Conservatory of Flowers Tours and Activities

We’ve stayed at the Westin St Francis multiple times over the years and always looked forward to returning. Unfortunately, this once grand old hotel is grand no more. The Powell street lobby entrance has been invaded by a huge bar/lounge that looks cool but doesn’t open until 4pm. It takes up a lot of prime real estate in the hotel and serves no real purpose for the better part of the day. To check into the hotel you now enter on Geary into an area that feels temporary, kind of like the vibe you get at an airport gate under construction. It’s just very disjointed. The fake cherry trees and fake flower wrapped columns in the lobby are tacky, and dusty. Two of my family members had sneezing fits while standing under the faux blooms. They chuckled about the paper flower pollen being particularly bad this time of year. The hotel has also done away with any lobby seating. Your only hope of seating is in the garden cafe, which makes it feel a bit like a Greyhound bus station. Some of the registration staff were better at their jobs than others, who seemed generally malcontent. We stayed in the Tower this trip; the best part was the amazing view from our room and the super fast glass elevators. Happily, the mattresses are wonderful. Our room was ok but could use a refresh. One family member found litter in his room. Thinking back on past stays, maybe the rooms were always a bit outdated but the majesty of the hotel overshadowed any shortcomings. Sadly, for us the magic is gone.

Overall, facilities, views, welcome, and even the pillows on the bed - wonderful! The issue was the mattress. Hard as a rock. I have a firm mattress at home. The mattress that tortured me all night was not firm. I was scouting the resort for a family trip - but wouldn’t put anyone through the sleepless night. I was up and out as early as I could be. I did speak to front desk and even left a message for head of housekeeping, and no response to apologize for the mattress that desperately needs replacement. Gosh, my joints spoke to me for days after.

Amazing place, quiet, clean and so convient to Napa wineries and restaurants! 100% come back again!