March 25, 2024

San Francisco: The Marker San Francisco + Tratto; hotel + restaurant review

San Francisco

The Marker San Francisco 


501 Geary St./Taylor St., 2 blks. from Union Square. 7 stories; 208 rooms. Fitness room. Restaurant. Valet parking. Pets ok. Destination fee.

entrance to The Marker San Francisco and Tratto restaurant in San Francisco, California
entrance to The Marker San Francisco and Tratto restaurant in San Francisco, California



Built in 1910, this landmark American beaux-arts building features a dramatic spacious, high-ceilinged lobby and lounge, with domes and chandeliers and a two-floor high inglenook fireplace that is the focal point.  

inglenook fireplace lounge at The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California
inglenook fireplace lounge at The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California


A second lounge offers another fireplace and adjoining library area with a large selection of books to borrow. A grand staircase with the original bronze filigree railing and marble steps is the perfect background for a selfie.

library lounge at The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California
library lounge at The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California



The interior design is a blend of vintage and contemporary. Guest rooms feature a medley of styles, with striped wallpaper, heavy-framed mirrors, and white plantation shutters. Bedding is contemporary all-white. All bathrooms (except ADAs) have combination bathtub-showers, tile floors, and Italian granite counters.

guest room at The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California


It is claimed that with 42 suites in total, this hotel has more suites than any comparable hotels in the market.



Located just off the lobby, Tratto offers a friendly, neighborhood bar experience as well as a comfortable open dining room. It is popular with locals as well as with guests and business gatherings. Many people stop in for the prix fixe pre-theatre menu. House-made items include focaccia, pastas (the pappardelle with tomatoes is divine), and wood-fired, thin-crust pizza. A tasty arugula salad with lemon vinagrette is served in an edible Parmesan cup. For a special treat to end your meal, try a housemade flight of cellos, which includes lemon, grapefruit, orange, and blood orange. Italian cocktails with a twist and house-made Italian sodas are also on the menu. For hotel guests, complimentary coffee and tea are available from the bar here each morning.

bar at Tratto in The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California
bar at Tratto in The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California


focaccia and olives at Tratto in The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California
focaccia and olives at Tratto in The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California


cello flight at Tratto in The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California
cello flight at Tratto in The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California




March 22, 2024

San Francisco: The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel + Redwood Room + Frederick's; hotel + restaurant reviews

 San Francisco


The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel 

495 Geary St./Taylor St., 2 blks. from Union Square. 17 stories; 372 rooms. Fitness room. 2 restaurants; room service. Valet parking. Pets ok. Daily facility fee.

Located next to the Curran Theater, this landmark 1913 Italian Renaissance building was originally built to host travelers coming to the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Owner Frederick Clift wanted to show the world that San Francisco was still on the map post-1906 earthquake. The hotel's architect, George Applegarth, also designed San Francisco’s Palace of the Legion of Honor. Lobby seating is generous. The famous oversize, Alice-in-Wonderland-like armchair still attracts guests, especially children, to pose on it for selfies. Guest rooms are attractive and comfortable as well as posh.

giant lobby chair at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel in San Francisco, California
giant lobby chair at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel in San Francisco, California



guest room at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel in San Francisco, California
guest room at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel in San Francisco, California


Just off the lobby, the landmark Redwood Room cocktail lounge features original redwood paneling, art-deco sconces, and prized chandeliers. Opened at the end of Prohibition in 1923, it was built from the wood of one 2,000-year-old giant redwood tree. Recently discovered romantic paintings done in the 1920s by students of Klimt, with his oversight, hang on the walls. It is a great spot to sip a cocktail.

interior of the Redwood Room bar at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel in San Francisco, California
interior of the Redwood Room bar at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
in San Francisco, California



Casual Frederick’s offers counter service during breakfast hours. Windows face the sidewalk and bring in plenty of light. Seating is varied, including booths, bar seating, and communal tables. Fresh pastries and hot entrees are served up along with a variety of coffees.


interior of Frederick's at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel in San Francisco, California
interior of Frederick's at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel in San Francisco, California




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