If you followed my Instagram feed in the last month, you know that I spent a few days in San Francisco in late February. I went= out there to visit the Sir Francis Drake hotel (which hosted me during my stay) and highlight it as an ideal bridal destination. Now, when I say “destination”, I’m not just talking about the actual wedding day, but as a great getaway for your honeymoon, bachelor or bachelorette parties as well. So let’s get into it!

History & setting the mood

If you love the idea of vintage Gatsby era style opulence, then the Sir Francis Drake should be at the top of your list. Located a short block from Union Square, the Sir Francis Drake originally opened its doors in 1928. While the hotel is now in the capable hands of the boutique hotelier Kimpton brand, the space still has plenty of old world charm. First, you’re greeted by a doorman dressed like a Beefeater, which helps to set the mood. Walking into the lobby is like taking a trip back in time as you look at the plush overstuffed chairs at the lobby bar, the grand staircase that leads to the banquet and meeting rooms, and the cozy seating arrangement in the lobby.

First class dining

The Sir Francis Drake is well known for their sumptuous menus. Whether you order room service (which I did) or dine at their popular restaurant Scala’s Bistro (which I also did), you have an awesome array of tasty, fresh meals that are inventive as well as comforting. More importantly, when you plan a wedding or book a meal in one of their private dining rooms, your menu is crafted by the same chefs who head Scala’s.

Now for lunch and dinner…

I had lunch on my second day in town with the weddings & events team from the Sir Francis Drake. I didn’t eat all of that food, but I loved the creative offerings. Though not pictured, we had a very fresh appetizer that included calamari and tempura veggies. I had the beef carpaccio, which is a dish I don’t eat very often. But the beef was very fresh, and was complemented by the tang of the arugula, the acid of the lemon zest and the soft saltiness of the parmesan cheese. Then I went back for dinner with a friend and had the mushroom pizza (as an app—I shared it) and the mussels. I love mussels and these were perfectly prepared with a savory tomato base for dipping.

Nightlife

Imagine a hotel that offers a daily complimentary happy hour for its guests. If this makes you smile, then the Sir Francis Drake should be a place to book. Every evening in the Mezzanine the hotel hosts a complimentary wine hour where you and your guests can imbibe and chat about your day or mingle with other patrons.

If you’re one of those people who doesn’t feel confident to venture out into a strange city at night, you can still have a fun evening completely within the Sir Francis Drake. For a lowkey experience, start at Bar Drake the lobby bar—just be sure to bring a light jacket during the cooler months as the bar is directly opposite the hotel’s automatic sliding glass door entrance and it can be a little breezy. Bar Drake offers a laid back experience while a large red Beef Eater statue (yes like the gin) stands guard behind the bar. You can either grab a cocktail before or after dinner, dine at the bar, or just people watch and create imaginary scenarios for the other patrons. Note though that Bar Drake usually closes around 11PM. I dropped by Bar Drake every evening of my stay and it was a great way to unwind before I either started or ended my night.

If you’re not ready to call it a night at 11PM, head up to the top floor for the Starlight Room that stays open until 2AM. The Starlight Room is the true nightclub experience that reminds you of a speakeasy that’s gone legit. If you’re staying at the Sir Francis Drake over the weekend, be sure to stop by the Starlight Room for Sunday Brunch which is hosted by some of San Francisco’s best drag queens for a bit of karaoke with your pancakes and mimosas.

Accommodations

The Sir Francis Drake offers a variety of guest rooms and suites to meet your tastes. For guest rooms, choose from four categories: Historic, Classic, Deluxe and Grand. The Deluxe and Grand guest rooms are located on higher floors. If you saw my Instagram stories, you know that I had a Grand guest room on an upper floor located on the opposite side of the hotel away from Union Square. So, if you’re all about the view, be sure to request a room facing Union Square. For the ultimate experience, opt for one of the three suite styles: Sir Francis Drake, Starlight or the Presidential Suite. Suites offer at least 600 square feet and are ideal for honeymooners who plan to stay indoors and celebrate their nuptials.

And if you’re like me and like to stay healthy even while you’re away, the Sir Francis Drake does provide a 24/7 fitness center. Choose from a selection of Precor machines or opt to lift weights instead. And if you don’t want to leave your room, each guestroom and suite comes with a yoga mat in the closet for your convenience.

Stay tuned for my next installment of #TABWeddingsSF where I’ll discuss wedding options at the Sir Francis Drake!

For more info on the Sir Francis Drake visit www.sirfrancisdrake.com or follow on IG: @sirfrancisdrakesf

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