If you’re going to stay in a boutique hotel in San Francisco, you might as well make the most of it. Presented as a contemporary boutique hotel, Galleria Park Hotel in San Francisco is one of our favorite places because of its excellent proximity to great food and entertainment, modern design, coziness, and great amenities.

History

First built in 1911 after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake leveled its predecessor, The Occidental Hotel, Galleria Park Hotel was completely remodeled in 2018, including its 177 guest rooms, eight suites, lobby, and mezzanine. It is a boutique hotel with a great history and location, and it’s perfect for business trips or a romantic night in the city.

Location & Attractions

One of the best things about Galleria Park Hotel is its location, which has something for everyone. Located right in the heart of Union Square, this luxury boutique hotel is within walking distance of some of San Francisco’s most important attractions. It is surrounded by landmark neighborhoods and attractions like SoMa, Chinatown, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and prime shopping at places like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. The Theater District, where you’ll find the Orpheum and Curran theaters, is a short walk away. Let’s not forget the nightlife—Union Square is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and lounges.

The Galleria Park Hotel is also located in San Francisco’s Financial District. If you are in town on business, it’s just a few blocks away from the Moscone Convention Center and downtown corporate offices. Public transportation is a few minutes away, and both San Francisco and Oakland airports are short drives from the hotel.

Design

When we entered the Galleria Park Hotel, we first noticed that it was not your grandparent’s old-fashioned San Francisco Victorian Hotel. It has a painstakingly detailed design, with a mix of classic French-inspired touches complimented by modern amenities throughout. Although it seems simple from the outside, The Galleria Park Hotel has a sophisticated elegance thanks to its $4 million renovations.

The entrance alone impresses with its tall windows, high ceilings, floral skylight chandeliers, and a white marble staircase accented with cast iron railings. There is also a mezzanine overlooking a stylized lounge area that features a giant handcrafted Art-Nouveau-inspired fireplace.

Rooms

Out of the eight different types of guestrooms and suites, we decided to stay in a Deluxe King Room, which at 250 sq. ft., is somewhere in the middle of the pack when it comes to room size and price. The first thing that draws your attention is the Art Deco flavored design which features neutral tones with dark accents, custom furnishings, and colorful modern artwork. The white king-size bed was plush and comfortable, with 400 thread-count sheets, while the dark marble-top work desk offered the perfect place to get some business done.

Equally elegant, the bathroom featured a designer mosaic tile backsplash with ebony wood textures and a walk-in rainfall shower. We also enjoyed the plush Jonathan Adler robes in our room—nothing makes you feel more luxurious than putting on a cozy robe before getting ready for your day.

Both rooms were a bit small—which is the case with many historic hotels in San Francisco—but the space was well used. Its layout was actually pretty functional. It’s the perfect size for single travelers or couples looking for a romantic getaway in a cozy environment.

Amenities

The room featured all of the amenities you’d expect from a luxury boutique hotel in San Francisco, including a flat-screen TV, laptop safe, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. However, the Illy espresso machine took it to the next level, allowing us to enjoy a quality morning pick me up before heading out for the day.

There is an Urban Amenity fee attached to the hotel price that provides coffee and tea service in the mornings and wine & gin sipping hours where you can socialize with other guests.

If you need some exercise, there is a small 24-hour gym equipped with Peloton Bikes, cardio, and weight training equipment. The third floor Park Terrace is better yet, which features an urban garden and jogging track that overlooks the city and offers a relaxing environment.

Food & Drink

Galleria Park Hotel is connected to Gaspar Brasserie, a bistro that serves French-inspired dishes; however, it is temporarily closed. Nonetheless, this is San Francisco, where you are never more than a few blocks away from the best restaurants. The friendly hotel staff was happy to provide us with dining recommendations.

Rates & Value

The rates are pretty good for this part of San Francisco—especially considering its prime Union Square location—starting at just $168 per night for a Deluxe Full. There’s no need for expensive car rentals with all the available transportation options and close proximity to shopping and entertainment. We find it an excellent value for business and pleasure travelers looking to stay in one of San Francisco’s trendiest neighborhoods at reasonable rates without sacrificing luxury amenities.

Our thoughts

The Verdict? It didn’t take long to fall in love with Galleria Park Hotel. Between its sophisticated makeover, convenient location, and amenities, it offers a unique upscale boutique hotel experience. Perfect for a romantic getaway, business trip, or weekend staycation in San Francisco.