A Landmark of San Francisco’s Golden Age
At 500 California Street, the Omni San Francisco Hotel stands at a historic crossroads. Since 1926, this landmark address has been at the heart of the city’s Financial District, surrounded by a rich blend of business, culture, and iconic landmarks. With over a century of history, it offers guests a unique connection to both old and new San Francisco.
Over a Century of Change in San Francisco’s Financial District
The Financial Center Building stands proudly on the historic site of the Parrott Building, a resilient 1852 granite structure that withstood the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire. In 1926, as San Francisco’s financial sector flourished, the Parrott Building was demolished to make way for a sleek, modern design to accommodate the city’s growing needs.
Visionary architect Frederick H. Meyer, in collaboration with Albin R. Johnson, brought the new structure to life, completing the 17-story Financial Center Building in just nine months. Upon its grand opening in 1927, the building became a hub for banks and financial institutions.
In 2002, Omni Hotels & Resorts purchased the building and undertook a thoughtful restoration that transformed it into the 362-room hotel that remains a distinguished San Francisco landmark to this day.
Visionary architect Frederick H. Meyer, in collaboration with Albin R. Johnson, brought the new structure to life, completing the 17-story Financial Center Building in just nine months. Upon its grand opening in 1927, the building became a hub for banks and financial institutions.
In 2002, Omni Hotels & Resorts purchased the building and undertook a thoughtful restoration that transformed it into the 362-room hotel that remains a distinguished San Francisco landmark to this day.
From 1852 to Today: The Remarkable Transformation of 500 California Street
This is a carousel. Use the Next and Previous buttons to navigate.
A Legacy of Style and History in Every Corner of the Hotel
Admire the elegant two-story lobby atrium of the Omni San Francisco Hotel, adorned with Italian marble, rich fabrics, Austrian crystal chandeliers, and a wrought-iron staircase. The décor reflects the building’s history as a former hub for banks and financial businesses. Guest rooms continue this historic elegance with high ceilings, crown molding, and mahogany and cherry wood furnishings, while bathrooms feature Chinese granite vanities set against Italian marble floors and walls, capturing the refined spirit of the 1920s.
Connecting San Francisco’s Landmark Hills with the Historic Cable Cars
The California Street cable car line holds a special place in San Francisco’s history, and the Omni San Francisco Hotel is perfectly positioned along this iconic route. As one of the oldest and most scenic cable car routes, it became an essential part of San Francisco’s transportation and cultural identity. For guests at the Omni, staying along this historic route means having direct access to the city’s most iconic mode of transport, offering a unique connection to the city’s rich history and stunning views of its famous hills.
A Star in San Francisco’s Film and TV Scene
The Omni San Francisco Hotel has appeared in numerous films and television shows, making it a recognizable fixture of San Francisco’s skyline. It has been featured in iconic films such as The Presidio (1990), The Rock (1996), The Matrix (1999), The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), Chasing Liberty (2004), and The Princess Diaries (2001). The hotel has also made appearances in popular TV series including Nash Bridges (1996–2001), Full House (1987–1995), and Silicon Valley (2014–2019), underscoring its enduring presence in the city’s cinematic and cultural landscape.
