At 2 New Montgomery Street in downtown San Francisco, the Palace Hotel combines a landmark 1909 building with guest rooms and modern hotel amenities. Its standout space is the Garden Court, where a glass dome, marble and crystal chandeliers frame afternoon tea and meals. The hotel also has an indoor heated pool beneath a glass roof, a fitness center and the Pied Piper bar. Stay here for a historic setting near Union Square, Moscone Center and Oracle Park; room condition has been uneven, so check yours promptly if anything needs attention.
A hotel rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake
The Palace Hotel first opened in 1875 as one of San Francisco’s early luxury hotels. The original building was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire, then demolished. Work on its replacement began soon afterward, and the present hotel opened in 1909.
The building stands at the southwest corner of Market and New Montgomery streets, between downtown and SoMa. Its Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical details include a porticoed entrance and formal lobby spaces. The hotel is listed as a Historic Hotel of America by the National Trust.
The Garden Court
The Garden Court occupies what was once the hotel’s carriage entrance. Its defining feature is the glass-domed ceiling, set above marble and crystal details. The space was restored in 1991, and its contemporary furnishings sit alongside the historic architecture.
The restaurant serves breakfast and brunch, as well as afternoon tea. The Signature Tea includes English tea and assorted pastries served on fine china. An à la carte afternoon tea menu is available Sunday through Friday; Saturday tea packages can cost substantially more. The room is also known for its breakfast buffet and dishes such as brioche French toast with berries, whipped ricotta and toasted almonds.
Rooms and hotel facilities
Guest rooms and suites retain details from the 1909 building, including high ceilings, alongside modern furnishings and amenities. The hotel also has an indoor heated swimming pool beneath a glass dome, with an adjacent whirlpool and eucalyptus sauna. A fitness center, business center and complimentary shoe shine are among the listed services.
Room upkeep has not been consistent, so it is sensible to check the room and bathroom soon after arrival and contact the hotel promptly if something is amiss. The property’s staff and concierge can assist with hotel services and arrangements.
Getting around from the hotel
The address is 2 New Montgomery Street in downtown San Francisco. Union Square, Chinatown and the Moscone Center are nearby, and the hotel is a practical base for event trips to Moscone Center or Oracle Park. Montgomery Street station is close by, with public transportation nearby for reaching other parts of the city.
Preguntas frecuentes
When was the Palace Hotel built?
The original hotel opened in 1875. After it was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire, the current building was constructed and opened in 1909.
What is the Garden Court?
It is the hotel’s restaurant, set beneath a glass dome in the former carriage entrance. It serves meals and afternoon tea.
Does the Palace Hotel have a pool?
Yes. The hotel has an indoor heated pool beneath a glass roof, with an adjacent whirlpool and eucalyptus sauna.
When is afternoon tea at the Garden Court more affordable?
An à la carte afternoon tea menu is available Sunday through Friday. Saturday tea packages can be costly.
