California Historic Hotels

     Doormen dressed in beefeater finery are part of the tradition at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, which was named for the English explorer who arrived in the area in 1579, just missing San Francisco Bay and sailing into Drake's Bay 28 miles north. The 21-story hotel, built in 1928, features Renaissance-era flourishes of Drake's time, a marble grand staircase, hand painted Corinthian columns and vaulted gold-leaf bas relief ceilings. Guest rooms, refurbished in 2000, are decorated in California contemporary style, and those on the upper floors enjoy splendid city views. With its downtown location, the Sir Francis Drake is within walking distance of numerous attractions, including Chinatown and the theater district.

Find a room at Sir Francis Drake Hotel

Visit Sir Francis Drake website

Find a room at Sir Francis Drake Hotel

Hotel Slideshow at vacationidea.com

Sir Frances Drake at the National Trust

Sir Frances Drake Hotel at DigitalCity

Sir Frances Drake Hotel at Frommers