When travelers think about visiting San Francisco, they picture iconic landmarks, colorful neighborhoods, legendary music venues, and unforgettable stories. At The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, guests are discovering something even more unique: the opportunity to experience those stories firsthand.
Since launching its Making History Fun Again speaker series, The Clift has transformed the legendary Redwood Room into one of San Francisco’s newest gathering places for history lovers, curious travelers, and locals alike. What began as a vision to celebrate the city’s colorful past has quickly become one of the hotel’s signature experiences, with many programs filling to capacity weeks in advance.
Held monthly in the iconic Redwood Room, the complimentary series explores the people, places, and moments that have shaped San Francisco for more than 175 years. Each event pairs engaging storytelling with handcrafted cocktails inspired by the city’s history, creating an experience that is equal parts educational, entertaining, and unmistakably San Franciscan.
A Stage for San Francisco’s Greatest Stories
Throughout the year, guests have enjoyed an extraordinary lineup of speakers representing many facets of the city’s rich history and culture.
Visitors stepped back into San Francisco’s colorful past with Joseph Amster’s unforgettable portrayal of Emperor Norton, explored the fascinating story of Carville-by-the-Sea with preservationist Woody LaBounty, and commemorated the anniversary of the 1906 Earthquake and Fire with renowned historian John Martini. Art enthusiasts joined Ray Beldner and Demetri Broxton for a discussion about the evolution of Bay Area art, while a panel presented in partnership with the San Francisco Historical Society offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at the city’s legendary hotels, including The Clift itself.
More recently, the series welcomed Shawn Sprockett for an engaging presentation exploring the history of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ communities during Pride Month, followed by celebrated journalist and former Rolling Stone editor Ben Fong-Torres, who captivated audiences with personal stories from the Summer of Love, the early days of Rolling Stone magazine, and interviews with some of music’s greatest legends. Additionally, and most recently, Presidio archivist Rob Thomson took the stage to discuss the Presidio’s role in America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The Story Continues
The success of Making History Fun Again shows no signs of slowing down.
Upcoming programs will feature a performing arts panel led by Kevin Kopjak, Rae Alexander of KQED sharing stories from Unsung Heroines: 35 Women Who Changed the Bay Area, and a lively conversation about the evolution of Bay Area journalism featuring Will Hearst, Heather Knight, Wendy Tokuda, Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez, and John Rothmann. And, stay tuned as 2027 is bringing a wide range of expert San Francisco historians as well as a lineup of fashion history engagements that will precede Vogue World 2027.
A Hotel That Invites Conversation
For more than a century, The Clift has welcomed artists, innovators, travelers, and dreamers through its doors. Today, the Redwood Room continues that tradition, not only as one of San Francisco’s most iconic cocktail lounges, but also as a place where conversations begin, friendships are formed, and the city’s remarkable history is shared across generations.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or simply looking for an authentic San Francisco experience, consider timing your visit with one of The Clift’s monthly speaker events. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail, meet fascinating people, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the city that continues to inspire the world.
Because at The Clift, history isn’t confined to museums, it’s told one unforgettable story at a time.
Disclaimer: The suggested itinerary and points of interest are provided for informational and planning purposes only. Guests are encouraged to independently verify opening hours, availability, travel times, and any potential changes prior to visiting. The inclusion of any businesses, attractions, or destinations does not imply affiliation with or endorsement by Sonesta or its affiliates. Sonesta makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided and assumes no responsibility for any inconvenience or loss arising from the use of this information.
