The Redwood Room: A Historic Lounge Rooted in San Francisco's Heritage
Introduction
Discover the timeless allure of The Redwood Room, an iconic lounge in San Francisco renowned for its captivating design, deep historical roots, and commitment to sustainability. Located within the Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, the Redwood Room offers a unique atmosphere where the grandeur of California’s ancient redwoods meets refined elegance, creating an unforgettable setting for artful cocktails and sophisticated relaxation.
A Historic Legacy: The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel and the Redwood Room
The original Redwood Room before the 2001 renovation. In 2001, they added the the digital art frames featuring the paintings of the famous artist Gustav Klimt.
The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel was founded in 1915 by Frederick C. Clift, who sought to create a landmark in San Francisco’s Union Square area. Notably, it became one of the city's first earthquake-resistant and fireproof hotels, designed to endure and thrive amid the challenges of an evolving urban landscape.
In 1933, just after the end of Prohibition, the hotel introduced the Redwood Room—a lounge designed as a refined haven for patrons drawn to luxury and intimacy. With its walls crafted from a single coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) estimated to be over 2,000 years old, the Redwood Room soon gained recognition as an architectural marvel. Its atmosphere radiates warmth and grandeur, with the rich redwood panels echoing the timeless beauty and serene majesty of California’s coastal forests.
The Redwood Room’s Natural Architecture
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The beautiful glass bar designed by Phillippe Starck installed in 2001
I immediately wanted to know more about these beautiful panels and I was lucky enough to schedule an interview to speak with Jill Plemons, the Director of Sales and Marketing.
Every panel in the Redwood Room was crafted from a single redwood tree sourced from Northern California—an unparalleled achievement in both scale and respect for nature. The redwood paneling envelops the lounge, creating a profound sense of connection to nature that is seldom found in an urban setting. Visitors often describe an almost palpable energy within the room, as though the ancient wood infuses the space with life and history.
By the late 20th century, the Redwood Room had accumulated years of wear and tear, largely due to the era when indoor smoking was permitted. In 2001, the hotel embarked on an ambitious restoration project, carefully removing, labeling, and sending each redwood panel to expert woodworkers in Montana. There, the panels were restored to reveal the original luster and intricate wood grains hidden beneath layers of tobacco residue. This meticulous restoration process not only preserved the Redwood Room’s natural beauty but also honored the history and craftsmanship that went into creating the space.
Philippe Starck’s Artistic Touch: The Glass Bar and Klimt Art Frames
As part of the 2001 renovation, renowned designer Philippe Starck was invited to transform the Redwood Room into a harmonious blend of natural beauty and modern sophistication. Starck introduced a stunning glass bar that glistens under the room’s soft lighting, providing a contemporary contrast to the natural redwood walls. The transparent yet substantial bar is a striking centerpiece, embodying the duality of timelessness and innovation.
To further enhance the ambiance, the Redwood Room also installed digital art frames featuring works by the iconic artist Gustav Klimt. Known for his detailed patterns and richly colored portraits, Klimt’s pieces add a refined and artistic dimension to the room, blending historical art with the Redwood Room’s serene, natural elegance. The digital art frames allow for rotating displays, keeping the space visually dynamic and engaging for returning patrons.
Sustainability in Action: The Clift Hotel’s Commitment to Eco-Friendly Practices
The Hotel’s Rooftop Apiary
In a forward-thinking effort to support biodiversity and reduce their carbon footprint, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel has embraced several sustainable practices. Among these is a rooftop apiary housing over 10,000 honeybees across ten hives. The apiary serves as a sanctuary for the bees, which pollinate local plants and contribute to the overall health of the Bay Area’s urban ecosystem. The honey produced by these bees is harvested and incorporated into various cocktails and dishes served at the Redwood Room, creating a true farm-to-table (or rooftop-to-table) experience.
The Signature Charcuterie Plate: A Taste of Sustainability
Out-of-this-world charcuterie plate featuring their apiary's honey.
One standout menu item at the Redwood Room is their locally sourced charcuterie plate, an elevated selection of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and accompaniments. The honey from the rooftop apiary is a featured component, adding a touch of natural sweetness to balance the savory and tangy elements of the dish. The plate not only showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients but also underscores the Redwood Room’s dedication to sustainability by integrating their home-produced honey.
An Unforgettable Atmosphere: Why the Redwood Room Is a Must-Visit in San Francisco
From its storied origins to its innovative present-day practices, the Redwood Room offers a luxurious yet organic setting for anyone exploring downtown San Francisco. Visitors come for the unique ambiance created by the natural redwood panels, the striking glass bar, and the subtle elegance of Klimt’s artwork. But they stay for the warm, inviting atmosphere and the thoughtful eco-friendly touches that define the Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel’s mission.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a cocktail connoisseur, the Redwood Room promises a distinctive, layered experience. The combination of timeless design, rich heritage, and a forward-looking dedication to sustainability makes the Redwood Room a sanctuary in the heart of the city.
Visiting the Redwood Room: What to Expect
- Location: The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, Union Square, San Francisco
- Signature Cocktails: Try their artisanal cocktails featuring rooftop-harvested honey.
- Cuisine: Enjoy the charcuterie board, highlighting local and sustainable ingredients.
- Atmosphere: A blend of historic elegance and modern luxury, perfect for evening relaxation or an upscale social gathering.
If you find yourself in San Francisco with a curiosity for heritage, artistry, and sustainability, make a visit to the Redwood Room. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the spirit of ancient redwoods in a modern city setting—a place where history, nature, and luxury meet.
Originally posted on August 20, 2018.
