The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel stands as a landmark of San Francisco’s Union Square district, but within its historic walls lies a space that transcends mere hospitality: the Redwood Room. On top of that, this iconic bar is not simply a place to order a cocktail; it is a living museum of Art Deco design, a testament to California’s natural grandeur, and a cultural touchstone that has hosted everyone from literary giants to Hollywood royalty. For travelers and locals alike, understanding the allure of the Redwood Room requires a look at its history, its breathtaking architecture, and the meticulous care that keeps it relevant nearly a century after its debut.
A Legacy Carved in Redwood
The story of the Redwood Room begins in 1933, shortly after the hotel’s original opening in 1915. The centerpiece of the room is a staggering, single-slab bar top carved from a single 2,000-year-old redwood tree harvested from the Russian River Valley. Plus, the space was conceived as a showcase for one of California’s most magnificent natural resources: the coastal redwood. Measuring roughly 40 feet in length and 6 feet in width, this massive plank is widely considered one of the largest single pieces of redwood ever milled for commercial use.
Running your hand along the grain of this bar is a tactile connection to deep time. The wood’s rich, amber hue deepens under the warm glow of the room’s signature lighting, creating an atmosphere that feels both ancient and intensely modern. Flanking this natural masterpiece are towering redwood panels that line the walls, sourced from the same tree, ensuring a visual continuity that envelops guests in the forest’s embrace. It is a design philosophy that brings the outside in, celebrating the raw beauty of Northern California’s landscape within an urban sanctuary It's one of those things that adds up..
The Philippe Starck Renaissance
While the redwood bones of the room are original, the Redwood Room experienced a radical, controversial, and ultimately celebrated rebirth in 2001 under the vision of French designer Philippe Starck. Tasked with renovating the entire Clift Hotel, Starck approached the historic bar with a mix of reverence and rebellion. He understood that the redwood bar and paneling were sacrosanct—untouchable relics that defined the space’s soul.
Even so, Starck stripped away the dated furnishings and heavy drapes of previous decades, introducing a sleek, minimalist, and slightly surreal aesthetic that defines the room today. Now, he commissioned custom furniture—low-slung, curvaceous sofas and chairs upholstered in rich red leather and velvet—that contrasts dramatically with the vertical lines of the wood paneling. The color palette is a study in restraint: deep crimson, charcoal, black, and the warm gold of the wood.
Perhaps the most striking Starck additions are the oversized, sculptural elements. Practically speaking, it is a dialogue between eras, proving that historic preservation does not require a museum-like stiffness. But this juxtaposition of the organic, rough-hewn 1930s wood against the polished, industrial, 21st-century modernism creates a dynamic tension. Now, massive, glossy black lacquered spheres serve as side tables, while the lighting fixtures—resembling floating bubbles or celestial bodies—cast a soft, diffused light that eliminates harsh shadows. The result is a space that feels timeless, managing to be both a historic landmark and one of the most stylish bars in the world simultaneously Surprisingly effective..
This changes depending on context. Keep that in mind.
The Art of the Cocktail Program
A bar of this caliber demands a liquid program to match its surroundings. The Redwood Room does not rely solely on its aesthetics; it operates as a serious destination for cocktail enthusiasts. The menu is a curated journey through the classics, executed with precision and high-quality ingredients, alongside innovative house creations that push the boundaries of flavor and presentation Most people skip this — try not to..
The bartenders here are practitioners of the craft, treating each drink as a composition. You will find impeccably balanced Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Martinis stirred to the perfect dilution and temperature. The ice program is rigorous, utilizing large, clear cubes and spheres that melt slowly, preserving the integrity of the spirit Surprisingly effective..
Signature cocktails often reflect the locale or the room’s heritage. Consider this: the presentation is theatrical but never gimmicky—served in vintage glassware or custom vessels that enhance the aromatic experience. Drinks might incorporate local spirits from Bay Area distilleries, fresh herbs from the hotel’s garden, or house-made syrups and bitters. For those preferring wine or beer, the list is tightly edited, focusing on boutique California producers and interesting international selections that pair well with the bar’s small plates menu, which features elevated bar snacks like truffle popcorn, artisanal cheese boards, and oysters on the half shell That's the whole idea..
An Atmosphere of Intimate Grandeur
What truly separates the Redwood Room from other hotel bars is its unique spatial dynamic. Despite the grandeur of the 30-foot ceilings and the massive bar, the room possesses an unexpected intimacy. In practice, the low furniture encourages conversation at eye level, while the strategic layout creates natural nooks and semi-private alcoves. It is a space designed for the "see and be seen" culture of San Francisco’s past, yet it accommodates the modern desire for privacy and comfort.
