It’s been years since I last visited Campton Place (now Taj Campton Place). I have fond memories of birthdays and luncheons here, so I booked a one-night stay while in town for a friend’s birthday. Sadly, the experience was underwhelming.
The lobby felt outdated, not refreshed. I was “upgraded” to an accessible room, which only meant a bigger bathroom. The room itself was dark, dreary, and had no view. The shower was broken (quickly fixed after we reported it), but the sinks drained poorly. Noise insulation was nonexistent — we were woken by slamming doors in the hallway.
The saving grace was the service. Every staff member we encountered was excellent — warm, engaging, and helpful. Late checkout was granted easily, and the doorman even walked us around the corner while giving local advice.
Walking around San Francisco was bittersweet. The city has changed; while there are visible improvements with police presence and street cleaning, the charm has faded. I went inside Neiman Marcus, once my favorite stop, and while the building is still stunning, the store no longer had its old glamour. Many nearby buildings were vacant, adding to the sense of decline.
Overall: service shines, but the hotel feels neglected, with outdated rooms and poor soundproofing. I’d consider returning only if Taj invests in upgrades. For now, it’s a shadow of what it used to be.