Hotel Normandie (San Francisco)

Hotel Normandie Illustration (1908)

Site map of the Hotel Broadmoor, San Francisco

Following the destructive 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the Hotel Normandie swiftly emerged as a testament to resilience. In April 1908, the Hotel Normandie welcomed its first guests to a four-story establishment, featuring a collection of 250 guest rooms and suites. The distinctive layout of the Hotel Normandie formed an "E" shape, featuring two slender and luminous courtyards that allowed natural light and fresh air to permeate the interior rooms. The exterior of the hotel showcased an appealing design crafted with terracotta brick, while the lobby showcased the interior with the use of marble. Within the rooms of the Hotel Normandie, guests were treated to a tasteful ambiance created by carefully chosen furnishings. Adorned with wallpaper and carpets, the rooms boasted a collection of mahogany, oak, and walnut furniture. The dining room of the Hotel was characterized by its ample space, abundant lighting, and excellent ventilation, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for guests. The well-equipped kitchen boasted a comprehensive range of modern appliances, catering to the culinary needs of the hotel's patrons. Under the management of Max Schulhofer and Leo Lebenbaum, the hotel prioritized the comfort and convenience of traveling individuals, making special arrangements to cater to their specific requirements.[2]

Nestled near the Pacific Heights district, the hotel was designed in the elegant Palazzo style, adding to its allure and architectural splendor.[1][3]

In 1909, the Hotel Normandie proudly proclaimed itself as the premier uptown hotel, boasting the title of the "largest and best." It offered both American and European plans, providing guests with a range of accommodation options to suit their preferences.[4]

By November 1936, the former Hotel Normandie underwent a transformation and began operating under a new name, the Hotel Broadmoor.[5] As of 2019, the hotel comprised 198 rooms and 132 bathrooms, as recorded by the San Francisco Office of the Assessor. Occupying a spacious lot measuring approximately 18,905 square feet (1,756.3 m²), the hotel stood as a prominent presence. However, by 2019, a significant portion of the Neo-classical exterior ornamentation had been removed from the Hotel Normandie.[3]

Hotel Broadmoor transitioned into a retirement hotel in the 1990s, catering to the needs and comforts of retirees.[3] The Hotel extended a range of accommodation options, including one to three-room suites. Guests enjoy access to various amenities such as card rooms, a library, comfortable sitting rooms, TV and entertainment rooms, a beauty parlor, and maid service. The hotel's front desk operates around the clock, ensuring that guests received assistance and service at any time of the day or night.[6]