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About
#87 of 248 hotels in San Francisco
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.7
Value
4.3
Travelers' Choice
GreenLeaders Silver level
With a nod to our iconic past, the hotel's recent renovations include dramatically updated guest rooms, an all-new modern lobby experience, Fredericks, a new eatery and café, and the famous Redwood Room- all one block from Union Square.
Guests at the all-new Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel will be welcomed by sophisticated and modern changes signifying a reawakening of the hotel's original craftsmanship fused with modern day San Francisco. Experience the Peloton Bike in our fitness center or ride in your suite with our Peloton Package. Designed for engaging experiences, The Clift is a place that uncovers the past and embraces the accelerating pace of the future.
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Property amenities
Paid private parking on-site
Free internet
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Evening entertainment
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Taxi service
Business Center with Internet Access
Parking
Wifi
Paid wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Wine / champagne
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Shared lounge / TV area
ATM on site
Doorperson
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Desk
Housekeeping
Safe
Telephone
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
VIP room facilities
Iron
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Hair dryer
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Room types
City view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Trendy
Modern
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish, Chinese, Italian and 1 more
Location
100Great for walkers
Grade: 100 out of 100
254Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles
100Attractionswithin 0.3 miles
Contact
495 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Getting there
Powell StBART5 min
Powell StMuni6 min
Rental CarsSee rental cars from $37/day
121Reviews3Q+A26Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 83
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There are some historic elements that remain of this once grand hotel, and the room I booked was spacious with a comfortable bed, but the hospitality was deplorable and staff extremely disappointing. This is not a hospitable hotel and I wish I had never stayed! First, I checked in at the front desk with Tony who informed me that my “Deluxe Suite” ordered on Priceline.com through Trip Advisor was not going to be honored. He reviewed my receipt as well as my app which showed the price I paid which was the rate still advertised for the “Delux Suite.” He began to quarrel with me from the start saying that the Priceline price was incorrect. Instead of supporting me, or accommodating me in any way, he left me to call Priceline to advocate this issue for myself. While I was on hold attempting to clarify this issue a receive my purchased room, I overheard Tony and another front desk staff member Paul discussing how difficult I was being because I was trying to resolve the discrepancy on the phone. They literally discussed me out loud in the lobby in front of everyone and me. I’ve never felt so humiliated at a hotel. Eventually after about an hour on hold with Priceline I asked Tony to connect me with the manager. He should have probably initiated this from the start for himself, but he was shockingly passive and inconsiderate. Asal the manager on duty took over my case from Tony. She was the only bright light at the Cliff Royal Sonesta Hotel. She took over my call with Priceline. She quickly established that I had purchased the “Delux Suite.” She got me into my room within ten minutes and apologized for the check-in problems. I asked if it was all taken care of and Asal assured me in front of Tony that I was going to be fully accommodated without further fee or incident. Unfortunately loose ends remained. Upon checkout Tony informed me I was going to be charged an additional $260 for upgraded accommodations despite his having witnessed the entire experience and apology from his manager Asal. I asked what happened and again he passively explained that there was nothing he could do. In sum, the staff at this hotel will do everything in their power to charge you unfairly and make you feel unwelcome. San Francisco has so many incredible hotels, and this one is definitely one to be avoided.…
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from A H, Other at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded 3 days ago
Dear randrewmurray, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. On behalf of our historic hotel, I apologize that you experienced anything less than the five-star attention to detail and warm welcome you should have experienced from our team. We are glad Asal could put the situation to rights, but agree that your experience was not on par with what you were correct to expect from us. We hope we can make this right one day, and showcase the five-star service you should have experienced upon your recent stay. Kindly, Jason Yee, Director of Front Office
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hotel's Favorite
My partner and I had to book a place pretty last minute. We had a week and a half until we were going to be in San Francisco, so I had a last minute scramble. I did a lot of research of places to stay around Union Square and landed on choosing The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel. I was definitely glad we went with this hotel!! The building could not be more centrally located. It's surrounded by different fun shops and restaurants. The hotel was very nice. The lobby had so many places to sit if one wanted to do so. I also really appreciated the COVID-19 policies. Masks were required in all public spaces and the policies they were keeping were clearly stated on the website. That was one thing we were definitely looking for. Before I arrived, I was asked if I had a preference of the location of the room. I asked for something quiet and asked for a view if possible. They were easily able to accomodate us! Our room was on an upper floor with a city view and I could barely hear anything. Everything was so wonderful. We even were able to have a drink at the famous Redwood Room! It was so beautiful in there. I will definitely come back to the Sonesta one day.…
