The St. Regis Is the Best Place to Make Your Home In San Francisco

The time was 7:02 a.m. A light fog blanketed the streets of San Francisco. There was little to mild activity at this hour — just two cars passing each other on the road; no pedestrians crossed the traffic lights, and the only lights that were on in the neighbouring skyscrapers were a splattering of yellowish glow either emitted from desk lamps or from an aged fluorescent lighting.

There was no breakout of warm technicolor on the horizon. Instead, a soft amber light seeped through the gray cracks in the clouds. It was a little gloomy, but all was calm. So, this was what dawn looked like on a cold San Francisco morning on the edge of summer.

I observed all this from the living room in my generously accommodated Astor Suite. From where I stood, I faced the Bay to the north with the colossal Salesforce tower in my line of sight. If I turned slightly west, I was faced with a congested albeit eclectic array of architectural styles. Between neoclassical and gothic, modern and art deco, St. Regis is not lost in this kaleidoscopic cityscape.

The St. Regis San Francisco is situated within a 40-storey superstructure that’s home to private residences and hotel living. The hotel has recently completed a sophisticated update across its guestrooms, meeting spaces, lobby, and bar as part of a comprehensive multi-phase redesign. Across 260 guest rooms and suites, Toronto-based interior firm Chapi Chapo Design introduced customised furniture and a new curated colour palette featuring silver, copper, and iron tones.

Yes, contemporary is the word to describe the overall design but it’s not just about checking off the modern aesthetic — there is an enjoyable amount of space within these rooms, from skirting through the dining and living areas right through to the bedroom, especially in the Metropolitan Suites (which are highly favored by business travelers). The space is homely with the right amount of privacy, in spite of the unblocked city views that amaze you even if you turn the corner for the umpteenth time.

Exploring St. Regis’ New Spaces

The centrepiece of the hotel’s transformation is the newly revamped St. Regis Bar. Designed by the award-winning London-based firm Blacksheep, the bar’s interior combines rich textures and soft metallics, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It has all the elements for a night out on the town — or in this case, staying in. San Francisco, as I discovered, isn’t as glaringly loud about its nightlife as the East Coast is. You have to know which inconspicuous building to duck into in order to find yourself in a whole new world that’s flooded with warm lights, classical furniture and illuminated shelves fully stocked with the best wines and spirits.

Colours are more welcome in this corner of the hotel, which sees Pacific Ocean blues and warm pastels, which brighten up in the daytime thanks to the extravagant floor-to-ceiling windows. With sweeping brass trellis overhead, inspired by the city’s trolley lines, the warm tone is enhanced by dark green and dusty rose-pink upholstery, sharply defined black furniture legs, and custom tables with sculptural stone bases and brass detailing.

Pass the lobby and you’ll find the discreet Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) that’s home to expressions of Black cultures through its many exhibitions and mediums, from paintings to sculptures, and wardrobe. The hotel is neighbours with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, which makes art a naturally integral part of The St. Regis San Francisco’s identity. Don’t miss home-inspired paintings such as Randy Hibberd’s Solitude in the reception area or Janie Rochfort’s Mountain Mist while you wine and dine. Interior design team Blacksheep of London also introduced a signature contemporary chandelier, metal detailing, and a decorative wall installation that echoes the sweeping forms of the bar, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere throughout the public spaces.

Roger Huldi, the hotel’s general manager, expressed his enthusiasm for the newly redesigned spaces, stating, “The St. Regis San Francisco prides itself on being ahead of the curve, and the reimagined interior spaces reaffirm its position as one of the most art and design-focused properties in the world. We’re excited for guests to experience the fresh interiors, new ambiance, and beautiful art.”

A New Chapter in Luxury Hospitality

Over the past five years, San Francisco’s luxury economy has experienced significant shifts. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, San Francisco’s luxury market has rebounded strongly, underpinned by tech-driven wealth, real estate dynamics, and evolving consumer preferences. The St. Regis has responded well in this case, by enhancing their offerings with cutting-edge design, technology, and bespoke services to appeal to a discerning clientele.

It goes without saying that The St. Regis living would influence one’s city itinerary — I found myself exploring the culturally rich Mission district, whose artistic murals painted strong messages of gentrification and culture, and diverse food scene unified the Latin American communities; the oldest and most established Chinatown that sheltered the Chinese immigrants’ traditions since 1851, while also welcoming new-age establishments, such as delectable Cantonese cuisine helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon; and city treks through the historic Embarcadero district that was as refreshing as the upscale Union Square — depending which cityscape was more your scene that day. The bottomline is that St. Regis is settled within a landscape that remains dynamic, with ongoing debates around the city’s evolution — a clear sign of an economy that’s looking to thrive. As the hotel continues to set the standard for luxury hospitality in San Francisco, it’s a city that implores me to explore it all over again the next time I return.

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