> Clift Royal Sonesta SF | Union Square Stay & Redwood Bar

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Key details

Hotel Details

495 Geary Street, San Francisco, California, United States, 94102

Close to Grace Cathedral

Great

8.5

9.0

/10

4.2

3.8

Loved by The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco Hotel guests

Spacious rooms
Cute atmosphere
Attentive staff
Central location

"The quality of the materials and finishes - from the flooring, to the furniture and even the bathroom fixtures was all clearly selected with great care and attention."

19Cam from United States

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"The lobby, breakfast restaurant and spectacular Redwood bar are all very handsome and welcoming public spaces."

Barry from United States

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"It was 2 blocks from union square, very convenient location."

Languiller from Argentina

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The Clift Royal Sonesta - A historic downtown hotel with a 24-hour fitness center, craft cocktail bar, and newly renovated rooms near Union Square

Located one block from Union Square, this renovated San Francisco hotel occupies a landmarked 1950s neoclassical building. The Clift features modern rooms designed by Tim Andreas with 300-thread-count linens, open plan spaces, and freestanding bathtubs. A 24-hour fitness center on the second floor offers Peloton bikes, free weights, and Lifefitness equipment. The property houses the art deco-inspired Redwood Room bar and Fredericks café serving gourmet pastries and brasserie fare. The Royal Sonesta's meeting facilities include 11 function rooms with natural light and city views. Positioned walking distance from SFMOMA and the Ferry Building, guests can easily access San Francisco's major cultural attractions.

Pros

Historic redwood-paneled bar carved from a single tree

Rooftop beekeeping program supplies honey for cocktails and dishes

High-end coffee program with gourmet pastries at Fredericks

Next door to the landmark Curran Theatre

Cons

No self-parking available, valet only

Two miles from Fisherman's Wharf attractions

“The Clift Royal Sonesta echoes San Francisco's history, yet its soul is undeniably modern, just steps from Union Square and the Financial District; that tension between eras creates a captivating atmosphere throughout the redesigned rooms and Redwood Room bar, known for its unique cocktails. I found the service impressive, particularly the concierge's dedication and the staff's genuine warmth, and this personal touch elevated the experience far beyond the stylish décor. It's a place where San Francisco's past and present meet.”

Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown

Location: Great

8.6/10Review score

Map View

Highlights from guests

BedroomSlumber Heaven

The king bed was extremely comfortable. Pillows were great, and the soft light linens were amazing.

Kenji from Japan

Review on

DiningBreakfast Bliss

Excellent breakfast options are available in the adjacent cafe. The quality of the food is delicious.

Rajesh from India

Review on

Room FeaturesSpacious Retreat

Rooms are large and very comfortable. The hallways are wide; you don't feel closed in.

Ingrid from Sweden

Review on

Media & EntertainmentStreaming Made Easy

The modern TVs have Chromecast, so it is easy to stream Netflix and other services.

Mateo from Spain

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View all

Select room type

Choose from double rooms, family suites, and premium stays. Enjoy breakfast, flexible cancellations, and exclusive deals.

Deluxe King Room

2 persons

260 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

One-Bedroom King Suite Non-Smoking

2 persons

725 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

Junior Suite King

2 persons

530 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

Air conditioning

room details

Executive Two Queen Beds

2 persons

420 sq. feet

2 King Size Beds

Air conditioning

room details

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Facilities

Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location

Facilities: Great

8.7/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Lift
ATM/Cash machine
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Services

