Nikko’s Japanese heritage inspires HBA-led Hotel Nikko San Francisco renovation

Hotel Nikko San Francisco, located near the city's Union Square, unveiled a $60-million renovation commemorating the property's 30th anniversary this year. The three-month renovation was spearheaded by Hirsch Bedner Associates.

The new design, inspired by Nikko’s Japanese heritage and the lines of a traditional kimono, includes 405 of the hotel's 533 guestrooms and suites; structural upgrades to the lobby, public areas, third floor ballroom and meeting spaces; as well as large-scale improvements to the hotel’s overall infrastructure and technology.

The 405 new residential-styled guestrooms and suites have a color palette of earthy neutral tones. Living spaces have new sofas, carpets and fabrics throughout. Marble bathrooms have parquet flooring, soaking bathtubs and separate oversized showers.

The revamped 6,652-square-foot ballroom on the hotel’s third floor has a new space for large-scale events. Focal points include tall metal-cut wall screens with Japanese design features, and crystal glass drop light chandeliers anchored from the ceiling. The pre-function space has natural light and art-inspired fixtures and furnishings, such as copper finished tables, grey marble worktops and armchairs.

Hotel Nikko San Francisco also has 20 meeting rooms on its 25th floor overlooking the city with views of San Francisco Bay. As part of the renovation, the meeting rooms were installed with new audiovisual equipment.

The hotel’s restaurant ANZU, led by Swiss chef Philippe Striffeler, is also now open.