From Hotel Monaco to The Marker San Francisco: A Boutique Icon Reimagined

For decades, Hotel Monaco San Francisco was a fixture in the city’s downtown hotel scene, known for its whimsical design, lively energy, and constant celebrations. On any given weekend, the lobby would buzz with couples saying “I do,” locals gathering for cocktails, and travelers discovering Union Square for the first time. At its peak, the hotel hosted two weddings every day, every weekend — a testament to its role as one of San Francisco’s most beloved destinations.

Today, that same spirit of creativity and connection lives on at The Marker Union Square.

A Legacy of Style and Celebration

Originally opened as the Hotel Bellevue in the early 20th century, the property later became Hotel Monaco San Francisco, a cornerstone of the city’s emerging boutique-hotel movement. Its bold interiors, theatrical atmosphere, and warm personality attracted artists, newlyweds, and business travelers looking for something more distinctive than the typical downtown stay.

When the hotel transitioned to The Marker, the goal wasn’t to erase that legacy — it was to evolve it.

Many of the building’s original architectural features remain beautifully preserved today, including the sweeping two-story marble staircase and the rare Inglenook fireplace, a step-in, sit-in hearth that continues to anchor the lobby with a sense of gathering and warmth. The hotel is now home to two functioning fireplaces, each one a nod to the property’s long history as a place to meet, celebrate, and unwind.

The architecture, vibrant character, and natural sense of occasion remain, now paired with refined design touches and a service philosophy that reflects San Francisco’s creative energy and welcoming heart.

A New Chapter in Union Square

Today, The Marker stands as one of the city’s most character-rich boutique hotels, a place where design, culture, and comfort meet just steps from Union Square. Artful details throughout the lobby, the locally inspired atmosphere at  Tratto, and the hotel’s versatile meeting and event spaces continue to host everything from intimate weddings to dynamic corporate gatherings.

Guests who remember the Hotel Monaco era often remark that the soul of the hotel feels the same — only now, it’s been thoughtfully reimagined for today’s traveler, with elevated amenities and a design-forward point of view.

Experience the Evolution

Whether you stayed here during the Hotel Monaco San Francisco days or you’re discovering it for the first time, The Marker Union Square invites you to experience a new era of boutique hospitality. Explore our  rooms and suites, discover thoughtful amenities, or plan your next celebration in a space that has hosted decades of San Francisco stories.

Because some icons don’t disappear, they simply evolve.