When visiting San Francisco, we usually spend our days chasing concerts, festivals, museums, and the city's hidden corners. Sometimes the hotel becomes part of the destination itself. That was exactly the case during our stay at the Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel in San Francisco. Here's my review of this historic 5-star hotel.
Originally opened in 1875 and rebuilt after the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire, the Palace Hotel isn't just a place to sleep, it's a living piece of San Francisco history. The moment you walk through the doors, you feel like you've stepped into another era, where grand architecture, marble floors, and soaring ceilings remind you why this hotel has remained one of the city's most iconic landmarks for nearly 150 years.
Location
The Palace Hotel sits in the heart of downtown San Francisco at Market Street and New Montgomery Street, making it an excellent home base for exploring the city.
During our stay, we were able to easily walk to:
- The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
- The Financial District
- BART and Muni public transportation
Whether you're visiting for business, sightseeing, or a concert weekend like us, the location makes getting around incredibly convenient.
History
One of the coolest things about staying at the Palace Hotel is that you're literally sleeping inside San Francisco history.
The original Palace Hotel opened in 1875 and was considered the largest and most luxurious hotel in the world at the time. After being destroyed during the 1906 earthquake and fire, the hotel was rebuilt and reopened in 1909. Today, it remains one of San Francisco's most recognizable landmarks.
The famous Garden Court, with its glass dome ceiling, crystal chandeliers, and grand columns, has hosted presidents, diplomats, and historic events throughout the last century. The opening banquet for the United Nations was even held here in 1945.
Honestly, wandering around the property feels a little like exploring a museum. To our surprise, there was actually a museum on site.
Check-In Experience
Check-in was smooth and professional.
One of the biggest perks of this stay came from booking through my American Express Platinum Card benefits, which elevated the experience from the moment we arrived.
The staff was welcoming, the lobby was stunning, and within minutes we were heading up to our room ready to explore the property.
Room Tour
The bed was comfortable, the room size was great and our upgraded room upon arrival had us facing the street with a view of the skyline.
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| Byredo Le Chemin |
If there's one thing I'm a sucker for, it's the American Express Platinum hotel credits and this trip granted us $200 for food and beverage credits to be used during our stay. We splurged on room service multiple days. We opted for fresh fruit, steak frites, a tuna melt, carrot cake, and a burger. The food was so delicious.
Amenities
Indoor Pool
The Palace features one of the largest indoor hotel pools in San Francisco.
The glass ceiling above the pool area allows natural light to pour in, making it feel more like a luxury spa than a typical hotel pool. It's an awesome place to unwind after a day of walking through the city.
Fitness Center
The gym is surprisingly spacious and well-equipped compared to many city hotels.
Whether you're looking to squeeze in a quick cardio session or maintain your workout routine while traveling, the fitness center has everything you need.
Highlights of My Stay
Complimentary Breakfast Buffet (Normally $48 Per Person)
This was easily one of my favorite perks.
Because I booked through American Express Platinum benefits, breakfast was included during my stay. Otherwise, the buffet typically costs around $48 per person.
Breakfast is served in the legendary Garden Court, and honestly, the setting alone is worth the visit.
Under the massive glass dome, I enjoyed:
- Fresh fruit
- Eggs and breakfast favorites
- Pastries
- Coffee
- Hot buffet selections
It's one of those breakfasts where you find yourself lingering because the room is just that beautiful.
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Another welcome benefit through my Amex Platinum booking was complimentary Wi-Fi.
It's a simple perk, but one less thing to think about when you're traveling and trying to upload photos, edit videos, or plan your next adventure.
The Palace Hotel Museum
One hidden gem many guests overlook is the collection of historical exhibits and displays throughout the hotel.
Between the photographs, artwork, and historical information, it feels like a mini museum dedicated to the evolution of San Francisco itself.
As someone who loves history and storytelling, I found myself stopping repeatedly to read displays and admire the hotel's connection to major moments in the city's past.
Heated Toilet Seats and Bidet Controls
I know this is the section some of you are actually here for.
The bathroom featured a TOTO washlet with a heated seat and remote-controlled bidet functions.
The seat was warm. The water temperature was adjustable. There were multiple cleaning options and after experiencing it, I completely understand why people become obsessed with Japanese-style bidets.
Returning home to a regular toilet suddenly felt very uncivilized.
Final Verdict
The Palace Hotel delivers something that many luxury hotels can't: genuine character.
Anyone can build a modern luxury hotel. Very few properties can combine world-class amenities with nearly 150 years of history.
Between the incredible location, historic architecture, indoor pool, fitness center, complimentary breakfast benefits through Amex Platinum, and a surprisingly life-changing heated bidet seat, my stay exceeded expectations.
If you're looking for a hotel that feels uniquely San Francisco rather than something that could exist in any city, the Palace Hotel absolutely deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Rating: 9.5/10
Would I stay here again? Without hesitation! We stayed from Saturday to Monday, got guaranteed 4pm check-out and the total bill came out to be just $250 after all the Amex Credits were applied. Not bad for a 5-star luxury hotel.
So if you're into traveling, get yourself a travel card that comes with perks. Travel hacking is the way to go and I'll always opt to use my points as they come in handy when all is said and done.
Trip Resources
If you’re planning a road trip, here are some helpful sites that I use. Note, below are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission for every booking, with no extra cost to you. Thanks so much, in advance!
Hey, I'm Christy Buena, a Filipina-American Los Angeles native and travel enthusiast. I love visiting new places and trying new food. Welcome to my adventure blog where I capture both State & National Park visits, family excursions, and road trips, while sharing my travel photos and recaps. My goal is to visit as many National Parks using my “America the Beautiful” annual pass. 
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