San Francisco · Union Square
The Westin St. Francis
On Union Square since 1904. The 1904 and 1913 wings form the Landmark Building; the 1972 tower is modern, so ask for a Landmark room.
- Built
- 1904–13The two 12-story south wings opened in 1904 and the north wing was finished in 1913 (together the 'Landmark Building'); the 32-story Tower Building was added in 1972.
- Type
- Grand hotel
- Area
- Union Square
- Credentials
- Local landmark
The story
Trustees of railroad magnate Charles Crocker’s estate built the St. Francis facing Union Square; its first wings opened in 1904. The double-width north wing followed in 1913, initially as apartments for permanent guests. A 32-story tower with exterior glass elevators was added behind the original building in 1972.
The ghost story
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the suite where Al Jolson died during a poker game in 1950 is in high demand because he is said to have never left, and that rumor places the ghosts of John Barrymore, Fatty Arbuckle and a lady in a white dress in the hotel too.
Source: www.sfchronicle.com
Good to know
- Address: 335 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Things to do
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Sources (2)
Last verified October 2026. Details change; confirm with the inn before you book.