Valet parking
Pet amenities available
Housekeeping
Dry cleaning
Happy hour

Dining

Paid breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities
Rollaway beds

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco Hotel Location

495 Geary Street, San Francisco, California, United States, 94102

Map view

495 Geary Street, San Francisco, California, United States, 94102

City landmarks

Harbour

Pier 39

1.5 mi

Monument

Lombard Street

1.3 mi

Landmark

Chinatown

4300 ft

Market

Ferry Building

1.3 mi

Gallery

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

3500 ft

Harbour

Fisherman's Wharf

1.5 mi

Cable Car

Cable Car Museum

4500 ft

Tower

Coit Tower

1.5 mi

Public Building

San Francisco City Hall

4700 ft

Museum

Contemporary Jewish Museum

3000 ft

Museum

Asian Art Museum

4700 ft

Museum

Exploratorium

1.5 mi

Church

Grace Cathedral

2100 ft

Historic Site

Painted Ladies

1.4 mi

Event hall

Moscone Center

3300 ft

Island

Alcatraz Island

2.8 mi

Museum

Children's Creativity Museum

4000 ft

Landmark

Cable car ride

1.5 mi

Landmark

Dragon's Gate

2100 ft

Mall

Westfield San Francisco Centre

2200 ft

Museum

Museum of the African Diaspora

2800 ft

Mall

The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop at Ghirardelli Square

1.4 mi

Church

St. Patrick's Catholic Church

3100 ft

Mall

Ghirardelli Square

1.5 mi

Baseball Stadium

Oracle Park

1.3 mi

Mall

Metreon

2800 ft

Museum

Wells Fargo History Museum

4400 ft

Fountain

Lotta's Fountain

1.3 mi

Nearby

Shopping Area

Union Square

1200 ft

Gallery

Xanadu Gallery

1900 ft

Restaurants

Colibri Mexican Bistro

300 ft

438 Geary St

Honey Honey Cafe & Crepery

400 ft

599 Post Street

David's Delicatessen & Restaurant

100 ft

474 Geary St

Tratto

100 ft

501 Geary St

Velvet Room at Cliff Hotel

200 ft

495 Geary St

Taylor Street Coffee Shop

600 ft

375 Taylor St

Fino Bar & Ristorante

700 ft

624 Post St

Aveline

200 ft

490 Geary St inside The Warwick

Explore San Francisco

Local Highlights

Chinatown

16 minutes' walk

Vibrant neighborhoods with shops, markets, and restaurants. Cultural festivals and stunning architecture abound.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

13 minutes' walk

Renowned museum showcasing contemporary works. Features unique installations and rotating exhibitions.

Union Square

5 minutes' walk

Dynamic public plaza with shopping, dining, and art. Hosts seasonal events and outdoor art installations.

Exploratorium

30 minutes' walk

Interactive science museum great for families. Engaging exhibits that inspire curiosity for all ages.

Cable Car Ride

25 minutes' walk

Iconic San Francisco experience, offering views of the city. Easily accessible from the hotel.

Yoga on the Bay

30 minutes' walk

Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions by the waterfront. Classes available throughout the week, suitable for all levels.

Golden Gate Park Biking

10-minute drive

Thrilling biking trails through beautiful landscapes. Rentals available near park entrances.

Colibri Mexican Bistro

1 minute' walk

Modern Mexican cuisine with vibrant decor. Signature dishes include enchiladas and fresh guacamole.

Honey Honey Cafe & Crepery

2 minutes' walk

Charming cafe with crepes and breakfast options. Known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service.

David's Delicatessen & Restaurant

1 minute' walk

Classic New York-style deli, perfect for casual dining. Popular for bagels and sandwiches.

Velvet Room at Cliff Hotel

1 minute' walk

Chic lounge offering live music and craft cocktails. A relaxed venue with a sophisticated vibe.

The Warfield Theatre

10-minute drive

Historic venue known for live music. Offers a variety of performances, from concerts to comedy shows.

Comedy at Punch Line

7 minutes' drive

Renowned comedy club featuring local and national acts. Always a good time with a casual atmosphere.

Getting around

City Centre

San Francisco20 min · 1.0 mi

Airports

San Francisco International (SFO)35 min · 14.4 mi

Oakland International (OAK)48 min · 19.6 mi

Train

F Market Street Car22 min · 1.1 mi

Caltrain - 4th & King Street Station22 min · 1.1 mi

Underground

Powell Street Station6 min · 1700 ft

Bus

Bus stop2 min · 400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site at USD 70 per day.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of US$35 per person per day.

