Avi Brosh’s Palisociety, the independent hotel brand behind properties throughout California and beyond, has revealed the development of its newest West Coast hotel—Palihotel San Francisco. The property joins the brand’s collection of bespoke, dynamic neighborhood-centric hotels as one of six new 2018/2019 openings, alongside Palihotel Culver City, Palihotel Seattle, Palihouse Miami Beach, Silver Lake Pool & Inn and Palihotel Westwood Village.
Palihotel San Francisco, located close to Union Square, the Financial District and South of Market neighborhood, is a reincarnation of a century-old, Mission and Spanish Revival-style edifice on Stockton St. that has been home to several historic properties since its development, including the Colonial Hotel in the 1920s, the Hotel Navarre in the 1930s, the Navarre Guest House in the 1950s and, most recently, the Mystic Hotel.
“The overarching idea was to create a rather bespoke yet tranquil hotel nestled right in the thick of the hustle and grit of San Francisco city life—but at the same time still maintain the signature Palisociety quirky cultural milieu,” Brosh said.
The property has been reimagined by Brosh and his team into an urban neighborhood inn with a California-centric sensibility highlighted by a soft, neutral color palette; natural wood accents throughout; a bright, minimal collection of art; and a mixed and matched assortment of patterns, textures and accessories that is a signature of Palisociety’s irreverent, approachable take on modern-day hotel design.
According to Brosh, some design challenges included working within the existing structure.
“For example, at the turn of the century, the current 2nd floor of the hotel was actually the main entry and the current main entry to the hotel used to be the basement—literally upside down. We had to get creative in how we made the entry feel welcoming and the 2nd floor (where the lobby, restaurant and bar are located) connected to the rest of the hotel,” he explained.
The hotel has 82 rooms, ranging in size from 150-400 sq. ft., including a two-bedroom suite, king and queen accommodations. Each room is equipped with Palisociety signature bath amenities, black Smeg refrigerators, Nespresso machine and an in-room tablet with curated neighborhood guide.
“We took a very high level approach to the hotel’s location and thought to speak to the fact that the hotel was located in Northern California more than that it’s specifically located in San Francisco,” Brosh said. “That is represented by lots of wood paneling, earth-tone tiles and mixed and matched wood and stone finishes throughout. It has a strong essence of coastal California as a part of its vibe, which seemed like a really thoughtful design cue to pursue.”
Palihotel San Francisco will also have Fisher Loft, opening in December, an expansive, loft-style restaurant, lounge and liquor bar in 2,900 sq. ft. on the property’s second floor. Open to hotel guests and locals alike, Fisher Loft will feature an all-day menu of classic comfort food alongside an expansive cocktail program and beer and wine list, all developed by Palisociety’s in-house food and beverage team and executive chef.