The acoustics are remarkably dampened by the thick wood paneling and plush furnishings, allowing for conversation without shouting—a rarity in trendy hotel bars. The crowd is a fascinating cross-section of the city: business executives closing deals in the late afternoon, tourists making a pilgrimage to the design mecca, couples on first dates nestled in corner booths, and solo travelers savoring a quiet nightcap. The dress code leans smart-casual; while jackets are not required, the elegance of the room naturally elevates the attire of its patrons Not complicated — just consistent. Took long enough..
Live music is a staple of the Redwood Room experience, typically featuring a baby grand piano or a small jazz ensemble in the evenings. In practice, the music volume is calibrated perfectly: present enough to fill the silences, quiet enough to remain background texture. This sonic layer adds a layer of romance and nostalgia, evoking the golden age of hotel bars where the lounge singer was a nightly fixture.
It's where a lot of people lose the thread.
Cultural Significance and Pop Culture Status
The Redwood Room’s fame extends far beyond Union Square. In practice, its distinctive look—specifically the contrast of the red leather against the redwood—makes it instantly recognizable on screen. Now, it has cemented its place in pop culture history, serving as a backdrop for films, television shows, and countless fashion editorials. It has appeared in movies like The Rock and What Women Want, and its aesthetic has influenced bar design globally.
Real talk — this step gets skipped all the time Not complicated — just consistent..
Literary history also haunts the booths. Sitting here, one can easily imagine the smoke-filled rooms of the mid-century press corps, the clinking of glasses punctuating deadlines and scoops. The hotel has long been a favorite of writers and journalists; the Redwood Room specifically was a known haunt for columnists like Herb Caen, the legendary voice of San Francisco. This sense of continuity—that you are sitting where history was written and deals were made—adds an intangible weight to the experience.
Practical Guide for Visitors
Planning a visit to the Redwood Room requires a bit of strategy to ensure the best experience Not complicated — just consistent..
- Hours: The bar typically opens in the late morning or early afternoon (often around 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM) and serves until late night (usually 12:00 AM or 1:00 AM, later on weekends). Always check the hotel’s current website for seasonal hour adjustments.
- Reservations: The Redwood Room generally operates on a first-come, first-served basis for bar seating. Still, for larger groups or specific dining requests in the adjacent lounge areas, it is wise to inquire with the hotel concierge or via the Royal Sonesta reservation system.
- Best Times to Visit:
- **Late Afternoon (3:
00 PM – 5:00 PM):** Ideal for a quieter, more contemplative experience. The light filters beautifully through the clerestory windows, illuminating the wood grain, and you’ll have your pick of booths before the evening rush. This is the best window for solo travelers seeking that cinematic "last drink of the night" feeling. The Powell Street BART/Muni station is literally across the street, and numerous cable car lines terminate nearby. The high-top tables near the bar proper are better for quick drinks or standing conversation. * Parking & Transit: The hotel offers valet parking (pricey, as is standard for Union Square), but the location is a transit hub. In practice, * Seating Strategy: The red leather booths along the perimeter are the crown jewels—arrive early to claim one. Rideshare drop-off is easiest on Sutter or Post streets to avoid the cable car traffic on Powell. Here's the thing — * Early Evening (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM): The "golden hour" for atmosphere. On the flip side, the center banquettes offer a balance of both. * Late Night (After 9:30 PM): For the classic nightcap experience. But the bar fills with a sophisticated after-work crowd, the live music begins its first set, and the energy is vibrant but not yet wall-to-wall. The crowds thin slightly, the lighting drops to its most intimate levels, and the piano player often takes requests. On the flip side, * Payment & Tipping: Major credit cards and mobile pay are accepted. Tipping follows standard San Francisco hospitality norms (20%+ for table service, $2–$3 per drink at the bar) That's the part that actually makes a difference..
Conclusion
The Redwood Room endures not because it is frozen in amber, but because it understands the difference between old and timeless. It has survived earthquakes, Prohibition, corporate rebranding, and the fickle trends of the cocktail revival by anchoring itself in the fundamentals: impeccable ingredients, a space that flatters its occupants, and a respect for the ritual of the drink Not complicated — just consistent..
In a city that constantly tears itself down to build anew, the Redwood Room remains a rare constant—a place where the ghosts of Herb Caen and the architects of the UN Charter feel like they just stepped out for a cigarette, leaving their Martini behind. Whether you are a first-time visitor checking a box on a design pilgrimage or a local treating a Tuesday like a special occasion, the room offers the same promise it did in 1936: a sanctuary of warmth, beauty, and a perfectly balanced cocktail, served in the glow of the redwood Less friction, more output..
