I wanted to treat my wife to a nice wedding night in the city in June 2007, and so we picked the Palace hotel because it offered the overall look we were looking for. SF has many wonderful 4 and 5 star hotels, and I wondered if the Palace was the right choice, especially given some of the negative reviews here.

After spending the night there, our only regret was that we had to leave so early in the morning to catch our flight to Hawaii. It was a great choice, and my wife and I had a wonderful time there.

I booked the site about 2 weeks prior to the weekend we wanted, and I booked a deluxe suite directly through the hotel website. After booking, I e-mailed the hotel, explaining this was going to be our wedding night, and I received a courteous reply from the hotel manager, informing me that they would give me a complimentary suite upgrade.

When we arrived at the hotel around 8:30pm, we were greated at the curb with friendly concierge service. At the desk, we were quickly checked in to retire to our 8th floor suite. That's when we were further surprised -- they upgraded us up to the Govenor's Suite. Whoa!!! Talk about a luxurious place to spend your first honeymoon night. My wife and I are usually frugal in our hotel choices, and so this easily became the best hotel room experience we've ever experienced. I don't even want to know our ask how much that room would normally cost! But it was amazing -- a gorgeous outer room, beautiful bedroom, and a marble floor bathroom with shower and jetted jacuzzi. Oh, that jacuzzi was a great treat after a long week of wedding madness!!

Breakfast came early for us in the beautiful Garden restaurant, one of the most beautiful courtyard-like rooms you'll ever see in a hotel. Probably overpriced for what is offered, but the food was good....and it was our honeymoon, so it was worth it! Our waiter, Donny, was particularly friendly, taking a nice picture of us and giving us some tips on how to check out more quickly.

One other note -- the guys at the parking garage were very friendly. My wife left her contact solution in the back of our car, and so we had to retrieve them in the wee hours of the night....but they were very friendly and helpful to get them for us out of our car. I don't remember the guy's name -- the same Chinese guy who took our car when we arrived -- but he was great!

We certainly didn't have the experience that many other here have relayed. People that complain about the high food prices and high parking obviously failed to mention that just about every other hotel in SF is going to charge you around the same. Don't blame the Palace -- it's a SF thing....and if you don't like it, don't come to SF to stay in a hotel!

Our honeymoon could not have started any better. For the amoung of luxury we received, we cannot imagine a better deal on a gorgeous and spacious suite overlooking Market Street. Thank you, Palace....and we will definitely be recommending you to others!

The Palace is a lovely urban property within walking distance of Union Square, Bart and Market Street transportation to points west. During my recent stay, some problems presented themselves, however. The walls in this property are so thin that, after returning to my room at about 12:30 am, I called home to speak to my husband for a few minutes (in a very normal "inside voice") and almost immediately received a call conveying a complaint from another guest. I've never encountered walls this thin, even in budget-class hotels.

The other major problem was that, very early on the morning of our departure, the Bay Bridge collapsed due to a major fire. The hotel never contacted guests who were checking out and, as we waltzed out to grab a cab two respectable hours before our flight out of Oakland, the valet informed us that we needed to take BART. We sprinted to the station and, because it was a sunday, only three lines were running. We missed our flight and had to completely rebook on another airline in order to make it home that night. In a "Luxury Collection" property--in any property, really--guests should be apprised immediately of any emergency which may result in transportation delays or missed flights.

stayed at hotel for 3 days....beautiful decor in dining room...ok location. right next to bart, walking distance (sorta) to chinatown. Expensive bar in hotel...no close bars or restaurants otherwise. (was surprised). So I suggest if you are staying here have a car (though I hear parking is big bucks too).
For price of room was expecting better ...but i guess for san francisco this is typical. I would try another hotel next time.
Ordered room service. food was very bland, outrageous price, but brought to you in the room which is nice. Shocked at how bad the food was frankly. Except the baked apple was delicious!
If its a busy day..they dont have enough front desk staff to accomodate you quickly. No chairs in lobby while your waiting. sigh.
Windows very old, they slide up, IF you can lift them...may take a few tries.
Mattress comfortable.

I stayed at Palace Hotel for 5 nights, and found it a very enjoyable experience. The staff is excellent, and Debbie Law is hands down a sensational concierge. This is a Luxury hotel with great service and amenities; the rooms are a bit retro, but still lovely. Would stay here again.