
Hotel Spero
Restrained historic boutique with modern edge. Spanish Colonial bones, warm ambient lighting, geometric patterns — not flashy, but considered. The lobby impresses without trying too hard.
Bar Esper just opened in May 2026 — grab a seat early before it becomes a known quantity
Why It Matters
On the National Register of Historic Places, the building debuted as the Hotel Californian in 1923. Former owner Lizzie Glide transformed it in 1935 into the city's only temperance hotel. The name 'Spero' honors her philanthropic legacy — Latin for hope. The blue sparrow symbol runs throughout the property as a nod to that history. Bar Esper, opened May 2026, is positioned as a serious neighborhood dining destination with Portuguese-Japanese culinary fusion.
A 1923 Spanish Colonial Revival building on the National Register of Historic Places, Hotel Spero pulls off something genuinely rare: a historic hotel that doesn't feel like a museum. Architects Perkins+Will handled the 2018 overhaul, keeping the intricate lobby tilework and soaring ceilings while weaving in warm geometric accents and glass-enclosed Spanish-tiled showers. It's part of IHG's Vignette Collection now — 236 rooms, two blocks from Union Square, with a brand-new tavern (Bar Esper, opened May 2026) worth visiting in its own right.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
The Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Round-the-clock gym with Peloton bikes, cardio machines, free weights, and strength training equipment. No need to work around class schedules.
The hotel offers pre-built city itineraries covering iconic neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, and local discoveries. Useful starting point for first-time visitors.
A purpose-built co-working space inside the hotel designed for focused work and collaboration. Open to guests looking for something beyond the standard business center. Good light, creative design.
3,000 sq ft of flexible event space across 6 distinctive venues. Capacity ranges from intimate dinners for 80 to receptions for 140. Crafted packages available for meetings, weddings, and celebrations.
Staff can recommend nearby dog-walking routes and pet-friendly spots around the city. Yerba Buena Gardens is within walking distance. Pet treats and a comfy pet bed available on request for a one-time fee.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Computers, printers, and office supplies. Access is covered by the hotel amenity fee.
Covered under the guest amenity fee. Available throughout guestrooms and public areas.
Room service / in-room dining is not currently offered. Front desk can assist with nearby dining recommendations and reservations.
State-of-the-art cardio machines including Peloton bikes, free weights, and strength equipment. Open around the clock.
Hotel participates in IHG One Rewards. Earn and redeem points across IHG's global portfolio.
Pets welcome for a one-time fee. Hotel donates a portion of each pet fee to a local animal shelter. Dogs and cats allowed (size limitations may apply).
Hotel Spero does not have a swimming pool.
Part of the hotel's Green Spero sustainability program. Refillable in-room amenities, recycling and composting programs, energy-efficient lighting, and low-flow fixtures also included.
Parking available at the garage next door at 415 Taylor Street. Not on-site. Approximately $48/day.
BUILD YOUR HOTEL SPERO PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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