May June 2018

20 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com OPENING OFFICIALLY on October 2, 1875, the Palace Hotel immediately entranced the American public with its grandeur, standing as the largest and most luxurious hotel in the world. Covering nearly two acres in the center of San Francisco, the Palace attracted significant attention and elite visitors as it boasted 755 spacious rooms (each with a fireplace mantel), private baths, and its own brick factory and oak forest for production. In addition to these luxuries, the Palace was one of the first hotels to offer air conditioning, truly living up to its name. After the devastating fires of the 1906 earthquake the hotel was completely rebuilt and reopened in 1909 as the “new” Palace, at this time unveiling a breathtaking new creation. The massive carriage entryway, 110 feet long by 85 feet wide, was converted into an interior garden court. Recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful public spaces, The Garden Court is crowned with a stained-glass ceiling constructed from more than 70,000 pieces of iridescent glass. During the 1989 major restoration, the crew used cables to secure the glass panels suspended from the protected ceiling. Pennies were used as retrofit washers. The 150 pennies that line The Garden Court ceiling are the exact size and weight needed for the job. Further adding to the room’s magnificence, The Garden Court is adorned with original Austrian crystal chandeliers (the largest measuring five feet in height and weighing over 750 pounds) and flanked by a double row of Italian marble columns. In 1969, the Garden Court was designated as San Francisco’s only interior historical landmark (number 18 in the historical landmark registry). The Palace still hosts many authentic features dating back to 1909, including the solid brass monogram door knobs, 12 different styles of Austrian crystal chandeliers, the Pied Piper of Hamelin painting, and various architectural details. CH&LA is proud to recognize the Palace Hotel for its 79 years of membership.  Covering nearly two acres in the center of San Francisco, the Palace attracted significant attention and elite visitors as it boasted 755 spacious rooms (each with a fireplace mantel), private baths, and its own brick factory and oak forest for production. The Garden Court inside the “new” Palace Hotel Spectacular view of the Austrian crystal chandeliers and Italian marble columns