Drakes Bay

We’ve stayed at the Westin St Francis multiple times over the years and always looked forward to returning. Unfortunately, this once grand old hotel is grand no more. The Powell street lobby entrance has been invaded by a huge bar/lounge that looks cool but doesn’t open until 4pm. It takes up a lot of prime real estate in the hotel and serves no real purpose for the better part of the day. To check into the hotel you now enter on Geary into an area that feels temporary, kind of like the vibe you get at an airport gate under construction. It’s just very disjointed. The fake cherry trees and fake flower wrapped columns in the lobby are tacky, and dusty. Two of my family members had sneezing fits while standing under the faux blooms. They chuckled about the paper flower pollen being particularly bad this time of year. The hotel has also done away with any lobby seating. Your only hope of seating is in the garden cafe, which makes it feel a bit like a Greyhound bus station. Some of the registration staff were better at their jobs than others, who seemed generally malcontent. We stayed in the Tower this trip; the best part was the amazing view from our room and the super fast glass elevators. Happily, the mattresses are wonderful. Our room was ok but could use a refresh. One family member found litter in his room. Thinking back on past stays, maybe the rooms were always a bit outdated but the majesty of the hotel overshadowed any shortcomings. Sadly, for us the magic is gone.

This property is not new, but it looks as though it's been remodeled, the room was very clean, the lobby is modest but clean and functional. I'm not used to talking to the desk attendant through a glass, but I also understand the need for it, considering the area. The only issue I had with the room was the bathroom door. It's a sliding, glass door that didn't stay closed all the way, it kept opening halfway, but even if I would have been able to keep it closed, there was a gap that didn't inspire privacy. Ps. The staff is friendly and very helpful.

Great location. Clean rooms. Easy parking. Garage across street.