Westin St. Francis, San Francisco, Completes Restoration

Largest Transformation in More Than a Century

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. June 24, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, June 23, 2009 - The next 100 years have truly begun at The Westin St. Francis as the hotel celebrates the completion of a two-year, $40 million transformation. This is the most extensive restoration undertaken by the property since the reconstruction after The Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. Known as the "Grand Dame" of Union Square, The Westin St. Francis opened in 1904, and has been a symbol of elegance for San Francisco for more than a century. While the classic aesthetic of the hotel's rich past is honored, its modern amenities embrace the future, creating a perfect blend of timelessness.

"For the past century, The Westin St. Francis has been synonymous with sophistication and luxury," says General Manager Jon Kimball. "As we look to the future, this monumental transformation ensures that the hotel will continue to maintain its standing as a world-class property."

From a complete redesign of the grand Main Lobby to the addition of a stylish cocktail lounge and the debut of 614 newly refreshed guestrooms, The Westin St. Francis continues to maintain its preeminence as a legendary hotel. Highlights of this $40 million evolution include:

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A Fresh New Look

Approximately $12 million was invested in the complete transformation of all 614 guestrooms and common areas in the Main Building. Led by San Francisco-based Kevin Joyce Design, guestrooms bridge the world between the old and new with a fresh sophistication that perfectly showcases the classically beautiful 1906 architecture. Subtle textures and a neutral color palette of ecru, bronze and dark brown tones complement the traditional curved high ceilings, ornate moldings and crystal chandeliers. Guestrooms boast custom-designed classic dark wood furniture topped with gold and silver granite, luxurious bronze-patterned carpeting, light-colored wall coverings with a unique "hammered" appearance, velvety chaise lounges, contemporary abstract artwork, signature Westin Heavenly BedsTM, 37" flat screen televisions and ergonomic desk chairs. Hallways and common areas have been refreshed with a fusion of present-day and classic San Francisco - contemporary furniture and plush carpeting are juxtaposed with time-honored black and white historical photography of the hotel and San Francisco.

A Turn Back in Time

Led by the internationally acclaimed architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, the marble-pillared Main Lobby was transformed to reflect its original glamorous style, yet refreshed with a more modern appeal. Soothing shades of chocolate brown and cream permeate the space, complemented by reproductions of the lobby's four original beaded globe chandeliers. Plush hexagonal-patterned carpeting reflects the intricacies of the original wood-carved ceiling. Completing this signature look is the return of the famous Great Magneta Clock, which originally made its debut in the hotel lobby in 1907. Just off of the Main Lobby, the 1906 grand staircase has been restored to showcase the original pink marble stairs.

Luxurious Elegance

The entire penthouse level, comprised of six signature suites, has undergone a dramatic transformation by Kevin Joyce Design, in collaboration with Designer Vera Za'Arour. Located on the 31st floor of the Tower Building, the Windsor, Bridgeview, Bayview, Union Square, Golden Gate and Pacific suites were meticulously designed to showcase their breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline. Luxurious fabrics, custom-designed furniture and eye-catching artwork radiate throughout each individually designed suite. Bathrooms have been completely transformed into an oasis, complete with marble floors and custom vanities.

Led by New York Design Firm Alexandra Champalimaud & Associates, approximately $2 million dollars was invested in the complete redesign of the two Main Building signature suites, State and Chairman's. The 2500 square feet, two-level Chairman's Suite features three bedrooms, a large living room, a spacious entrance hall and a dining room with a full kitchen. The completed look celebrates the gorgeous natural lighting and city views, and is styled with elegant, contemporary furnishings. The luxurious State Suite lends a feel of a sophisticated urban apartment and boasts a sauna, Jacuzzi, grand piano and formal dining area. Overlooking Union Square, the State Suite has a spectacular view of downtown San Francisco.

The Perfect Meeting Spot

Caruso's, located in the Tower Lobby, has evolved with a fresh and comfortable design featuring tones of rich brown, cream and pops of bright red. This casual, lively setting is perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine or enjoying a quick snack. New furnishings include cream and brown wingback chairs, tall lamps with dazzling golden shades, red leather lounge chairs and bronze tables adorned in silver and gold granite. Cascading from the high ceilings, custom embroidered silk drapes frame the main wall. A plush, hexagon-patterned carpet completes the look.

Meet Me at CLOCK BAR

The Main Lobby also welcomed the addition of award-winning chef Michael Mina's first-ever cocktail lounge, aptly named CLOCK BAR. Since its July 2008 opening, it has quickly become renowned for unique handcrafted cocktails and creative bar bites. Designed by Rockwell Group, the 1,260 square feet, 55-seat CLOCK BAR features a warm, elegant environment with a dark palette and luxurious materials including rosewood walls, black burned wood floors, and rich leather banquettes and lounge chairs in blue and chocolate brown. The central focus of the space is two columns clad entirely in hand blown champagne and amber colored glass with ticker clocks showing the time in cities around the world. Complementing the traditional aesthetic of the adjacent Main Lobby, the bar is adorned with a reproduction of the original ceiling molding.

A Trip Through Time

The fascinating history of The Westin St. Francis is now being showcased in six brand new museum-quality display cases designed by Bill White, curator for San Francisco's de Young Museum. On display for public viewing in the Tower Lobby, each chronological case is filled with historic treasures such as photos, menus, china, guest ledgers, and much more.

The Perfect Occasion

Ideal for holding a meeting or a hosting glamorous wedding, the Elizabethan, Georgian, California and Colonial function spaces have undergone more than $1.5 million in upgrades including new carpet and paint, new lighting, contemporary artwork and new decorative wall coverings.

Modern Upgrades

Additional hotel upgrades include: wireless Internet access throughout the hotel; new locks on all guestroom doors; the installation of new digital reader boards, allowing for easier hotel navigation; the enhancement of the hotel carriage entrance with new lighting; a newly upgraded $400,000 security system; and a $2 million elevator modernization.