An iconic property like The Palace Hotel will forever be a landmark in San Francisco; and now with a $40 million renovation, it shines brighter than ever. Part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts with its owner partner, Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, have announced the completion of the extensive $40 million renovation of The Palace Hotel. The hotel now features redesigned guestrooms and re-imagined public spaces, including the famed Garden Court.
On track to surpass 100 hotels in more than 30 countries by the end of 2015, The Luxury Collection is one of the world’s fastest growing luxury hospitality brands, continuing to expand and improve its renowned hotel portfolio around the world. “A new age of contemporary glamour has debuted at this beloved address, and the renovation of The Palace Hotel reinforces The Luxury Collection brand’s commitment to investing in our landmark hotels and to growing our global portfolio in destinations that our guests are clamoring to explore,” stated Hoyt H. Harper II, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts.
A New Golden Age of Travel:
The Palace Hotel, known for over a century as the arbiter of San Francisco style and society, was once at the center of America’s first Golden Age of Travel, which inspired the exquisite interior re-design of the hotel led by Beatrice Girelli of indidesign. “Entertaining generations of San Francisco’s most innovative social set, from Thomas Edison and Henry Ford to the tech titans of today, The Palace Hotel endures as the city’s most captivating destination,” added Hoyt H. Harper II.
The hotel’s 556 luxuriously-appointed guestrooms, including 55 suites, reflect a modern sophistication, complemented by original design elements, including elegant crown moldings that frame wrought-iron windows and solid oak doors adorned with brass monogrammed knobs. Dark wood furnishings, mixed metals, and artistic lighting juxtapose a fresh color palette of midnight blue, charcoal, dove grey and plum textiles to create an exquisitely layered look.
Renovation Highlights:
The Royal Suite spans almost 1,000 square feet with breathtaking city views from curved windows that hug the corner of the suite’s living room. Meticulous architectural details, including an intricately carved marble fireplace, give the suite tremendous character and balance the palette of pale blue, plum and ivory textiles and furnishings throughout.
The State Suite is designed to feel like an elegant San Francisco apartment with natural light that streams through large windows, classically inspired contemporary furnishings, hardwood floors, lush custom-made area rugs throughout every room and a serene spa-like bath that completes this city retreat.
The Presidential Suite has also been refreshed. Lined with expansive windows, the six-room suite wraps around the northwest corner of the hotel’s eighth floor, overlooking Market Street. The Presidential Suite’s luxurious bedroom is adorned in neutral tones and ocean blues alongside a large marble bath featuring a glass enclosed rain shower, spa tub, and exquisite amenities. A spacious living room and formal dining room – each with original carved fireplaces, authentic architectural detail, and vintage chandeliers – are beautifully appointed with classically inspired, contemporary furnishings and a baby grand piano. The suite also features a media room, kitchen, and guest bath, completing the feeling of a private residence in a cosmopolitan city setting.
The Famed ‘Garden Court’ for a New Generation is situated under soaring archways and sky-lit ceilings. San Francisco’s treasured Garden Court has been renovated to reveal two separate dining experiences. In front of the sweeping court, The GC Lounge infuses contemporary glamour to the hotel’s rich heritage with tufted banquettes, speakeasy seating, and a sleek communal table offering discreet technology. The Garden Court is San Francisco’s most storied meeting place, and remains the jewel of The Palace Hotel. The 120-seat dining room is nestled among gilded Ionic columns, a magnificent glass dome ceiling and historic Austrian crystal chandeliers complemented by contemporary design, locally sourced cuisine and impeccable service.
The Pied Piper, named after the prized Maxfield Parrish painting that takes pride of place, has been a favored meeting spot for more than a century. Just as industrialists of the past brokered secret deals within the walls of the deeply grained wood paneling, the pioneers of today’s digital revolution share ideas and swap stories over expertly blended artisanal cocktails.
An Urban Oasis in “The City by the Bay” is a hidden gem in San Francisco, as the fourth floor of The Palace Hotel is home to an idyllic indoor pool situated under the restored, soaring sky-lit ceiling, which opens the space to natural light and showcases the San Francisco cityscape. The neutral palette, stone tile and spa-like design elements create an oasis in the middle of the bustling city. The fitness center now spans 3,000 square feet; complete with new cardio training room, spin bikes and cutting-edge exercise equipment, and the men’s and women’s lounges now feature luxurious marble bath areas, spa showers, fresh design elements and large back-lit mirrors.