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Date of stay: August 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Gino Santistevan, Guest Services / Front Office at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded Sep 3, 2021
Dear LauraL6610, Thank you for the great review of our hotel! We're glad that you chose us as your last minute getaway hotel and that you and your partner were very impressed with not only our central location within San Francisco, but also my front desk agent's goal to get you the best room possible with a spectacular view! We are absolutely proud to "show off" the results of our very recent $90,000,000 full hotel renovation. Your kudos will certainly be passed on to my front desk agent. Lastly, I'm so pleased that you both appreciated all of our Covid-safety measures that we have in place throughout the hotel. We take the health and safety of both our guests and our hard working employees seriously. Again, thank you so much for spending your fun and spotaneous vacay with us and we look forward to seeing you and your partner again. I ask that if you do plan on returning to us to reach out to me directly so that I can arrange a really cool room just for you. :) Warmly, Gino - Director of Rooms
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
It was a very good location close to public transportation. The hotel itself was very beautiful. The room was very big and spacious. The room was clean and the staff was pleasant. We were very close to plenty of great high end stores. I would recommend this hotel. The only downside is San Francisco homeless population and the hotel can not help that.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from A H, Other at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Misty, Thank you for joining us for a wonderful vacation in the city! As you discovered, our location is ideal for shopping and public transit, and we're glad the beauty of our building and decor enhanced your stay. It was our pleasure to extend the warm hospitality we are known for, and we hope we can ensure your comfort again soon. With regards, Jason Yee, Director of Front Office
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our first time staying at a Sonesta property. This hotel is excellent. The room comfortable, location great. The staff was terrific with dining recommendations and other requests. The restaurant for breakfast, the food was delicious and would give high marks as well. Would highly recommend this hotel!
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Date of stay: February 2023
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: request higher floor
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from A H, Other at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Hilary, Excellence is what we strive for every day, and we are thrilled to know we delivered in full during your stay. It was our pleasure to introduce you to our Sonesta property here in the city. As you discovered, we enjoy sharing your knowledge of our neighborhood with guests, and we're glad our dining suggestions proved on point. Thank you for sharing your endorsement here, and we hope you'll be back! Kind regards, Jason Yee, Director of Front Office
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Had a 3 night stay in mid January. Requested and assigned a high floor with view, Room 1331, as I have "Elite" level member of Sonesta Travel Pass program. The high floor seemed to dull some of the street noise as well. Room was an Executive with 2 Queens, offering a view of Sales Force Tower through 2 large windows. Nice toiletries in individual bottles; Keurig coffee maker with 2 K-cups of regular, 1 decaf, and 1 tea. Min-frig but no microwave. Flat screen TV was OK reception though limited channels, some not HD (see photo for list). Lighting and outlets ample. Bed comfortable, 2 pillows + decorative pillow per bed. Water pressure weak. Very quiet while we were there (Sun-Wed). Bar is closed on Sun and Mon nights. Desk clerks helpful and friendly, housekeeping very thorough. "Elite" Sonesta status at this location provided me an slightly upgraded room, a bottle of water for both occupants, one drink at the bar during my 3 day stay, and one continental breakfast per day for just the elite member (not the roommate) which consisted of one cup of coffee, one cup of orange juice, and one pastry from Frederick's. Staying on points did not waive the annoying "destination fee" which, with taxes, came to $35/night. We did not use self-parking but the sign said it is $70 for overnight and uses a 3rd party vendor. The location is convenient to catch Muni and BART with less than 8 minutes of walking in all directions. We were advised to turn right out of the hotel (toward Union Square) for a safer neighborhood than turning left (toward the Tenderloin) and we agreed. Overall we enjoyed our stay to do business downtown except for the annoying small fees and meager breakfast offerings. Fortunately several good breakfast restaurants are within 2 blocks (Pinecrest and Mason Diner).…
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from A H, Other at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded Jan 23, 2023
Dear Abbot71, Thank you for sharing your feedback with our team. We are glad you enjoyed our location at Union Square and that our rooms and service proved on point, and that your room provided all you needed in terms of extra amenities and views. Thank you for sharing your detailed description, which we know will be of use to future guests, We value our Sonesta elite members and thank you for your loyalty. It was our pleasure to provide you with some extra perks, and we have noted what you would welcome in the future at our breakfast. We hope you utilized some of the amenities included in our urban fee, such as our well-equipped gym, and we are glad you found additional breakfast options that served you well nearby. We hope we can host you again in the future to earn your top score. Kindly, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Clift Royal Sonesta is a great property! I love the view from the room and the lighting is great in every room! They also have a great bar downstairs which is very convenient! I would definitely stay here again!
