Verdict
Destinations
Hotel · San Francisco

Palace Hotel

A landmark downtown hotel famous for the stained-glass Garden Court atrium.

Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict

Worth the stay for…

Great for
  • If you've only got a day
  • Couples
  • Photographers
Depends
  • Travellers on a budget
  • Families with kids
  • Solo travellers
  • Anyone here to unwind
  • History & culture buffs
Not for

Worth it for if you've only got a day, couples and photographers.

The location trade-off

What you're near — and what you're not

Walkable
  • Union Square (short walk)
  • Market Street transit
  • SFMOMA and Yerba Buena (walkable)
Cut off from
  • Quieter residential neighborhoods
  • Can feel corporate during big events
Rooms & rate

What you're paying for

Classic, generously sized rooms in a landmark building; rates run high and may include a fee, so confirm what's included. Suites and higher floors carry a premium.

Why we say this

Insider secrets & local vibes

The Garden Court atrium alone is worth the stay, and the central location is genuinely convenient.
Not independently verified — estimated
It's a busy convention and event hotel, so public areas can feel bustling rather than intimate.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like

Reading the room, traveller by traveller

  • Couples

    A romantic, history-rich base steps from downtown — book afternoon tea in the Garden Court.

  • Multigenerational

    Central and grand, with room types that suit a family wanting to be near everything.

Good to know

Before you go

Cost
$$$$
Last verified
2026-06-17
Best time
Year-round
Getting there
Downtown near Market Street; close to BART/Muni
Booking
Direct or OTA
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Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →