San Francisco, CA – July 2015 – The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts announces today that the brand and its owners, Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, will soon conclude the extensive renovation of The Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco. Rolling out in two phases, the redesigned guestrooms have just been revealed while the renovation of the hotel’s public spaces, famed Garden Court and new restaurant concept will debut in August 2015. With 95 hotels and resorts around the world, including 16 in North America, The Luxury Collection brand continues to invest in the renovation and conversion of the world’s most iconic hotels, including the recent overhaul of The St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio and debut of Cal Neva in Lake Tahoe this December.
“Entertaining generations of San Francisco’s most innovative social set, from Thomas Edison and Henry Ford to the tech titans of today,The Palace Hotel endures as the city’s most captivating hotel. This fall, a new age of contemporary glamour will debut at this beloved address,” stated Hoyt H. Harper II, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. “This renovation reinforces the brand’s commitment to invest in our landmark hotels and to grow our global portfolio in destinations that our guests are clamouring to explore.”
“For more than 40 years, Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts has been a proud steward of this iconic treasure in the city of San Francisco,” stated Takamasa Osano, President, Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts. “We look forward to many more years of sharing this landmark with our hotel guests and the thousands of visitors who travel through this remarkable city every day.”
The Palace Hotel, known for over a century as the arbiter of San Francisco style and society, was once at the center of America’s first Golden Age of Travel, which inspired the exquisite interior design of the hotel led by Beatrice Girelli of indidesign. Once again poised to introduce a new level of luxury to the city following this twelve month, multi- million dollar renovation, The Palace Hotel’s interior design has drawn inspiration from the innovative spirit that has driven San Francisco.A hub of technological development, special attention has been given to connectivity, and as a center for the arts on the West Coast, the design will take a painter’s approach to color and proportion.
The response to the new look of the Palace has been extremely well received. “Our guests are elated about our restored guest rooms,” commented Christophe Thomas, General Manager,The Palace Hotel. “They absolutely love the residential feel of the space and choice of color, and truly appreciate the attention paid to preserving and highlighting the original details. We are very proud of this renovation and it is wonderful to see our guests enjoy and celebrate the new Palace.”
Luxurious Accommodations
The renovation and redesign of the 556 luxuriously-appointed guestrooms, including 55suites, reflect a modern sophistication, complemented by original design elements, including the elegant crown moldings that frame wrought-iron windows and solid oak doors adorned with brass monogrammed knobs. Dark wood furnishings, mixed metals and artistic lighting juxtapose a fresh color palette of midnight blue, charcoal, dove grey and plum textiles that create an exquisitely layered look.
Iconic former icons of industry, politics, innovation, aviation and cinema inspire the guestroom design and create a mix of whimsy and timeless luxury. For instance, trim lines, bespoke stitching and tailored bed frames recall the details of men’s suiting and speak to the bespoke clothing worn by former guests like Andrew Carnegie. Complementing the design of the space, feminine details are introduced in the drapery and upholstery inspired by the sultry elegance of Sophia Loren. Nightstands are inspired by vintage travel trunks like that carried by Amelia Earhart; with stitched leather details and chrome accents, these case goods are a playful touch to the sophisticated design and harken back to the city’s Golden Age of Travel.
Several grand suites have been introduced to the hotel following the renovation, including: the Royal Suite and the State Suite. The Royal Suite spans almost 1,000 square feet with breathtaking city views from curved windows that hug the corner of the suite’s living room and luxurious king bedroom. Meticulous architectural details, including an intricately carved marble fireplace, give the suite tremendous character and balance the palette of pale blue, plum and ivory textiles and furnishings throughout. Similarly, the State Suite is designed to feel like an elegant San Francisco apartment with natural light that streams through large windows, classically-inspired contemporary furnishings, hardwood floors and lush custom-made area rugs throughout every room and a serene spa-like bath that completes this city retreat.
The Famed ‘Garden Court’ for a New Generation
Situated under soaring archways and coved sky-lit ceilings, San Francisco’s treasured Garden Court will be renovated to reveal two dining experiences. In front of the sweeping court, The GC Loungewill infuse contemporary glamour to the hotel’s rich heritage with tufted banquettes, speakeasy seating and a sleek communal table offering discreet technology. Bronze paneled screens with antique mirror accents that are inspired by the paned glass ceiling create an intimate and residential feel.
San Francisco’s most storied meeting place, The Garden Court remains the jewel of The Palace Hotel. The 120 seat dining room is nestled amidst gilded Ionic columns, a magnificent glass dome ceiling and historic Austrian crystal chandeliers complemented by contemporary design, locally sourced cuisine and impeccable service. Plum, ivory, charcoal and dove grey hues continue in The Garden Court and GC Lounge, blending the subdued palette used throughout the hotel.
Exquisite Epicurean Experiences
The Pied Piper, named after the prized Maxfield Parrish painting that takes pride of place, has been a favored meeting spot for a over a century. Just as industrialists of the past brokered secret deals amongst the deeply grained wood paneling, the pioneers of today’s digital revolution share ideas and swap stories over expertly blended artisanal cocktails.
An Urban Oasis in “The City by the Bay”
A hidden gem in San Francisco, the fourth floor of The Palace Hotel is home to an idyllic indoor pool situated under the restored, soaring sky-lit ceiling, which opens the space to natural light and showcases the San Francisco cityscape. The neutral palette, stone tile and spa-like design elements create an oasis in the middle of the bustling city.
Following the renovation, the fitness center spans 3000 square feet and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, a new cardio training room and cutting-edge exercise equipment from LifeFitness. The men’s and women’s lounges now feature luxurious marble bath areas, spa showers, fresh design element sand large back-lit mirrors.
For more information, please visit: www.luxurycollection.com/palace.
