From Builders to Bon Vivants: A Union Square Hotel Steeped in San Francisco History

From Builders to Bon Vivants: A Union Square Hotel Steeped in San Francisco History

San Francisco is a city that reinvents itself—but its most compelling places never forget where they began.

At the corner of Powell and O’Farrell, just steps from Union Square, stands a hotel whose walls have quietly witnessed more than a century of the city’s evolution. Long before it became the beloved Villa Florence, and long before its current life as The Barnes, this building was known as The Manx—and its story begins in the aftermath of catastrophe.

Built for a Reborn City (1908–1909):

The building opened its doors in 1908, just two years after the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. In a city racing to rebuild itself, The Manx was originally designed to house bridge builders, engineers, and tradespeople—the men shaping the new San Francisco skyline.

By 1909, The Manx had transformed into a full-service hotel, quickly becoming a lively gathering place in the heart of Union Square. Its spacious lobby, modern comforts, and central location made it a favorite for travelers arriving by rail and streetcar, eager to experience a city very much alive again.

“Meet Me at the Manx”:

In the early 20th century, The Manx was more than a hotel—it was a landmark. Advertisements encouraged visitors to “Meet me at the Manx,” a phrase that captured its role as a social hub for locals and visitors alike.

During Prohibition, like many San Francisco institutions, the hotel gained a quieter, more clandestine reputation. Behind closed doors, a hidden speakeasy kept spirits—and spirits—high, offering refuge from the bustle of the streets outside.

War, Strategy, and Secrecy (1940s):

History took a dramatic turn during World War II, when The Manx served as the U.S. Navy’s West Coast headquarters. Decisions made within its rooms played a role in the Pacific theater, adding a layer of national significance to the building’s already rich story.

From roaring nightlife to wartime strategy, the hotel adapted—always remaining at the center of San Francisco’s unfolding narrative.

The Villa Florence Era (Late 1980s–2022):

In 1987, the hotel entered a new chapter when it became the Villa Florence Hotel, embracing an Italian-inspired elegance that would define it for more than three decades. With its European warmth, ornate interiors, and the beloved Kuleto’s Italian restaurant, Villa Florence became a favorite among visitors who wanted boutique charm with a deep sense of place.

For many San Franciscans and returning guests, Villa Florence wasn’t just a hotel—it was their hotel.

The Barnes: A New Chapter, Same Soul:

Today, the building lives on as The Barnes San Francisco, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection. While the name has changed, the spirit remains unmistakably tied to its past.

From builders and bridge men to wartime strategists, from Prohibition-era revelers to generations of travelers, this corner of Union Square has always been a place where stories converge.

The Barnes doesn’t erase that history—it inherits it.