Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel

Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel is located at 450 Powell Street in the heart of downtown San Francisco, California, directly on the Powell Street cable car route and a short walk from Union Square. The building dates to 1928 and was long known as the Sir Francis Drake Hotel; its Beaux-Arts facade and distinctive liveried doormen remain one of the more recognisable sights on Powell Street. The Powell Street BART and Muni Metro station, Chinatown's Dragon Gate, and the Financial District are all within walking distance, and the cable car stops outside make it easy to reach Nob Hill and Fisherman's Wharf. Inside, the hotel mixes historic grandeur with updated interiors suited to a boutique offering. Room categories include Deluxe King, Double Queen and suites, and because the building is a historic structure, room sizes and layouts vary from floor to floor. Amenities include a fitness centre, free Wi-Fi and pet-friendly policies, which set it apart from many large downtown hotels. Dining and drinking are anchored by an on-site restaurant and a rooftop bar, the latter being the principal draw for non-guests thanks to its elevated views over the city skyline. The service character is polished and traditional, with a visible doorman presence and concierge help with theatre tickets, tours and transport. It appeals to couples, leisure travellers who want a historic setting, and visitors travelling with pets. Rates generally range from about $180 to $400 per night depending on season and room type. Because the hotel sits on a busy stretch of Powell Street, cable car bells and street activity can be audible, particularly in street-facing rooms on lower floors, so higher floors are preferable for quieter stays. The location is especially convenient for first-time visitors who want to ride the cable cars without arranging transport. Theatres, department stores and many restaurants lie within a few blocks, so a car is unnecessary for most visits.