dreamy and the pillows were so comfortable.
The room was decorated so nicely - blue walls with good accents/ it was calming.
The city was chaotic just outside but the hotel itself was calming.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In terms of location, Beacon Grand is in a great spot, right next to Union Square, but there's not much beyond this to make it a great stay.
Requesting a high floor is worthwhile, for the noise primarily, but then make sure your room doesn't have a ridiculously loud generator in it to disrupt your sleep endlessly. It's clear the hotel is still going through a refurb, and hopefully improves with time, but it still looks tired around the edges and in need of a bit more TLC.
The hotel staff are accommodating and helpful, but daily room service appears to be limited to the mornings and deep cleaning is lacking somewhat.
I wouldn't rush back, especially with so many options nearby and many at a better rate.
Requesting a high floor is worthwhile, for the noise primarily, but then make sure your room doesn't have a ridiculously loud generator in it to disrupt your sleep endlessly. It's clear the hotel is still going through a refurb, and hopefully improves with time, but it still looks tired around the edges and in need of a bit more TLC.
The hotel staff are accommodating and helpful, but daily room service appears to be limited to the mornings and deep cleaning is lacking somewhat.
I wouldn't rush back, especially with so many options nearby and many at a better rate.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I frequently visit San Francisco and after a while you learn which neighborhoods are lively and which ones to avoid. I typically stay in north beach but this time I decided to try out a new place and oh my god it was the right choice. The Beacon Grand has such an amazing location! Rule of thumb, do not drive in San Francisco. The city has a vibe of walking and public transportation (bart, muni, etc). Driving is inconvenient because of the lack of parking and high prices. With that said, the Beacon Grand is so convenient that the muni is right across the street which means a straight way to little Italy, Chinatown, japantown, fisherman’s wharf, and so much more. If you prefer to use the BART, it is only a 10 min walk. With the BART, you can visit many other districts near union square which is where the Beacon Grand is located. If you prefer a walk, you could go down the street towards Powell and find that it’s filled with many shopping opportunities. Late night? Hungry? No problem. If you leave the hotel you’ll find that McDonald’s is right around the corner, no need to cross the street or walk far. Want a fuller dining experience? The Cheesecake Factory is down the street just two lights away in the Macys building. Or if you’re just looking for snacks, Walgreens and 7-11 are right in front of the hotel you’ll just cross the street and you’re there. But here’s the best part of this hotel, the staff are very friendly, professional, and willing to help with anything you need. Leif in particular was a gem, he was so helpful when I had a problem with an electrical issue in my room. I was moved to a different room free of charge! In fact, I was given drink vouchers as an apology as well as a bag of Ghirardelli caramel chocolates for free! They didn’t have to, but they went out of their way to make sure we were taken care of. Not to mention, the rooms themselves are so beautiful. They even provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash! Trust me, they smell so good and leave you feeling like a baby’s bottom. If you are trying to decide whether or not this is a good hotel, I can reassure you that this is a GREAT hotel. I would absolutely return! I cannot wait to visit San Francisco soon! Thanks again Leif and staff! :)
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sebastien Pfeiffer, General Manager at Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel
Responded Aug 15, 2022
Dear Garciajen98, I am delighted to read about your stay at the Beacon Grand, and that your favorite part of your stay was our team members that went above and beyond. We so appreciate your feedback, thank you again! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit to San Francisco! Hospitably, Sébastien Pfeiffer Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I stayed for one week for a conference I worked. The room was comfortable, coffee machine worked (my colleague was not as fortunate), loved the ability to stream my shows from my computer via built in ChromeCast, mostly clean (the old hardwood floors needed a deep cleaning noted by my feet getting dirty just walking to the bed to the bathroom). I left by 6am every morning so I didn't get to take advantage of the fresh croissants that my staff said was amazing.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sebastien Pfeiffer, General Manager at Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel
Responded Oct 25, 2022
Dear chaywoerz, Thank you for providing this valuable feedback on your recent stay at the Beacon Grand. I am delighted that you enjoyed the redesigned rooms and the streaming capabilities. We are following up with housekeeping regarding the wood floor cleanliness, please accept my sincere apology for the issue. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Hospitably, Sébastien Pfeiffer Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Beacon Grand and would recommend staying based on location, staff, and overall value. We stayed in a Grand King One Bedroom Suite, which was touted as their "newest renovated rooms". The room was definitely spacious by SF standards, but did have some flaws.
