Hotel Rex
562 Sutter St., San Francisco, California 94102, United States
Why We Like It
Popular with poets and writers, step back to the Beat era in this charming Union Square hotel.
Fodor's Expert Review
At this stylish, literary-themed hotel--named after San Francisco Renaissance poet, translator, and essayist Kenneth Rexroth and frequented by artists and writers--paintings and shelves of antiquarian books line the homey lobby lounge. Literary events and live music draw locals to their Library Bar in the evenings.
You Should Know The hotel recently changed hands and is now operated by Viceroy. We expect changes in the coming months.
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Room
Small, somewhat dark rooms, feature restored period furnishings and striped carpeting evoke the spirit of salon society. Writers appreciate the in-room writing desks. Complimentary Wi-Fi cheers those needing to stay connected.
Bathroom
Jonathan Adler bath amenities enliven small bathrooms.
Lobby
Travel back in time to San Francisco's literary heyday when you enter the dark lobby of the Hotel Rex. Red carpets, walls of books, and reading nooks might inspire your inner Jack Kerouac. The Library Bar scene spills into the lobby area, especially during lit events that often occur onsite. Keep an eye out for some of San Francisco's literary greats, sipping Scotch at the bar.
Gym
The hotel offers complimentary bikes for guests to explore the city.
Dining
Breakfast and dinner are served in the Library Bar. Favorite dishes include pork belly tacos and an addictive burger.
Drinking
The Library Bar hosts an evening wine reception with live jazz, DJs, literary readings, and movie nights on select evenings.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel offers valet parking for $49 a night. Most travelers staying in the area won't need wheels and instead prefer to take advantage of the buses and cable cars that stop within a couple blocks. The Muni and BART trains stop at Powell Street Station (6-minute walk) and connect travelers to outer neighborhoods like the Mission, Golden Gate Park, and the Oakland/San Francisco airports. Walkers will find plenty of exploration within a short meander.
Restaurants
Enjoy some of the city's best poke and Hawaiian-styled seafood at Liholiho Yacht Club (4-minute walk). Line up for huge bowls of ramen paired with tempura at Katana-Ya (4-minute walk).
Bars
Don your 1920's prohibition gear and whisper the password to the bouncers at Bourbon & Branch (7-minute walk) to enjoy hard cocktails in a sophisticated environment. The tiny bar area at Benjamin Cooper (4-minute walk) features 1980's inspired cocktails (like the Purple Rain) and great beers on tap.
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