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from A H, Other at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded Jan 4, 2023
Dear RinSunPhom, We agree our views are hard to beat! Thank you for settling in so nicely with us in the city, enjoying our iconic Redwood Room downstairs and our storied location. We await your next visit! Warmly, Jason Yee, Director of Front Office
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband and I stayed for two nights on vacation and had a wonderful stay. Staff members Elizabeth in the Redwood Room and Chelsea on reception were really helpful and engaging and made our stay special. Thanks so much to them for their help.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from A H, Other at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded Dec 16, 2022
Dear Mr. Inspector, We are delighted to know our team's warm hospitality shone through during your visit, and we will be sure to share your kind words with Elizabeth and Chelsea in particular. It was our pleasure to ensure a memorable stay, and we hope you will remember us the next time your travels bring you to our city by the bay! Best regards, Jason Yee, Director of Front Office
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jaymi W wrote a review Dec 2022
I booked an event through Mike. He was so helpful at not only booking the event, but recommending the best dining experiences. The redwood room is a sight to be seen. If you need a business event, or a family outing I highly recommend his help and services. Thank you!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Redwood Room is a must!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from A H, Other at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded Dec 9, 2022
Dear jaymiw2022, Mike will be thrilled to know his assistance in booking your event proved so helpful! Thank you for enjoying the unique ambiance and timeless elegance of our Redwood Room, and we appreciate your recommendation to others. Join us again soon! All the best, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Having stayed at another Royal Sonesta hotel, I thought I would give this hotel a try due to the positive reviews and location to Union Square. Typically I prefer modern hotels vs historic ones. But this hotel built in 1915 had a nice combination of some historic tidbits among modern decor. Rooms are simple, elegant and comfortable. The restaurant is only open for breakfast and had enough choices. Apparently, according to the website, the resort fee includes a discount in the restaurant, but I don't recall the desk clerk sharing this. It would have helped as everything is so expensive. I felt $20 for a Belgium waffle was excessive. The Redwood room is lovely with some tasty cocktails and perfect if you are with a date. Factor $20 per drink - even non alcoholic. Had I not arrived so late at night, I would have parked in lot nearby that was less expensive. But I paid for convenience. All in all, I would stay there again. …
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Ask what the resort fee includes. Drop you bags and park offsite if you don't need your car...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from A H, Other at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded Nov 28, 2022
Dear 2012Hotelsnob, Thank you for sharing your top score with us! We are delighted to know our blend of history and modern touches appealed to you, and we appreciate your loyalty to Sonesta. We are glad we could facilitate a convenient and comfortable stay for you, and we love knowing you found time to experience the ambiance of our iconic Redwood Room. We will follow up with our front desk team to ensure all guests are made aware of the many benefits included in our standard fees, and we hope you will return to make yourself at home with us again. Kind regards, Jason Yee, Director of Front Office
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our first stop for our USA honeymoon. Hotel upgraded us, and with our AMEX we had resort credit. Reception staff were very friendly and welcoming. The suite we had was spacious yet had a homely feel. Lovely views across the city, and was peaceful despite being in the middle of the city. The downstairs cafe did great breakfast with excellent service. Next to Tenderloin, so avoid heading west out of hotel (take a taxi), but going into downtown is very pleasant and Union Sq is merely minutes away. Lovely place.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from A H, Other at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded Nov 28, 2022
Dear IanThomas84, Thank you for entrusting us with your honeymoon stay! It was our pleasure to provide your first stop on your tour of the US, and we are delighted we could upgrade you upon arrival. We are glad you joined us for breakfast each morning to fuel each day's exploration of the city, and we hope you both will be back to see us again one day! All the best, Jason Yee, Director of Front Office
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
$216 - $354 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
clift san francisco, clift hotel san francisco, san francisco clift hotel
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSan FranciscoDowntown San Francisco / Tenderloin / Downtown / Theater District / Union Square
NUMBER OF ROOMS
372
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Claim Your ListingTHE CLIFT ROYAL SONESTA HOTEL $149 ($̶3̶5̶0̶) - Updated 2023 Prices & Reviews - San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Marrakech Magic Theater (0.07 miles), San Francisco Urban Adventures (0.2 miles), and San Francisco Playhouse (0.1 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a fitness center.
What food & drink options are available at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel?
Yes, paid private parking on-site is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Lapisara Eatery, Liholiho Yacht Club, and Fino Bar & Ristorante.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness center during their stay.
Is The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.6 miles away from the center of San Francisco.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business center, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, and Portuguese.