As other reviews have stated, the bathroom design is one of the worst I have ever dealt with (yes, water gets everywhere; the 1/3 glass covering with a hole in the middle is just absurd). The room also was showing flaws of a quick remodel vs quality execution in paint and furnishings (chunks missing in wood frames around TVs; paint used to cover holes vs patching; random wire sticking out on one wall?). This is just providing honest feedback on what is supposed to be a top end room/suite.
Again, we did enjoy our stay and would likely stay again on our next trip based on the location and staff.
As other reviews have stated, the bathroom design is one of the worst I have ever dealt with (yes, water gets everywhere; the 1/3 glass covering with a hole in the middle is just absurd). The room also was showing flaws of a quick remodel vs quality execution in paint and furnishings (chunks missing in wood frames around TVs; paint used to cover holes vs patching; random wire sticking out on one wall?). This is just providing honest feedback on what is supposed to be a top end room/suite.
Again, we did enjoy our stay and would likely stay again on our next trip based on the location and staff.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Service, the best! Thank you Leif Abram. He transformed an issue we had with our room into a warm and welcoming stay. He upgraded us to a lovely room and kept in touch making sure that we were happy with everything. He suggested places to go, restaurants, and tours. His and his staff’s expert and warm service made us decide to return in September when we will be in San Francisco for a longer stay with my brother and wife.
The bed was very comfortable, linens soft, and towels plush. Each floor has water refilling stations so you can refil the metal water bottle offered in each room. We hope that the restaurant’s menu is expanded some so that one might have more choices. The Beacon Grand revived the charm and grandeur of the old Francis Drake with elegance and good taste without loosing the beautiful original features. Job well done! We will return in September!
The bed was very comfortable, linens soft, and towels plush. Each floor has water refilling stations so you can refil the metal water bottle offered in each room. We hope that the restaurant’s menu is expanded some so that one might have more choices. The Beacon Grand revived the charm and grandeur of the old Francis Drake with elegance and good taste without loosing the beautiful original features. Job well done! We will return in September!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Lovely bed and linens, restaurant’s service was great but too few choices. Please expand your menu.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sebastien Pfeiffer, General Manager at Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel
Responded Feb 10, 2023
Dear ivnag, Thank you for providing this valuable feedback on your recent stay at the Beacon Grand. I am delighted that you Leif made your stay very special, and that you enjoyed our very comfortable beds, and our friendly and professional service. We look forward to welcoming you back in September! Hospitably, Sébastien Pfeiffer Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a great stay at the Beacon Grand! Everything was clean and well taken care of. We never had to ask for replacement towels and washcloths and the room was always cleaned and taken care of while we were out. We were greeted nicely and checkout was simple. Thank you for our stay!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I travel to SF a few times a year for business and I always stay in the Union Square area since it’s safe, within easy walking distance of company HQ and close to a lot of great food. This was my first stay at the Beacon. The rooms are smaller than most and missing some amenities due to being an older building but it has a lot of historic charm and the rooms have been updated to make great use of what space they have. The bedding and pillows were also incredibly comfortable. It’s rare to have a duvet with decent heft and fluffy yet ,firm pillows. The towels were also very thick, soft and bigger than usual. Given the rates were cheaper than what I usually pay at other hotels in the area I’d prefer to stay here in the future given the better quality bedding. After all, I’m coming to work and explore the city. What I want from my stay is a great place to sleep and clean up in the morning. I couldn’t ask for a much better experience in that regard than what I had.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry, only just seen this question from 4 months ago which I'm sure by now you've had answered - my short answer is I don't know! We didn't have a car, we were visiting from the UK so got an Uber from airport.
"There is a cute bar/lounge on the top floor of the building. We didn’t have time to check it out, but maybe you can!"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
C$259 - C$375 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
kimpton san francisco, sir francis drake hotel san francisco, drake francis sir
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Sir Francis Drake Hotel
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSan FranciscoDowntown San Francisco / Downtown / Union Square
NUMBER OF ROOMS
418
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including any mandatory fees. Taxes not included. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel?
Nearby attractions include San Francisco Magic Theater at the Marrakech (0.5 km), The Escape Game San Francisco (Downtown) (0.4 km), and San Francisco Playhouse (0.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel?
Yes, paid private parking on-site, paid private parking nearby, and valet parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Lapisara Eatery, Fino Bar & Ristorante, and Taylor Street Coffee Shop.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness centre during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Beacon Grand A Union Square Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.