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The Grande Dame Of San Francisco Union Square Hotels
At the turn of the century, the guardians of the Charles Crocker family announced plans to build The
Westin St. Francis. Their vision was to make San Francisco the "Paris of the West," and their stunning
Union Square San Francisco hotel would be their flagship. After studying all of Europe's grand hotels -
from those in Berlin, Vienna, and Monaco to Claridge's in London and The Ritz in Paris - construction on
the original St. Francis began. Two years and $2.5 million later, on March 21, 1904, the doors of The
St. Francis opened. By seven o'clock that evening, a line of carriages and automobiles stretching three
blocks waited to approach her brightly lit towers. The hotel became so popular that within six months,
the owners announced plans to add a third wing, two floors of apartments, and a ballroom. The St.
Francis had become the center of the city's social, literary, and artistic life. Additional highlights
about our Union Square hotel accommodations include:
- After the Great Earthquake of 1906, the square was dubbed "Little St. Francis" because of the temporary shelter erected for residents of The St. Francis.
- Documented records of the opening were lost in the fire that destroyed the interior of the hotel's original 250 rooms following the earthquake.
- Within 40 days of the inferno, a temporary hotel of 110 rooms was erected in a court around the Dewey Monument in Union Square, and The St. Francis continued as a focal point of the city.
- The hotel refurbished its interior and re-opened late in 1907, with 450 guest rooms.
- A third wing opened in 1908, and further additions followed on Post Street - making The St. Francis the largest hotel on the Pacific Coast.
- Construction of the 32-story Pacific Tower began early in 1969 - opened in 1971 - adding a vast new complex of guest rooms, suites, and venues and banquet facilities
Click here for more about our Downtown San Francisco Union Square Accommodations.
Time-Honored Tradition At Our Union Square San Francisco Hotel
"Meet me at the clock!" This refrain has echoed throughout our halls for a century - becoming a
cherished rallying cry for generations of guests at our luxury hotel in Union Square, San Francisco.
Since it was first erected in the lobby of our Union Square San Francisco hotel in 1907, the famed
Magneta Grandfather Clock has been the meeting place for mothers and daughters, sons and fathers,
friends and lovers, and international adventurers. An enduring symbol of our hotel's longevity, facts
about this great timepiece include:
- Installed in 1907, following the earthquake, in the hotel's Powell Street lobby
- Serves as a master clock, controlling all the other clocks in the hotel
- First master clock brought to the West
- Has become a symbol of the hotel, as well as the meeting point for generations of guests and locals alike
CBS 5’s – “Good Question” w/Ken Bastida – Featuring Rob Holsen, Coin Washer
CLOCK BAR has helped to once again make The Westin St. Francis the a meeting place for all.
Experience the grandeur of the past - coupled with contemporary luxury and style - at The Westin St.
Francis. As a signature San Franciscan treasure, this landmark hotel has kept legendary watch over Union
Square since 1904. Book your Union Square hotel reservations online today for
The Best Rates. Guaranteed.
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