San Francisco has changed in countless ways over the last 150 years, but the Palace Hotel has remained a pillar of elegance in the heart of the city. Opened in 1875 as the West’s first true luxury hotel, the Palace was a marvel of its time and continues to set the standard today.
To celebrate its sesquicentennial, the hotel is unveiling a series of thoughtfully curated experiences that honor its legacy while embracing what modern luxury looks like now.
From art commissions and culinary partnerships to vintage rail excursions, the 150th anniversary lineup invites guests to experience the Palace through a new lens.
Napa Valley Heritage Route Experience
In partnership with the historic Napa Valley Wine Train, this signature experience pairs a stay at the Palace with a six-hour journey aboard a vintage rail car.
The day includes private round-trip transportation, a welcome glass of bubbly, a four-course wine country menu aboard vintage Pullman railcars, and tastings at renowned wineries like Charles Krug and V. Sattui.
Afternoon Tea in the Garden Court
A San Francisco tradition since the hotel’s earliest days, afternoon tea is served beneath the glass dome, featuring freshly baked scones, seasonal pastries, savory tea sandwiches, and a curated selection of Harney & Sons teas.
Landmark 18 Exhibit
Located in the hotel’s former barbershop, Landmark 18 is a self-guided exhibit featuring archival photographs, original artifacts, and untold stories from the Palace’s past—including its dramatic resurrection after the 1906 earthquake and fire.
Art Through the Decades
The hotel commissioned twelve original works by local artist Matt Wills to commemorate the anniversary.
Displayed throughout the property and online, each monthly piece captures defining moments from the Palace’s 150-year story, offering a fresh perspective on a historic icon.
The Pied Piper Returns
Since 1909, the Pied Piper Bar has been a gathering place for dignitaries, artists, and city regulars.
Its moody interiors, opulent finishes, and the iconic Maxfield Parrish mural above the bar remain unchanged. For the anniversary, a limited-edition cocktail menu highlights new classics like the Phoenix and Garden Gimlet, each a nod to the hotel’s legacy.
Palace Suites
For travelers who want to stay in the heart of San Francisco, the Palace’s suites offer generous space and signature style.
The State and Deluxe Suites feature original moldings, tall windows, and elegant city views. The 2,000-square-foot Presidential Suite offers a grand piano, private library, formal dining room, and optional butler service. A skylit heated indoor pool and full-service fitness center add moments of calm between city adventures.
Royal Paws
Even the dogs are pampered. With the Royal Paws Package, four-legged guests receive gourmet treats, in-room food and water bowls, and a keepsake bandana or mat. Concierge services are available for pet-friendly park recommendations, grooming appointments, or dog-walking needs, ensuring every guest, paws included, enjoys a five-star stay.
Legacy in Motion
As the Palace Hotel commemorates its 150th anniversary, it invites guests—both new and returning—to be part of a living legacy.
From afternoon tea under the dome to curated journeys through wine country, every detail reflects a century and a half of hospitality, elegance, and resilience. Timeless yet ever-evolving, the Palace continues to set the standard for luxury in San Francisco, proving that true icons only get better with age.