Incredible views from the Westin St Francis San Francisco (on Union Square)

I’m going to come right out and say it: the primary reason for choosing the Westin St Francis Hotel on Union Square in San Francis was because Francis is the name of our cat. I’m serious – there were so many hotel choices in the Union Square area of San Francisco that I felt like a deer in the headlights while trying to choose one.

And a fine choice it was. Of all the “wild guess” hotel reservations I’ve made in my life so far, this might have been the best. No, it wasn’t the extravagant lobby – or the amazing location adjacent to Union Square that made it so good. It was the view from our room that blew us away. But I’ll get to that in a second…

A full review of our 1 night stay at the Westin St Francis (San Francisco) on Union Square

The Westin St Francis is basically right on top of Union Square on Powell Street. It’s a short (but uphill) walk from the Powell St BART station, and there are a ton of shopping and food options nearby. Basically, it’s as good as it gets for a nice hotel in Union Square – which I admit is a bold claim to make since I’ve obviously never stayed at any other hotel in this area. But really, we couldn’t have asked for anything better.

The location

Westin St Francis exterior — Never mind that it sort of looks like a jail. The St Francis is an amazing property!

Union Square San Francisco — Union Square is literally right outside the front entrance.

The Westin St Francis San Francisco on Union Square entrance — The main entrance to the Westin St Francis on Union Square in San Francisco

The Lobby

Westin St Francis San Francisco grand foyer — The grand foyer – it’s impressive!

Westin St Francis lobby — Once past the foyer, there is a second large hall containing the check in desks and a bar / cafe area

This is a huge (and popular) hotel. Once through the main entryway, we found a long check in queue at the front desk. Luckily, it moved fast and we didn’t have to wait more than 10 minutes. We were even offered free chocolate by the hotel staff as we waited in line, which I thought was a really nice touch.

Westin St Francis check in desk — Check in desk

Getting to the room

Westin St Francis 25th floor hallway — The 25th floor hallway, just after exiting the elevator

Westin St Francis San Francisco room door — The door to our room (2590)

The views

It’s important to note that there are two parts to the Westin St Francis – the lower main building and the tower building behind it. Our room was on the 25th floor of the tower building, and our jaws hit the floor as soon as we saw the view upon entering the room.

Westin St Francis San Francisco view from room — Huge bay window with an incredible view of the city of San Francisco

The view we had overlooking downtown San Francisco was so captivating that we literally didn’t even look at anything else in the room as we ran to the window to soak it all in. It was only after gawking for 10 minutes that we turned around and had a look at the amenities.

Westin St Francis room view — The view to the northeast, with Coit Tower off in the distance

Westin St Francis view from 25th floor — The view looking directly east

Westin St Francis view of San Francisco Bay — Looking southeast, with San Francisco Bay off in the distance

The room

Westin St Francis bed — The signature Westin Heavenly Bed

Westin St Francis king bed — The Heavenly Bed, looking the other way

Westin St Francis room door — Looking towards the door. And I really hate to say it, but this doesn’t even look as nice as the Westin in Downtown Phoenix. I was expecting something a little more!

Westin St Francis door detail — A closer look at the room door. Why are hotel room door so sterile from the inside?

Westin St Francis in room Starbucks — Complimentary Starbucks coffee

Westin St Francis desk — The desk was large, and provided ample space to work (or pile junk onto)

Westin St Francis desk detail — Not exactly a workplace that will inspire creativity…

Westin St Francis room decor — At least the other side of the room was more cozy and inviting

The bathroom

Westin St Francis bathroom sink — Large and bright bathroom – typical of most Westin properties I’ve stayed at

Westin St Francis toilet and shower — Toilet and shower area

Westin St Francis shower and tub — The shower / tub combination was nice and large, though very dark

Final thoughts

All in all, the Westin St Francis was a great place to call home for two days. Although it’s a very busy property located in the heart of the city, our upper-room floor was very quiet. On top of that, we found the staff to be quite friendly and accommodating, making this a hotel we would definitely return to on our next trip to San Francisco. And not just because it’s the name of our cat.

Incredible views from the Westin St Francis San Francisco (on Union Square)