Inn-Escapable: San Francisco’s renovated Beacon Grand in Union Square

After its pandemic-related closure in 2020 and an extensive renovation, San Francisco’s 94-year-old Sir Francis Drake Hotel reopened this summer as the Beacon Grand. The new owners, Northview Hotel Group, lost the name associated with the slave-trading English explorer and pirate, but they preserved the hotel’s iconic Gilded Age architecture and design down to the marble floors and grand staircase.

They also welcome dogs and offer pillow menus, making the $229-a-night (starting rate) hotel a tempting perch for any upcoming holiday getaways or frenzied shopping trips.

ROOMS: The 418 revamped guest rooms now have contemporary comforts — think blackout shades, European oak floors and plush-top mattresses with 13 inches of gel foam — plus whimsical touches that complement the old-world artisanship. Look closely at that custom blue wallpaper, and you’ll see illustrations of cable cars, bridges and other San Francisco icons. The high ceilings and city views through newly-installed windows are fantastic, too. Did we mention the pillow menu? It’s available upon request.

SPLASHES: The bathrooms are small but stylish, with custom vanities, gold metal accents and black tile flooring. We hoarded the C.O. Bigelow bath amenities.

EXTRAS: The hotel has a restaurant lounge, whiskey room and a lot more to come in the food and drink department. Beacon Lounge, located on the mezzanine overlooking the lobby, offers classic cocktails, elevated bites and live music in a handsome atmosphere awash in muted grays and browns. The lounge is open for breakfast (7 to 10 a.m.) and dinner (4 to 10 p.m.) daily.