Our Hotel Planner Expert Reviews of Kensington Park Hotel
Our expert hotel planners periodically visit and review the hotels we represent in person.
"Elegance with an Edge - Lovely Union Square Kimpton property"
Overall Score5.0/ 5
I have nothing but good things to say about this hotel and the sales staff that runs it. If you don't mind a little "Kimpton flair" with your luxury, this is a great option for any group that wants a central location just a couple of blocks from Union Square. This property has a predominantly elegant, historic look (high, ornate ceilings and a grand stairwell in the entry way), but still has a touch of the Kimpton edge that makes the brand so distinctive (for instance, the large, red, avant-guarde statue towering over the lobby bar). The property is beautifully done, with a special emphasis on their elegant, chandelier-laden meeting rooms. This would be a great property to host a social event of any kind. Children and dogs are welcome, and those that wish to dance (or catch a Sunday drag show) can find a well-known night club on the top floor of the hotel. It is also possible to rent this "nightclub" space for private events, if you would prefer that to one of the meeting rooms, which is an excellent choice due to the sweeping views of the city. The rooms are lovely and a bit dramatic (patterns, jewel tones, and the occasional metallic piece), and the staff is charismatic and helpful. In general, this is a very unique, stylish property that has elements of the avant garde - I would recommend it to any group, unless that group is present for a serious affair of some variety and does not favor any distractions. They might consider a more straightforward brand. Otherwise, this is a great hotel and comes highly recommended for groups. Ask for a tour of their "secret prohibition room"!
Aria T, a local HotelPlanner San Francisco expert from
01-Aug-2013 Verified Review
Verified Reviews of Beacon Grand a Union Square Hotel
Below are the verified reviews from guests that we have booked recently:
"Exceptional Service and Extremely Clean Rooms"
Overall Score5.0/ 5
We were meet at the front door by bellhop who was very courteous and greeted us with his friendly smile. The front desk was also friendly and explained everything throughly when checking in. Housekeeping is awesome and very courteous. Our room was clean when we came in and when they cleaned our room for the day was exceptionally clean. The restaurant in the hotel was very friendly and had delicious food. Best stay ever and are truly grateful for their kindness. I would highly recommend staying at this hotel and they had the best rates. 10 stars for this hotel.
Raquell S. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
25-Apr-2025 Verified Review, stayed from Wed Apr 23 to Fri Apr 25 2025 at a $167.49 average nightly rate.
"A lovely place."
Overall Score5.0/ 5
Elegant lobby, staircase, ceiling and chandelier. Room was nice. Old school class and charm. Staff and waitresses were great. Will stay again.
Richard H. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
23-Sep-2024 Verified Review, stayed from Fri Sep 20 to Sat Sep 21 2024 at a $173.99 average nightly rate.
"Very Pleasant Stay."
Overall Score4.0/ 5
Dates of stay August 24 29/24 We were first time travelers to San Francisco, in our late 40s and travelled with no kids. All of our interactions with the hotel staff were great, but I want to give an extra shout out to Monica at the front desk and Sebastian, one of the doormen. Monica was the first employee we dealt with and her kindness, sincerity and genuineness made us feel welcomed and valued as guests and not "just a customer". Our interactions with Sebastian were warm and authentic and he made us feel comfortable and welcomed every time we came back to the hotel. They both were a huge part in making us feel like we were welcomed and valued. We stayed in a Grand Junior Suite (15th floor) facing the street, and had an amazing view from our windows. The room itself was huge, had plenty of seating and lots of room to be able to store luggage out of the way. We could hear street noise, but the bed and bedding that they use had me sleeping so soundly that I wasn't bothered by it. The trolley bells do start early though! We didn't hear noise/people in the other rooms except for the occasional chair being moved on hardwood. There were plenty of mirrors and electrical outlets around the room as well. The bathroom had a double vanity (ample space for two people to get ready) and a large walk in shower. The water pressure from the shower head is very weak, so a head's up if you have a lot of hair, or long hair. There is a safe in the room and the closet area had a place to hang up clothes, along with a number of shelves. There were plenty of drawers to unpack as well. The location of the hotel is excellent for accessing the touristy parts of San Francisco quite easily. We walked all around the area and didn't feel unsafe. The latest we ventured out until was approximately 9:30 pm. We had a couple drinks at the Starlite Lounge and while it was quite expensive for four drinks, the atmosphere is something to experience! We also were gifted two complimentary drinks for The Post Room, and, unfortunately, I didn't get the bartenders name, but he too gave that little extra effort in showing us a little something that we normally wouldn't have had access to while staying there. If someone asked me if they should stay at the Beacon Grand Hotel, I would absolutely say "Yes!".
Melissa H. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
04-Sep-2024 Verified Review, stayed from Sat Aug 24 to Thu Aug 29 2024 at a $262.59 average nightly rate.
"Great Stay!"
Overall Score5.0/ 5
A five star getaway!
Diane G. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
12-Aug-2024 Verified Review, stayed from Fri Aug 09 to Mon Aug 12 2024 at a $187.99 average nightly rate. 4.0 out of 5.
