Secret Prohibition Room in Sir Francis Drake Hotel, San Francisco

If you dig deep enough, I imagine every hotel has a story to tell; however, few are as intriguing as San Francisco’s Sir Francis Drake. Centrally located on the cable car line in Union Square, it was the ideal place to stay today, but even more so during prohibition.

Take a look at the lobby of the Sir Francis Drake. Can you spot where the secret prohibition room is hiding?

From our Arrival . . .

Legendary doorman Tom Sweeny greeted us. He is the most photographed man in San Francisco.

Passing through the doors, the Sir Francis Drake Hotel captivated my imagination. It’s a classic.

A long, elegant staircase led us up to the sophisticated, yet somewhat eclectically furnished lobby.

We headed to the reception desk for a smooth and easy check-in.

I love the ornate detail of this staircase leading up from the lobby.

A valet escorts us to our room. As we enter the elevator bay, not a word is spoken of the secret prohibition room that is situated right over our heads.

It’s only later that we are told about the bullets still embedded in the upper lobby ceiling following a late 1920s wedding. “Was it a shotgun wedding?” I had to know. It turns out it wasn’t nearly that interesting. Rather an excited and happy father celebrating the marriage of his daughter during a strange era that revolved around organised crime and hidden alcohol.

Bullets still embedded in the ceiling following a late 1920s wedding.

Finally, it was a slow hour, and time for our private tour of the purpose-built prohibition room that isn’t found on any blueprints of the hotel. Constructed in 1928, the Sir Francis Drake is the only San Francisco hotel built during prohibition, and its owners recognised the opportunity.

Using a hidden keyhole on the original 1928 elevator, our guide took us up (effectively taking that elevator out of service for a bit). As we entered the prohibition room, he set the mood with an old record player and “speakeasy-style” music from the era. He explained the process that brought booze from Canada via bootleggers to the Moss Beach Distillery.

From Moss Beach, it was hidden in luggage and brought into the hotel through the underground garage.

Using the same elevator that we had just been in, it was brought up and stored in this room. A few of the current lobby sprinklers cover the old peepholes that allowed the bellman to keep watch.

“Word around town was that if you stayed at the Drake, you’d receive a bottle of booze when you checked in.”

The bellman also delivered the booze through small hollow doors that open on both sides, in the same manner as room service orders or dry-cleaning was sent up.

One more shot of some of the history displayed in the secret Prohibition room.

In case you are wondering, we loved our stay at the Sir Francis Drake. Our room was tastefully decorated and overlooked Union Square. We were located on an allergy-free floor, although like all Kimpton properties it is a pet-friendly location. We had a Grand Guestroom, and in similar fashion to the Kimpton properties we stayed at in Seattle and Portland, there was a bathrobe and yoga mat in the closet, interesting items in the mini bar, a fabulous hour-long wine reception at 5 pm nightly, a gym, and staff that treat everyone like they are special. The only downside was our bathroom that lacked a place outside of the shower to hang a towel, and barely had a counter large enough for our toothbrush.

The L-Shape of our Grand Guestroom made it difficult to photograph. I used the mirror to reflect the bed.

Practical Information:

• The Sir Francis Drake is at 450 Powell Street in the Union Square neighbourhood of San Francisco, right on the cable car line. If you get a CityPass, not only will you get into many of the classic San Francisco destinations, you will also get unlimited access to the cable cars.
  
• For reservations, visit their official website or check for deals at Booking.com.
• Be sure to join the (free) Kimpton Karma Club. Once a member you get free internet, accumulate points towards free nights, and can raid the mini bar to the tune of $10.
• If you want to get into the prohibition room, just ask nicely. It’s off the grid, and won’t be offered, but it’s not a secret anymore.
• Scala’s Bistro, the attached restaurant severed a delicious breakfast and decent coffee.
• The Starlight Room on the top floor is open for “cocktail culture, retro swank, and a buzz-worthy ambience” from 5 pm Tuesday to Saturday, closing at midnight during the week and 2 am on Friday and Saturday for dinner and dancing.
• Sunday’s a Drag is a hilarious drag show complimented with a delicious brunch. The Starlight Room is the perfect setting to spend a few hours. Get there early for the best seats.

At “Sunday’s a Drag” comedy drag queen show.

Have you stayed at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel? Did you know there was a secret prohibition room? Have you had your photo taken with Tom Sweeney?

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Disclaimer: As media guests of the hotel we were provided with a few extra benefits. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.