The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel is a historic hotel located two blocks from Union Square at the intersection of Geary Street and Taylor Street, San Francisco, California.

[2] The hotel opened on February 1, 1915,[3] to serve crowds attending the Panama–Pacific International Exposition.

[5] On February 21, 1995, Four Seasons sold their interest in the property and it became The Clift, a Grand Heritage Hotel.

[7] Soon after, he oversaw a $50 million complete renovation, which involved the restoration of the Redwood Room, and the gutting and redesign of much of the rest of the hotel, by designer Philippe Starck.

[3] Starck's lobby featured his furniture collection, including chairs from Ray and Charles Eames, furniture by Salvador Dalí, and a stool by Roberto Matta (inspired by René Margritte).