Pets

Pets allowed on request at the price of USD 75 one time fee per stay, non-refundable, 2.

Languages

English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese

Year renovated:

2022

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

372

Former name

CLIFT San Francisco

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco is often praised for its spacious rooms, including the popular junior suites, and comfortable beds that ensure a restful stay. Guests appreciate the hotel's proximity to Union Square and other attractions, allowing for easy exploration of the city. The Redwood Room is a highlight for many, offering lovely cocktails. While some guests have noted the location can feel unsafe due to the nearby homeless population, the hotel itself generally provides a stylish and well-located base for exploring San Francisco.

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Review score

Based on 1239 verified reviews

8.6/10

Great

86%

Recommend

Comfort

9.1/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.4/10

Breakfast

7.7/10

Pros

Central location

Spacious rooms

Excellent bar

Helpful staff

Beautiful view

Cons

Low water pressure

Inflated prices

Parking availability

Soap dispenser placement

Andy from United Kingdom

Group of friends

one-bedroom king suite non-smoking

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 24, 2026

9/10

tender moments at the clift

quiet momentsdistinct areas

I loved the room service. It allowed for quiet moments. the one-bedroom king suite non-smoking was clean. It had distinct areas for relaxation and rest.

nothing to say, dear!

0 Helpful

Thomas from United Kingdom

Single

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 17, 2026

8.7/10

Fantastic stay downtown!

helpful staffluggage storageeasy walkparking garage

The staff were helpful, particularly with luggage storage. I was able to leave my bags for several hours after checkout. The location is great. It is an easy walk to many attractions. I also appreciated the quick resolution when the front desk fixed the low water pressure! The responsive team made everything smooth.

I found the valet parking situation inconvenient. Having to wheel luggage down the street from the garage was not ideal.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel provides valet parking. This is a useful service (though I did not find it completely ideal). The location allows convenient access to Union Square and other dining places, a VERY big plus. Elevators are available for easy access to all floors.

Rooms

9/10

My room had a spacious and clean layout, with comfy beds for restful sleep. The bathroom included modern fixtures and essential amenities. The large size allowed me space to settle in for the three nights.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast in the restaurant offered a good selection of options to start the day. I was able to enjoy fresh coffee and tasty pastries each morning. There IS a bar that is good for drinks.

0 Helpful

Bob from United States

Single

deluxe king room

5 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 03, 2026

9.0/10

fantastic experience

helpful staffconvenient locationexcellent breakfastpet welcome

i found the staff really good. i really appreciated the hotel's convenient location near union square. the breakfast service impressed me, even though muffins ran out fairly quickly. this hotel welcomed my pet and .

The rooms were a tad noisy. I could hear sounds from neighboring rooms.

Dining

9/10

the hotel provides avocado toast, and it is a tasty option. muffins are available during breakfast service, however, they run out fast. i advise guests to arrive early if they would like a muffin with their breakfast.

Service

9/10

the receptionist was efficient and helpful when i requested a different room. the staff answered all my questions and requests promptly. their service, and i am very grateful for their support.

Rooms

8/10

the room provided double beds, that were very comfortable for sleeping. the modern bathroom offered space and style. a large window offered a beautiful view of the area. the hotel suites all come with a double bathroom.

Location

10/10

the hotel sits in a central location, near several restaurants. many tourist spots are within walking distance, which makes exploring easier. mission street cable cars provide a convenient way to see the city.

0 Helpful

Bob

Single

Junior Suite King

5 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 25, 2025

9/10

spacious suitehelpful receptionistlovely cocktails

the room was a junior suite king, and it was spacious. the receptionist was helpful when i asked for a different room. the redwood room has lovely cocktails, and the waiters are awesome.

the rooms can be loud, and i had to move to different rooms to find one quiet enough to sleep. the interconnecting door was paper thin! could hear everything next door.

