LUXClub Magazine Lights Up the Westin St. Francis
By Carole Barrow
On Thursday, August 8, 2024, the iconic Westin St. Francis Hotel hosted a night of unparalleled elegance and sophistication, blending luxury, fashion, and the vibrant culture of Union Square. A celebration at the hotel, in collaboration with the Union Square Alliance and LUXClub Magazine, marked the unveiling of its newly reappointed Luxury Suites. The gathering was also a toast to the July issue of LUXClub Magazine, featuring San Francisco’s Teresa Rodriguez on the cover, Editorial Director of Liberté Press and an 18-page spread of Colleen Quen’s couture creations including the Dahlia Gown designed exclusively for Union Square in Bloom 2024.
High fashion and glamour were on vibrant display against the backdrop of a foggy San Francisco evening as some of the city’s most influential people came to toast the occasion. Among those attending were luminaries such as former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown, joined by his partner Sonya Molodetskaya, who mixed with the diverse crowd of over 200 Bay Area Influencers and socialites. Those in attendance included real estate mogul Joel Goodrich, John Konstin of famed John’s Grill, and Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of Union Square Alliance, also modeling the Bloom shrug in the magazine spread.
As guests arrived, the evening’s atmosphere was set by a sleek new addition—a brand-new electric Porsche from Enterprise’s Exotic Car Collection—foreshadowing the luxury that awaited on the 31st floor. Attendees were ushered to the hotel’s Tower Building, to be among the first to explore six newly revamped Luxury Suites. The opulent yet quietly understated lodgings offer stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, designed as one-of-a-kind reflections of the city itself.
The Bay View, Union Square, Golden Gate, Bridgeview, and Pacific Suites borrow their names from the views they provide, while the Windsor Suite is named in commemoration of the historic visit in 1983 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Measuring between 550 and 1900 square feet in area, they provide ample room to settle in and listen to the cable cars ring and jangle by in the night. The Windsor Suite was abloom with holiday centerpieces by Noovo Bloom; luxurious linens from Samuel Scheuer Fine Linens; sparkling wine supplied by Buena Vista Winery; and exquisite hors d’oeuvres, all curated by Executive Chef Xavier Camacho.
The setting didn’t disappoint romance seekers, either. Sumptuous red roses by Noovo Bloom adorned the suites, and treats by Executive Pastry Chef Jean Francois Houdre sweetened the ambiance. Luxurious linens and sparkling wine completed the scene, making it at once intimate and indulgent.
Each suite offers not just a stay, but an immersion into the essence of San Francisco, from the Windsor Suite’s warm rust tones evoking the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bridgeview Suite’s hues capturing the magic of the city’s sunsets. Guest experiences include a host of high-end amenities. Driver on demand for a trip to Napa or luxury car rental to joyride through the city’s most Instagrammable landmarks? The concierge has you covered!
For those who crave the ultimate bucket-list experience, the Golden Gate Suite indulges guests with a day of pampering with added perks of personal shopping services from Banana Republic, original artwork provided by local gallery CK Contemporary, and high-end luggage from RIMOWA. Added amenities included complimentary grooming services from Dapper Down, a specialty men’s barbershop, making this the ultimate retreat for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Finally, the Union Square Suite celebrated all of Union Square in Bloom. The floral-inspired focal point was the Union Square in Bloom 2024 ‘Dahlia Gown’ designed by coutueriere Colleen Quen, accompanied by live music from Latin/Soul and R&B singer Elisa Solei and bloom-themed cuisine by Chef Camacho. This vibe embodied an ode to the artistic and cultural pulse that keeps Union Square alive and kicking—flourishing with colors and power reminiscent of this beloved epicenter of SF.
Teresa Rodriguez, gracing the cover of LUXClub Magazine’s July issue, was in attendance, adding to this evening of media and fashion influencers. Styled by Banana Republic’s Antonio Contreras, Rodriguez mingled with other notables, including San Francisco’s Chief of Protocol, Maryam Muduroglu; Image Consultant Navid Armstrong, couture designers Vasily Vein and Colleen Quen; and philanthropist/comedian Stephanie Block.
The evening wasn’t just a celebration of Union Square’s resurgence but a tribute to the timeless allure of San Francisco—a city where history and modern luxury meet at every corner. With a wealth of legacy and updated artistry, the Westin St. Francis was the picture-perfect setting for one of this summer’s social calendar bright spots.
Those who want to experience the luxury and history of one of Union Square’s most iconic hotels can reserve a stay at Westin St. Francis.