Project Overview
The Palace Hotel was proclaimed the largest hotel in the world upon its debut in 1897 as San Francisco’s first luxury hotel. Rebuilt to greater splendor in 1909 after the 1906 earthquake, the Palace unveiled a modern rebirth in 2016 through a sweeping renovation envisioned by Beatrice Girelli and her firm Indidesign.
Following its renovation, the Palace Hotel was awarded Best Historic Hotel in America for the 400+ room category by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The design challenge was to infuse contemporary touches in a landmark historic property, preserving the essence of this grand monument to Beaux Arts.
This challenge was captured in the title Beatrice gave to the project: “Iconic Style: a modern celebration.” She and her team drew their inspiration from the building’s rich history and the notable figures who graced the hotel, creating a modern celebration of privileged travel, style, art and grandeur in one experience. Style cues from illustrious past guests are channeled into the design.
The 553 guest rooms were given a soft, serene palette. Leather headboards, dark wood accents, metallic surfaces expressed in lighting, and marble baths lend a contemporary feel. In the suites, new clean-lined furnishings in a tranquil palette of cream and dove-gray are the perfect backdrop for pops of orange, shimmering draperies, and richly finished lighting in bronze tones, glass and cream leather.
Purchasing Management International of Dallas, TX handled procurement and project management for this iconic property’s complete renovation.