HISTORY
HISTORY
150 Years of Luxury
With a history of hosting presidents, international royalty, and famous entertainers, it’s been said that “everybody who is anybody” has stayed at the Palace Hotel. An icon of luxury since its first opening in 1875, the hotel continues to represent world-class elegance and hospitality.
The History Behind The Icon
Situated within walking distance from Union Square, The Palace is a downtown destination for visitors and San Francisco residents alike.
A San Francisco Gem
With features that include a 70,000 piece stained glass ceiling and marble Italian columns, the Palace Hotel is among San Francisco’s finest masterpieces—a tough position to hold in a city famous for its architectural beauty.
The Pied Piper Mural
Commissioned in the aftermath of The Great 1906 Earthquake, this Maxfield Parrish masterpiece has been hanging in its namesake bar since the Palace Hotel reopened in 1909. As an icon of San Francisco’s cultural heritage, bar patrons have the opportunity to savor The Pied Piper in its intended setting, a rare treat for art lovers and epicureans alike.
Over a century of excellence
The Palace continues to garner awards for its attention to detail, class, and hospitality.
The Palace’s illustrious history on exhibit
While you’re visiting, make sure to stop by Landmark 18, the lobby-level museum featuring a collection of priceless mementos, photographs, and pieces from the Palace’s nearly 150 years of history.
A Luxurious First Impression
When it first opened in 1875, the original Palace Hotel was the largest and most luxurious hotel in the world. Horse-drawn carriages would drive in through the grand entrance on New Montgomery and, under a soaring roof of opaque glass, deposit guests onto a marbled courtyard floor. Today’s Garden Court was modeled after this luxurious space.
The 1906 Earthquake & Fire
In the aftermath of San Francisco’s Great Earthquake, the original Palace Hotel caught fire, eventually being reduced to a burned-out shell. But not all was lost. The hotel’s superstructure remained intact, and would become the foundation and inspiration for the Palace Hotel that still stands today.
The Grand 1909 Re-Opening
With construction costing nearly twice as much as the original, the second Palace Hotel introduced guests to a new era of luxury. Opened with a golden key by the original owner’s son, the new property’s most stunning room was, and still is, the world-famous Garden Court. This 8,000 sqft space features more than 70,000 pieces of colored glass, 20 chandeliers made of Austrian crystal and 16 marble columns imported from Italy.
Woodrow Wilson’s Case For Peace
In 1919, following World War 1, President Woodrow Wilson hosted a dinner at the Garden Court where he made his case for the country to join the League of Nations. For a little added flair, the president finished his speech with the word “peace,” at which point a flock of white doves were released from the French Parlor into the Garden Court. Unfortunately for the staff at the time, getting the doves out proved to be a little trickier than expected.
The 1989 Restoration
Following another devastating earthquake in 1989, the Palace Hotel suffered major damage, necessitating a renovation effort that would take two years to complete. The Garden Court’s $7-million dollar stained glass was removed and each of the 70,000 pieces was cleaned and fortified. Replacement marble was shipped from Italy, the throne chairs were restored, and new amenities like an indoor pool and conference center were added.
2015 Renovation
In 2015, another renovation was completed at the Palace Hotel. Rooms were infused with contemporary style, while also highlighting and preserving the historic large windows and high ceilings. At the Garden Court, modern furnishings were added to elevate the guest experience with a new level of comfort and luxury.
21st Century Luxury
Today, the Palace Hotel continues to set the bar for world-class luxury. Guests can enjoy contemporary comforts and refined furnishings within a setting rich in history. Throughout the hotel, modern amenities enhance the guest experience, from the state-of-the-art conference facilities to a fully equipped fitness center.
