The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel

Built in 1915 for the Pan American Pacific Exposition, this storied hotel has seen several reincarnations over the past century. Now, the property has been reinvented once again. This time as The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel.

The property’s restoration blends Modern Classic with elements of Art Deco and celebrates the building’s original craftsmanship. The hotel’s rich history and architectural elements found in the original drawings provided a framework for a design concept inspired by the evolution of an icon. The parallelism between past and present is reinforced through local artisanal elements that can be found throughout the property, from carpet weaving to tilework.

From the lobby, new lounge, restaurant, and conference rooms, to the guest rooms, every space beckons with a brighter color palette of warm whites, grays, and metallic accents. The famous Redwood Room, refreshed with elegant seating and subtle, recessed lighting, retains its classic Art Deco style. Enveloped by the beauty of a landscape that lures the world to its shores, the Clift celebrates its past with an eye toward the future.

Design: Gensler
Photography: Paul Dyer Photography, courtesy of The Clift Royal Sonesta