The Clift Royal Sonesta

Union Square, San Francisco

Virgin rating

The hotel

After a big renovation at the end of 2019, you’ll get to check out a brand new Union Square hotel. The Clift Royal Sonesta is a stunning meeting of the glamourous Italian Renaissance-style and the beautiful modern design, reflective of this cutting edge city. The legendary Redwood Room, always a San Francisco favourite, has been refreshed while preserving its iconic history, and there's a new bistro to check out. Even the bees are busy producing honey on the rooftop, ready to add to your drinks and salads.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Valet parking
  • Close to City Centre

Where is it

In the heart of Union Square in walking distance to shops, theatre district, cable car and SOMA.

Hotel information

372 rooms on 17 floors in 1 building with 3 lifts. All with air-conditioning, satellite flatscreen TV, Bose® docking station, coffee maker, WiFi access*, radio alarm clock, mini-bar, in-room safe, iron, board, plush bathrobes and hairdryer. Standard King Rooms have 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Deluxe King Rooms have 1 king-size bed, sleeping max 2 adults.

Standard Double/Double Rooms have 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Deluxe Double/Double Rooms have 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Fredericks (café, brasserie and drinks). Redwood Room (lounge and cocktail bar). Living room (lobby bar/library serving an array of drinks and snacks). Fitness centre, including yoga mats and Peloton bikes. Complimentary bicycles. In-room massage and spa services available*. WiFi available*. Valet parking approximately $59 plus tax per day (payable locally, subject to change). Concierge service. 

This hotel has a resort fee of $35 plus tax per room, per day (payable locally, fee subject to change).

Resort fee includes: - WiFi access for unlimited devices – $10 food and beverage credit per room per day – 2 bottles of water in-room on arrival - In-room tea and coffee - Local and domestic long-distance calls – Access to 24-hour fitness centre. Resort fee, tax and inclusions are subject to change - please see hotel check-in for current inclusions available to you upon arrival.

* Denotes local charge.

One person must be aged 18 years and over in each room.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (132)
  • Very good (23)
  • Average (24)
  • Poor (7)
  • Terrible (11)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Overpriced

Jul 4, 2024 Gerrard L

I stayed here for Pride weekend, and from the moment I arrived, it was a bad experience. There was no parking available, and the front of the hotel had a "no parking" sign. I pulled up to the side and asked if I could check in and get help with my bags. They said they would park my car but didn't mention there would be a $75 per day charge.… Read more
I stayed here for Pride weekend, and from the moment I arrived, it was a bad experience. There was no parking available, and the front of the hotel had a "no parking" sign. I pulled up to the side and asked if I could check in and get help with my bags. They said they would park my car but didn't mention there would be a $75 per day charge. Despite the lack of parking, the attendant was really rude and unhelpful. On Sunday, I left for an event around 1 PM, and when I returned at 6 PM, I noticed someone had been in my room even though I hadn't requested any service. This invasion of privacy is unacceptable. I will not be coming back. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Hotel in City Center

Jun 28, 2024 EmmWilliamsRT

Your staff are absolutely wonderful at this location. Front desk was incredibly responsive and accommodating, something I don’t always find in hotels anymore. Steven was particularly helpful to gather a bag for me in storage while the front desk was helping others so that I could make my flight. I hope this message helps show my gratitude. The… Read more
Your staff are absolutely wonderful at this location. Front desk was incredibly responsive and accommodating, something I don’t always find in hotels anymore. Steven was particularly helpful to gather a bag for me in storage while the front desk was helping others so that I could make my flight. I hope this message helps show my gratitude. The location is perfect for being in the center of the city - close to transit, great restaurants, Union Square, and a short ride to the wharf, Embarcadero, or Giants games. If you don’t mind waiting a few minutes, local restaurant one block up, Ebishi is also worth hitting up. The room was also very clean, well appointed, and comfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Thank you! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Not good enough

Jun 21, 2024 davidtO3205LV Rosemont

The AC Unit was poor. It didn't cool or heat silently, it stayed on too long by not measuring accurately the room temp. And it didn't truly cool the entire space. I was on the top floor and several times employees were on the roof right outside my window. And some of the TV stations didn't have clear pictures. And finally, for my entire three days… Read more
The AC Unit was poor. It didn't cool or heat silently, it stayed on too long by not measuring accurately the room temp. And it didn't truly cool the entire space. I was on the top floor and several times employees were on the roof right outside my window. And some of the TV stations didn't have clear pictures. And finally, for my entire three days there were two 'wet floor' signs right outside of my room. And there was no wet floor. No one picked them up. And the food at the restaurant on the lobby floor was very average. Not need to make a continued booking for time to dine. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Good basic hotel

Jun 18, 2024 Simon B

Good quality basic hotel, but not the premium experience it's priced at. The hotel is very noisy as there is little to no sound proofing between rooms. The rooms themselves feel a little tired and unloved. Bathroom amenities offered are very basic and not the standard I would expect considering the price paid.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Classic, luxury experience in central San Francisco

Jun 6, 2024 thechronictraveller Phoenix, Arizona

The Clift is a classic old San Francisco haunt with modern luxury. I love staying here when I'm in the city. The rooms are sleek, clean, and fairly large. Great for relaxing. The lobby still has some of the old-school charm, plus the giant chair. The bar is a classic, and great place to unwind. It is in a bit of a rough neighbourhood, but… Read more
The Clift is a classic old San Francisco haunt with modern luxury. I love staying here when I'm in the city. The rooms are sleek, clean, and fairly large. Great for relaxing. The lobby still has some of the old-school charm, plus the giant chair. The bar is a classic, and great place to unwind. It is in a bit of a rough neighbourhood, but only 5 minutes' walk to Union Square. It is not the cheapest hotel in SF, but worth it for a bit of a splurge. Note that in addition to the room rate, there will be 7 other taxes and fees added separately, including taxes on the fees! Welcome to California... Read less