Palace Hotel
A landmark downtown hotel famous for the stained-glass Garden Court atrium.
The call
Worth it if you only have one day and you're traveling as a couple.
Short answer
Is Palace Hotel worth it?
Palace Hotel deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
The glass-domed Garden Court is genuinely jaw-dropping and sets the tone for a grand, historic stay.
- 02
It feels formal and storied rather than trendy.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You only have one day
Short trip or not, keep Palace Hotel.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Palace Hotel is an easy yes.
You care about the visual experience
Palace Hotel rewards a trip built around beauty & photography.
Think twice if
You're watching the budget
Palace Hotel can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Palace Hotel needs the right timing and tolerance.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Palace Hotel needs the right timing and tolerance.
You want the trip to feel easy
Palace Hotel offers some relaxation, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
What you're near — and what you're not
- Union Square (short walk)
- Market Street transit
- SFMOMA and Yerba Buena (walkable)
- Quieter residential neighborhoods
- Can feel corporate during big events
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.
Plan it well
- Cost
- $$$$
- Timing
- Year-round
- Booking
- Direct or OTA
- Getting there
- Downtown near Market Street; close to BART/Muni