Based on 1116 guest reviews Property Description
Set high above the street on the top 12 floors, known as “The Best address on Union Square”, Kensington Park Hotel is sure to show you the Heart of San Francisco. The hotel guestrooms were renovated in 2008 and offers both luxury and modern-day necessities, our 94 exquisitely designed rooms are sophisticated yet comfortable. Guests will enjoy complimentary high speed wireless internet access throughout the hotel, San Francisco Playhouse Theater and San Francisco Elks Lodge are located within the same building.
Green Sustainability
Yes
Details / Other Expenses
| Check In: | 3pm |
| Check Out: | 12pm |
| Year of Last Renovation: | 2008 |
| Floors: | 12 |
| Rooms: | 94 |
| Corridors: | All Rooms Have Interior Hallways |
| Non Smoking Rooms: | 94 |
| Handicap Rooms: | 1 |
| Rooms with 1 Bed: | 71 |
| Rooms with 2 Beds: | 23 |
| Suites: | 1 |
| Room Windows: | Windows Do Open |
| Cleaning Frequency: | Daily |
| Meeting Rooms: | 1 View Spaces |
| Meeting Space: | 16000 sq. feet |
| Banquet Space: | Holds 300 people |
| Dist. to Food/Bars: | On-site |
| Dist. to 24hr Restaurant: | 0.3 Mi |
| Dist. to Nearest Gym: | 0.3 Mi |
| Lounge/Bar Hours: | 5-11PM |
Pool Info:
No pool or spa at this hotel. Guests will notice in the elevator that there is a SPA floor, this is private and it is not part of the hotel. |
| Ownership: | KPH Management |
Policies / Expenses Cancellation:
24 hours prior to arrival for individual travel. 30 days prior to arrival for group travel. |
| Nightly Parking: | $55 |
| Typical Group Deposit: | 25% |
| Total Taxes: | 16.45% |
| Total Misc Fees: | $0.00 USD
(mandatory resort fees/taxes) |
| Resort/Hotel Fee: | 0.00 Per Night |
| Parking Fee: | 55.00 Per Night (Valet Parking ($65 O/S)) |
| Porterage Fee: | 7.00 Per Item (Group arrivals ONLY) |
| Gym Fee: | 0.00 Per Day (Not applicable) |
| Additional Person Fee: | 20.00 Per Person (For 3 and 4th person) |
| Rooms Wireless Internet Fee: | 0.00 Per Day (COMPLIMENTARY) |
| Food and Beverage Service Charge: | 22.00% |
Amenities / Features
Airport & Shuttle Information
SFO-Taxi $45, Shuttle $17, Bart $7Oakland- $75, Shuttle $30, Bart $12
Local Shuttle Info: Recommend Super Shuttle and Lorries
Breakfast Information
The hotel has no restaurant for breakfast. Coffee shops and restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner within the same block of hotel.
Pet Friendly?
Service animals complying with ADA Title lll regulations are allowed.
Sorry, pets are
not allowed.
Parking Info
Valet $55/Day, Oversize vehicles $65/Day
Internet / WiFI
Complimentary WIFI throughout the entire hotel (rooms and public areas)
Cleaning Policies
Clean + Safe Certified by the California Hotel & Lodging Association
Suggested AI Generated Itinerary
Day 1
- Breakfast: Tartine Bakery - Famous for its pastries and bread, this bakery is a must-visit. Located 0.3 miles from Beacon Grand.
- Lunch: Hog Island Oyster Co. - Enjoy fresh oysters and seafood at this popular spot. Located 0.7 miles from Beacon Grand.
- Dinner: The House of Prime Rib - A classic steakhouse known for its prime rib and old-school charm. Located 0.5 miles from Beacon Grand.
- Activity: Explore Union Square - Shop at high-end stores, visit art galleries, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Located 0.2 miles from Beacon Grand.
Day 2
- Breakfast: Mama's on Washington Square - Enjoy delicious breakfast dishes in a cozy setting. Located 0.4 miles from Beacon Grand.
- Lunch: The Slanted Door - Experience modern Vietnamese cuisine with stunning waterfront views. Located 1.2 miles from Beacon Grand.
- Dinner: Gary Danko - A Michelin-starred restaurant offering a refined dining experience. Located 0.6 miles from Beacon Grand.
- Activity: Visit Alcatraz Island - Take a ferry to explore the infamous former prison and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Located 1.5 miles from Beacon Grand.
Day 3
- Breakfast: Dottie's True Blue Cafe - A popular spot for hearty breakfasts and delicious baked goods. Located 0.5 miles from Beacon Grand.
- Lunch: The Ferry Building Marketplace - Explore the food stalls and artisan shops in this iconic San Francisco landmark. Located 1.3 miles from Beacon Grand.
- Dinner: Boulevard - A waterfront restaurant offering American cuisine with a touch of French influence. Located 1.1 miles from Beacon Grand.
- Activity: Golden Gate Park - Spend the day exploring this expansive park, home to gardens, museums, and beautiful trails. Located 2.5 miles from Beacon Grand.
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