San Francisco hotels to drink, dine and stay for the day or night

Last Updated On Aug. 23, 2022

The bar area of the newly opened Beacon Grand. Photo courtesy of Booking.com.

San Francisco’s got a slew of new and refreshed hotels to welcome the summer tourists that appear to be back, hitting up major attractions and enjoying the Bay Area’s ideal weather. But these sparkly new properties aren't just for the city’s temporary guests. Hotels and their public spaces are great places for locals to visit while running errands, taking a break between work calls, or resting between BART stops. They're also the perfect overnight getaway, where you can play tourist for a day or two and be reminded of how special San Francisco is.

The new entrance of the Beacon Grand. Image courtesy of the Beacon Grand.

Beacon Grand | Powell St

When The Sir Francis Drake closed during COVID-19, San Franciscans wondered what would become of the property’s iconic Beefeater doormen, its top-floor dance bar, Lizzie’s Starlight (formerly Harry Denton’s Starlight Room), and its legendary past. The hotel sold back in 2021 and just reopened as the Beacon Grand. And though the Beefeater doormen won’t be returning, the grandeur of the Drake has returned. It’s good to see the lights back on and people flowing through the lobby and lounge.

The inviting lounge of the Beacon Grand. Image courtesy of the Beacon Grand.

The public spaces received a major overhaul while still keeping the property’s Gothic Revival intricate detailing with ornately carved wood moldings and gilded ceilings. The Beacon Lounge is currently operating as an all-day cafe with coffee and small bites. In the evening, the space transforms into a cocktail lounge. Very soon a full-service restaurant will open, with Rolland Passot leading the concept and team. Pop in and admire the new paint colors while sipping a cordial and decide for yourself if the spirit of the Drake was honored. Take BART to Powell St and walk nine minutes to 450 Powell St.

The refreshed lobby of the Hyatt Regency Downtown SOMA. Image courtesy of the Hyatt Regency Downtown SOMA.

Hyatt Regency Downtown SOMA | Montgomery St

What was the Park Central San Francisco has now become the city’s second Hyatt Regency. The Hyatt brand just gave the property on 3rd Street a 70-million-dollar refresh in both its public and private spaces. The ground floor of the hotel has several spots to rest, work, and dine, regardless of your check-in status. There’s a grab-and-go marketplace that’s open all day for a quick coffee, a pastry or parfait, and a light salad or sandwich.

The Hyatt Regency SOMA's restaurant, La Société Bar and Café. Image courtesy of Eater SF.

The property’s new restaurant, La Société Bar and Café, is led by executive chef Alexandre Viriot. The menu is French brasserie-style, driven by local California ingredients. Breakfast buffet fans will be delighted to know that the property has brought the ritual back. It’s not the over-the-top excess of past brunch buffets, but a well-appointed selection of fruit, cold and hot food options, and an endless supply of Oakland’s Firebrand pastries. Dinner options include French classics like savory puffs (gougeres), French onion soup, steak tartare, and mussels and frites. Take BART to Montgomery St and walk three minutes to 50 3rd St.

Champagne cocktails at The Ritz-Carlton Solaire Terrasse with Veuve Clicquot. Image courtesy of Sophia M.

The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco | Montgomery St

Neo-classical architecture is on full display at this spectacular Nob Hill property. For all its grandeur, this Ritz-Carlton property feels like a respite as you enter through the property’s circular driveway and double doors. It helps that it is nestled within the neighborhood’s stately apartment buildings and away from the hustle and bustle of Union Square and the Powell Street Cable Car line.

Delicious house-made gelato on The Ritz-Carlton terrace. Image courtesy of Sophia M.

The public dining and drinking spaces include The Lounge and The JCB Tasting Lounge, a private wine tasting experience with Jean-Charles Boisset labels. The hotel recently launched a branded champagne experience with Veuve Clicquot on the outdoor terrace. Solaire Terrasse with Veuve Clicquot is open Thursday-Sunday from 1-6pm with reservations. Whether you want to sit back and sip a champagne cocktail, indulge in a seafood tower, or dive into a house-made gelato sundae, this quiet patio oasis overlooking the San Francisco skyline is an elegant escape. The limited experience is open through the end of September. Take BART to Montgomery St and walk 13 minutes to 600 Stockton St.

Some of the healthy food options at 1 Hotel's Terrene Restaurant. Image courtesy of Sophia M.

1 Hotel San Francisco | Embarcadero

Any hotel within a block of the San Francisco Ferry Building is a worthy contender for an overnight visit. Recently, Hotel Vitale was sold and rebranded as 1 Hotel, part of a small chain of hotels that puts sustainability first. The decor is nature-focused with lots of living greenery and natural materials used throughout the public and private spaces.

Terrene's outdoor patio facing the Embarcadero. Image courtesy of Sophia M.

The hotel’s main dining room, Terrene, has the added benefit of an expansive outdoor patio where you can watch and spy what shoppers are scoring at the Ferry Building’s weekly markets. The restaurant’s menu is focused on California and Mediterranean flavors. Healthy grain and greens salad bowls and freshly prepared smoothies are balanced with more indulgent flatbreads and yummy dips. Mains include grilled steak and chicken skewers, again, leaning into those Mediterranean flavors. Grab your laptop and pretend to work while you dine and enjoy the scenery. Take BART to Embarcadero walk six minutes to 8 Mission St.

The moody lighting and cozy vibe of The Hotel Castro's Lobby Bar. Photo courtesy of Eater SF.

The Hotel Castro | 16th St Mission

Whichever word you choose—micro or boutique—The Hotel Castro fits. The property would be right at home on the Left Bank. Instead, it's situated on a semi-commercial strip of 18th Street in San Francisco’s Castro District. With only 12 rooms, staying at the property feels more like you’re a guest at a very cool friend’s place. Espresso makers in the rooms, high-end finishes in the bathrooms, and outdoor terraces overlooking the neighborhood. The entire experience is contactless, meaning there’s assistance if you need it, but no one helping you check-in.

Some of the drinks and food at the Lobby Bar, part of The Hotel Castro property. Image courtesy of The Hotel Castro.

The Lobby Bar is open to non-registered guests daily, Monday-Friday from 5pm-late and Saturday-Sunday from 2pm-late. Craft cocktails, non-alcoholic craft drinks, and an array of fancy bites like caviar and house-made chips are on the menu. Burgers, flatbreads, and charcuterie boards are also listed, and, no doubt, make a statement. Take BART to 16th St Mission and walk 24 minutes to 4230 18th St.

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by Sophia Markoulakis

Sophia Markoulakis is a Bay Area-based freelance journalist covering lifestyle and human interest topics. Her first memory riding BART was while attending UC Berkeley. It was the fastest way to escape her seven roommates and head to San Francisco. She still rides BART to access the best the bay has to offer.