San Francisco lodge reopens after renovation

In San Francisco, the Clift, now known as The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, recently reopened after a complete renovation by Gensler. The design team was inspired by the hotel’s centuries-old history and architectural elements found in the original 1915 drawings.

Every room in the hotel, from the lobby to the guest rooms, was given a lighter color palette of white, gray and metallic accents.

The Spanish suite, part of the original residence of the hotel’s first owner, Frederick Clift, has also been renovated. The outside deck is now enclosed to create additional event space. It also has new windows that blend in with the existing exterior.

The artwork for the guest rooms and corridors was inspired by the 1915 Pan American Pacific International Expositions, which show images of the structures erected for the event. (The paintings were discovered in the warehouse.) They have been renovated and placed in their original locations. The design team had the exhibition poster printed on a mirror and placed in an antique frame on the elevator walkway.

The Redwood Room has been refreshed with new seating and recessed lighting while maintaining the classic Art Deco style. The room also received original Gustav Klimt paintings that were found on site and have been restored.

Fredericks, a cafe that has been redesigned and replaced in its original location on the first level, has a black and white floor that was first seen in the room in the 1920s.

The facade will be restored and the building will be equipped with all new electrical, sanitary and mechanical systems.