0 Helpful

matt from united kingdom

Business traveller

deluxe king room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 21, 2025

9.0/10

awesome stay!

spacious roomempty fridgeconvenient locationcity views

i've stayed here before and both visits were awesome. my room was big and i liked having an empty mini fridge. the location is close to union square, a major plus. the staff was very accommodating, always helpful! i really liked the hotel's classy style with city views. i even got a late checkout, so cool!

The ac unit wasn't amazing. It didn't always keep a steady temperature, and some tv channels weren't clear. it wasn't a big deal, but worth noting.

Location

9/10

The hotel is steps away from union square, perfect for exploring restaurants and shops. despite the central setting, the hotel remained peaceful and quiet. It was perfect.

Rooms

9/10

My beautiful king room was clean and spacious. I found it very comfortable and quiet. the bedding was premium, and the climate control worked well to maintain a comfortable environment, day and night.

0 Helpful

Robert from United States

Couple

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:October 30, 2025

8.5/10

Excellent Hotel Experience

modern roomhelpful staffefficient service

I found the room super clean and modern. The view from my room showed all of Union Square. The staff helped me find parking quickly. The service was efficient , and all my needs were met promptly.

The room was slightly noisy during the night.

Rooms

9/10

The room had new, stylish furniture. The bathroom included modern fixtures and a clean design. I noted the spacious layout and convenient amenities in the room.

Location

8/10

The hotel is close to the cable car system. Public transport is easily accessible from this location. There are several nice cafes and restaurants around the hotel , offering many options for dining.

0 Helpful

Oscar from Sweden

Family with children

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:October 17, 2025

8.8/10

Wonderful stay!

ideal locationexcellent serviceconstant noise

The location proved ideal for accessing nearby stores. The front desk representatives offered excellent customer service (i appreciated their help). Our returning flight was late, and the hotel provided reasonably priced late checkout options. I would gladly consider staying here again upon returning.

I noticed noise at the hotel. There was continuous noise at night.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel features a gym that young adults in our party liked. I saw several stores nearby, within easy walking distance from the hotel entrance. I think that guests can easily access different amenities.

Service

9/10

The staff was helpful and friendly. The front desk representatives provided excellent customer service (very appreciated). I also liked the valet service, made arrivals and departures seamless.

Dining

8/10

There were many good restaurants close to the hotel. The breakfast options seemed good. I was grateful that the hotel offered convenient dining choices.

Rooms

9/10

The room was very nice. It had a fine view of the city. There was enough space for luggage, always a bonus. there was adequate bedding.

0 Helpful

FAQs

About The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco

Which landmarks are closest to the The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco Hotel?

Guests of the The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco Hotel can visit San Francisco Playhouse (a mere 5 minutes on foot from the accommodation), or the neo-gothic Grace Cathedral placed 8 minutes' walk away.

Can we park our car at the hotel?

Guests of the hotel can take advantage of private parking.

Is there any public transport available next to the San Francisco hotel?

The nearest bus station to the San Francisco hotel is Sutter Street & Mason Street, set just 150 metres away and the closest metro station is Powell Street placed a short way from the property.

What kinds of rooms does the charming 4-star The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco Hotel offer?

The charming 4-star The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco Hotel offers such room types as Standard Room, Junior Suite, and Superior Room.

Is the 4-star The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco Hotel equipped with amenities for persons with disabilities?

Yes, the 4-star The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco Hotel provides accessible bathrooms, wheelchair access, and rooms with accessible facilities to improve the experience for the guests with special needs.

Are there any business facilities featured at the San Francisco hotel?

Yes, for business travellers the San Francisco hotel provides conference equipment and a photocopy machine.

Are there any cleaning services provided at the charming 4-star The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco Hotel?

Yes, the charming 4-star The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco Hotel offers dry cleaning and housekeeping service.

Which facilities are provided in the 4-star The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco Hotel?

Top locations of the 4-star The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco Hotel include a lobby area and a luggage room, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with 24-hour security and a luggage locker.