Palace Perfection: A Family Adventure Fit for Royalty at the Palace Hotel, a luxury collection hotel San Francisco!
- Jessica Breugelmans
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 22 hours ago
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the stunning Palace Hotel a luxury collection hotel San Francisco, and I can confidently say it was one of the best hotel experiences I've ever had. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this hotel prides itself on its exceptional service and welcoming atmosphere.
As we stepped through the door, the doormen greeted us with warm smiles, opening car doors and the hotel entrance as if we were royalty. The friendly staff continued to impress us throughout our stay—even the painter we encountered in the elevator shared a smile! Our first impression was made in the beautiful lobby area, particularly the breathtaking Garden Court with its glass ceiling, which left us in awe.
Check-in, handled by the delightful Diane, was an experience in itself. She made us feel right at home, verifying our Virtuoso status and explaining all the fabulous amenities our stay included. From the complimentary daily breakfast for two to the $100 food and beverage credit, she couldn’t have been more helpful. Diane proactively asked if we needed a late checkout and made sure to present us with a lovely welcome gift—a beautiful box of chocolates—along with water to quench our thirst after our travels. It was these thoughtful touches that truly set the tone for our stay.
Diane impressed us further when she worked her magic to secure a fantastic room upgrade for our family of four, despite the hotel being fully booked that week. Our room was nothing short of phenomenal, perfect for our week-long stay. The kids loved having their own beds, while my husband and I enjoyed the luxury of a king-size bed in our separate room.
There was plenty of floor space for our four large bags and four carry-ons—I admit, I might be an over-packer! My daughter, Izabel, quickly discovered the coziest little nook, transforming the window ledge into an adorable reading spot with couch pillows. The room even boasted a massive full-size table, which was perfect for working, eating, coloring...and we were frequently treated to fresh fruit, snacks, little notes and water delivered to our room.
A fun talking point was the beautiful artwork in the room, especially the stunning piece of a Birkin bag, which resonated perfectly with my love for designer accessories. And while we’re on the topic of quirky experiences, we found ourselves joking about needing to start a blog post on the best toilets across the world after we discovered the amazing Toto toilet in our bathroom—definitely a highlight for Jan!


While our room was nearly perfect, the only thing to note was the size of the bathroom. It was a bit on the small side but undeniably beautiful and functional. Given that the hotel is celebrating over 150 years, it’s remarkable how well they have maintained and updated this historic property. The documentation of the hotel’s storied past, featuring artifacts from the time of King Kalakaua, truly added to the charm of our stay. The vintage chairs gifted to the palace by the ali‘i were a showstopper, and my kids had a blast ringing the vintage cable car bell in the hallway!
Now, let's talk dining. While the buffet breakfast on weekends was fantastic, we found ourselves slightly underwhelmed by both breakfast and dinner at the Pied Piper. Although the service was top-notch, we wished for a bit more creativity and quality in the food offerings. Additionally, the lack of all-day dining options was a bit frustrating, as we found ourselves wandering to a nearby hotel for a late afternoon snack. A small sundries store would have been a nice addition, but we noticed a space that seemed to have been closed for renovations.

Despite these minor hiccups, the customer service and the sheer beauty of the Palace Hotel truly shone through, making for an unforgettable family vacation. If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that combines history, comfort, and exceptional service, I can't recommend this hotel highly enough.
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