5 historic hotels in San Francisco

One of the grand dames of Nob Hill, this luxury hotel has had its share of historical moments. It is here where the United Nations Charter was drafted in 1945 and where Tony Bennett first sang I Left My Heart in San Francisco in 1961. His statue stands outside the hotel.

Built in 1902 by the Schmitt Family, this hotel remained unscathed by the 1906 devastation. It’s the longest operating hotel in SF and has kept its original architecture, styled with Victorian and Edwardian accents. Rumor has it, one of Milton Schmitt’s daughters haunts the hotel to this day – especially the fourth floor.

An icon since 1875, The Palace is the city’s first luxury hotel. It has maintained its original architecture and decorative elements while updating its guest rooms to a modern elegance. Enjoy tea service under the golden chandeliers in the Garden Court and visit the Pied Piper of Hamelin by artist Maxfield Parrish in the lounge.

This 1909 architectural gem and historic landmark sits atop Chinatown. The façade is reminiscent of a Greek temple, while the interior is modern and luxurious in design. The hotel has earned all the major accolades in hospitality, so expect topnotch service during your stay here.

The St. Francis maintains many traditions since opening in 1904. It was a popular place to convene and folks would tell others to ‘meet at the clock’. The original timepiece remains in the lobby. They offer the world’s only silver coin cleaning service, a custom since 1938 to keep ladies’ white gloves from getting dirty.