Clift San Francisco

495 Geary St., San Francisco, California 94102, United States
https://www.facebook.com/CliftHotel/

Why We Like It

Sleek, intimate, and discreet, guests feel like celebrities in this Union Square property.

Fodor's Expert Review

The entrance here is so nondescript, you could walk right past without a hint of what's inside—a seriously sexy hotel, the brainchild of entrepreneur Ian Schrager and artist-designer Philippe Starck. A mix of hipsters, music-industry types, and celebrities flock to this property.

Tip Ask for a room on highers floors, where street noise isn't so pervasive.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

Rooms sport translucent orange Plexiglas tables, high ceilings, and two huge "infinity" wall mirrors. Sophisticated travelers appreciate the comfortable bedding, the high definition TVs and the blackout curtains.

Bathroom

Marble and chrome bathrooms feature Malin and Goetz toiletries.

Lobby

The moody dramatically illuminated lobby is dominated by a gigantic Napoleonic chair that could accommodate Shaquille O'Neal, with room to spare. This theatrical staging is enhanced by surreal seating options like a leather love seat with buffalo tusks, all surrounding a floor-to-ceiling, pitch-black fireplace.

Pool

There is no onsite pool, but guests have access to a nearby gym with a pool.

Gym

Complimentary bikes are available for guests on a first come-first served basis. Guests also have access to a 24-hour fitness center onsite. If guests need a more expansive gym experience, day passes to a nearby fitness center (with a pool, classes and more) are available from the front desk.

Dining

Breakfast is served daily in the dimly lit, yet oh-so-sleek, Velvet Room. Sit on leather banquettes and enjoy Belgian waffles, omelets and a host of morning cocktails. The signature Redwood Room bar serves burgers, mezze plates, and pizzas for lunch and dinner.

Drinking

The art-deco Redwood Room bar, paneled with wood from a 2,000-year-old tree, is known for its beautiful clientele and a host of craft cocktails. Order the jasmine martini or splurge on bottle service, best enjoyed in the intimate "Living Room" area that spills out from the main lounge.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Parking rates in the center of town are steep (over $60 a night). Leave the wheels at home and instead use the wealth of public transport that stops nearby. Muni buses and trains, the cable car, and BART trains all stop within a few blocks of the property. Walkers will appreciate the proximity to SoMa, Tenderloin's bars, Chinatown, Nob Hill, North Beach and beyond.

Restaurants

Book early for a table in the lauded Liholiho Yacht Club (4-minute walk) for outstanding Cal-Hawaiian cuisine like poke, kalua pork, and sweet seafood dishes. For spicy Thai cuisine, wander into Lers Roi (9-minute walk) for steamy curries and noodle dishes.

Bars

Check the website for the password to enter the chic speakeasy Bourbon and Branch (3-minute walk). SF's newest LGBTQ bar Ginger's (13-minute walk) slings classic cocktails.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 800-606–6090; 415-775–4700