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Phoenix Hotel rises once again with its new design by Liz Lambert of Bunkhouse

Phoenix Hotel’s vibrant courtyard features a beautifully lit pool surrounded by tropical plants and contemporary lounge chairs.

All photography courtesy of Phoenix Hotel

Located in the heart of San Francisco’s burgeoning Tenderloin neighbourhood, the Phoenix Hotel is considered a beloved cultural icon and a longtime favourite of the rock n’ roll set, frequented by everyone from Neil Young to David Bowie to Kurt Cobain.

Originally built in 1956 as the Caravan Lodge, a motor court hotel, and revived in 1987 under the vision of famed hotelier Chip Conley, the legendary property features 44 guestrooms with a simple and colourful design inspired by the travelling musician.

Set amidst midcentury architecture and a tropical landscape, the property includes Chambers eat + drink, a "New California" style restaurant, bar, and lounge; an outdoor garden courtyard oasis and heated pool plus modern amenities throughout.

The hotel is now operated by Liz Lambert’s celebrated hospitality company, Bunkhouse, which maintains the property’s iconic identity and character by highlighting its storied history through a series of refreshments to the public spaces and rooms.

Colorful facade of the Phoenix Hotel in San Francisco's Tenderloin, featuring a vintage-style sign for hotel and restaurant.
Bright pool area of the Phoenix Hotel, featuring stylish seating and lush tropical landscaping in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood.
Renovated outdoor seating area at the Phoenix Hotel, featuring a striped cabana and palm trees in San Francisco.

A nod to the city’s musical past, each of the 44 guestrooms has large windows facing the courtyard and is outfitted with vibrantly colourful textiles and dynamic accents, including bright blue custom headboards and desks, wheat paste art, and coloured light installations.

Similar to the other Bunkhouse properties, the Phoenix offers a playful nod to its heritage, featuring yellow curtains inspired by the original Caravan Lodge and vintage rock n’ roll concert posters.

Vibrant blue pool with decorative patterns, surrounded by white chairs, palm trees, and striped cabanas at Phoenix Hotel.
Stylish exterior of the Phoenix Hotel featuring vibrant red doors and modern design in San Francisco's Tenderloin district.
Stylish reception area of the Phoenix Hotel featuring natural wood accents and vibrant decor in San Francisco's Tenderloin.
Brightly designed hotel room at the Phoenix Hotel, featuring twin beds, vibrant curtains, and tropical views in San Francisco.

At the centre of the property lies a heated pool that is part artwork and part history; the pool displays artist Francis Forlenza’s "Tumbling Waves – My Fifteen Minutes", and is one of only two landmarked swimming pools in America.

This central space is surrounded by butterfly chairs, red and white striped cabanas for lounging, and potted plants to create an urban courtyard oasis.

Stylish hotel lobby featuring a modern couch, art display, and natural elements in the Phoenix Hotel, San Francisco.
Stylish hotel room at the Phoenix Hotel featuring a modern sofa, blue armchair, and unique wooden coffee tables.
Bright red retro telephone next to notepad and pencil on blue table in Phoenix Hotel, San Francisco.
Bright hotel room at Phoenix Hotel, featuring modern design, large windows with garden view, and open door.

Adjacent to the pool is the on-site restaurant and lounge, Chambers eat + drink, which serves up California-inspired cuisine with Japanese accents in a retro den setting with a wall-lined record collection along with a poolside patio and fire pit for sun-drenched eats.

Inspired by vintage recording studios, the lobby features wood panelling, a Shinola record player, and a lobby shop, boasting coolers filled with beverages and snacks along with an array of retail items inspired by the '80s and '90s punk grunge scene, offering local goods and memorabilia fit for guests and bands on the road.

Colorful matchbooks for the Phoenix Hotel on a wooden surface, showcasing its stylish branding and playful slogan.
Modern hotel reception area at the Phoenix Hotel, featuring rustic wooden decor, shelves with merchandise, and colorful seating.
Stylish indoor plants adorn the staircase leading to guest rooms at the newly redesigned Phoenix Hotel in San Francisco.
Charming outdoor area of the Phoenix Hotel featuring butterfly chairs, string lights, and colorful striped tents.

Centrally located downtown, The Phoenix is walking distance to some of the city’s most important music venues (such as the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Great American Music Hall and The Warfield), a growing restaurant, bar and shopping scene, and other cultural gems that have been home to some of San Francisco's most legendary rock n’ roll memories.