The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel

The reasoning behind updating and renovating an aging building rather than tearing it down can be multifaceted. There may be environmental reasons — reusing existing structures can save up to 40% of the emissions it takes to build new. Economic concerns may play a role — renovating aging buildings saves materials and can be more cost effective. For The Clift Hotel, which was built in 1915 after the 1906 earthquake to be the first fire- and earthquake-proof building in San Francisco, the reason was simple: The city wanted to save an icon that had become a potent symbol of recovery and rebirth.

Gensler’s design team sought to restore the hotel’s original art deco aesthetic while modernizing the building’s systems and guest offerings. The façade was restored to its original glory, and the hotel is now equipped with all-new electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. The phased renovation covered nearly every part of the hotel, including all guest rooms, corridors, and public spaces such as the lobby, restaurant, bar, meeting and event venues, and lounge and coworking areas. To manage budget constraints and reduce construction time and costs, the team selectively designed certain room elements as FF&E pieces, such as the bathroom vanity.

Gensler’s renovation re-establishes the hotel’s standing and breathes new life into this San Francisco icon. The restoration blends modern classical with art deco elements and celebrates the building’s original craftsmanship with locally commissioned details in everything from carpet to tilework. New technology and modern mechanical and electrical systems restore the Clift’s reputation as a building ahead of its time. The result is a destination that celebrates the past while embracing the future.