Boutique Hotel Celebrates Past and Embraces Future

The Axiom Hotel is adjacent to the cable car turnaround in Union Square.

SAN FRANCISCO—The Axiom Hotel opened in January 2016 in the former Powell Hotel space in downtown San Francisco, adjacent to the cable car turnaround in Union Square. The boutique hotel features 152 rooms, with a design by Stonehill & Taylor . The Axiom is developed by Host Hotels & Resorts and managed by Kokua Hospitality . Adam Lutz , senior project manager with JLL , tells GlobeSt.com: “The hotel has that fresh, hip, tech-friendly look and feel but with a historic vibe and it really captures the essence of what is going on in San Francisco today.” Lutz was the day to day lead on the project on behalf of Host Hotels & Resorts. The LEED-certified project has the latest in tech innovations. In addition to iPAN ad-assisted check-in, complimentary fiber optic Wi-Fi, and plug-ins to mobile devices, Axiom unveils high-tech elements that put the hotel at the forefront of the hospitality-meets-technology revolution. Spacious guestrooms have exposed-pipe ceilings in chic corridors, modern artwork mounted on traditionally molded walls and lighting fixed on cables. Because the hotel is a historical building, each room presents a distinctive configuration based on size and floorplan. Room and suite choices include 53 single queens, 20 double queens, 79 single kings. ADA rooms are available. Catering to both business and leisure travelers, amenities include 48-inch flatscreens, smartphone docking stations, Bluetooth clock radios and an optimal green technology that requires less energy to operate while delivering speeds five to 10 times faster than an average hotel’s Wi-Fi. The televisions include room service ordering, hotel and area informational guides, and a mobile app for guest information. In addition, guest rooms provide convenient USB outlets at the tabletop level for easy access without a limitation on the number of devices that can be connected to Wi-Fi. Axiom’s guest rooms also include mini refrigerators and convenient task desks that can be moved to any location. The basement level offers a fitness center, open 24 hours a day and complete with Life Fitness equipment and cardio machines with integrated HD monitors. There are filtered ice and water stations on every guest floor that are not only eco-friendly, but also allow guests unlimited and complimentary fresh water as opposed to purchasing bottled water. To limit paper waste, in-room dining can be ordered through the television. Axiom Hotel’s guest rooms also feature an energy management system that detects guest motion and resets to standard temperature, energy-efficient LED lights, instant hot water heaters instead of a traditional boiler system, and dual-flush toilets. Guests enter the hotel through a hidden tunnel of light in the hallway. In addition, the hotel features custom murals from local street artists, 1AM. The mezzanine level, named the Cloud, features classic arcade games that combine vintage entertainment with present-day gadgets. The Cloud will feature an iPad station for easy food and beverage ordering, seating areas including a communal table with outlets for device charging, and a unique “selfie station” with a live social media feed.  The first level and lobby area features modern furnishings and a collection of books. Sonia Greenlee , senior vice president with JLL project and development service, which managed the project for owner Host Hotels & Resorts, tells GlobeSt.com: “This was a very interesting project from start to finish and seeing the final results are very rewarding. There were definite challenges for the project team.  The hotel is in a historic district, and needed significant seismic, infrastructure and utility upgrades, but we were able to collaboratively work through them so that Axiom could open prior to the Super Bowl, when the city saw record setting occupancies and room rates.”