Sir Francis Drake Hotel
Known by locals as "The Drake," the hotel defines San Francisco - exciting, romantic, and a little offbeat. Take in the ornate lobby and the romantic clang of the cable cars - it's all part of the legendary San Francisco experience.
When our San Francisco historic hotel opened its doors in 1928, the city had never seen anything like it.
Built for the princely sum of $5 million, the Sir Francis Drake Hotel offered impressive innovations like an indoor golf course, ice water on tap, and radios in every guest room. The window panes were made of Vitaglass, so-called because it let even the healthful ultra-violet rays into each room, making it possible, according to early advertisements, to suntan without going outside. Another feature was the Servidor, a handy panel in the guest room doors, which allowed staff to discreetly deliver dry cleaning or other items without disturbing guests. (This may have come in handy during Prohibition.)
The Sir Francis Drake Hotel quickly obtained a glamorous aura in the late 1920s and became a favorite home away from home for stars of vaudeville and the silver screen. World War II was another busy era for the Drake, which by then had become a part of Conrad Hilton's growing empire. During the war, blocks of rooms were taken over by the U.S. military and the hotel was the scene of many farewells and reunions as troops made their way to and from the Pacific. |
