AN ANCIENT HOTEL IN THE CITY

Originally built in 1902 by the Schmitt family, the Hotel Majestic was one of San Francisco’s earliest grand hotels. The original building had 29 washbasins, 25 bathtubs, 30 water closets, 43 guest rooms and was only four stories high.

It replaced the Schmitt family residence, which was across the street on Gough Street, built around 1877 for Maurice and Ella Schmitt following their marriage on May 3, 1876.

Milton L Schmitt was the eldest son of Maurice and Ella Schmitt, born on February 4, 1878, and had two daughters. He attended the University of California and graduated from Hastings College of Law in 1899. While continuing to practice law, Milton became involved in politics as early as 1907. In 1908, he was elected to the California State Legislature. His term began in 1909 and continued through 1915.

One of his most significant contributions was securing the passage of several bills amending the McEnerney Act, which dealt with the restoration of land titles in San Francisco after the 1906 Great Earthquake and Fire.

The Great Earthquake of San Francisco awoke the city at 5:12 a.m. on April 18, 1906 with a magnitude of 7.9. The earthquake’s epicenter was on the San Andreas Fault, just two miles off the shore of San Francisco. The quake was so intense that it could be felt from Oregon to Los Angeles. Over 3,000 casualties were reported. Worse than the earthquake and aftershocks were the raging fires that burnt throughout the city. According to Wikipedia, “90% of the total destruction was the result of the subsequent fires. Over 30 fires, caused by ruptured gas mains, destroyed approximately 25,000 buildings on 490 city blocks.” The fires continued as far as Van Ness Avenue. Just on top of a short hill on the corner of Sutter and Gough Street was the Majestic, which stood tall, remaining open for business! Because it was spared from the devastation, the hotel was proclaimed the “longest operating hotel in San Francisco” by Senator Diane Feinstein in 2002.

In 2011, around the anniversary of the Great Earthquake, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History released never-before-seen photographs taken by Frederick Eugene Ives from the roof of the Hotel Majestic. The pictures showed the aftermath of the earthquake and fires in the city. More photos and full articles are available on SFgate.com and Dailymail.co.uk. In 1965, Adrian E. Scharlach and Jacquelyn G. Scharlach added the fifth floor of the hotel, bringing the total number of guest rooms to 58 and establishing fire service for the first time. In 1985, the Hotel Majestic was bought by a limited partnership, which thoroughly restored the hotel to great grandeur and elegance under the watchful eye of the San Francisco Historical Society.

The current ownership tells the story of a poor immigrant who was the descendant of a family of farmers. He moved to the States looking to further his education and live the “American Dream.” Eventually, he settled in San Francisco in 1964. He worked odd jobs at the most famous San Francisco hotels, including the Mark Hopkins and the Fairmont on Nob Hill.

In time, Mr. CB Patel realized his goals of acquiring and managing many Hotels in San Francisco and the surrounding area. Since 2011, Mr. Patel proudly owns and operates the prestigious Hotel Majestic which has the great distinction of being the oldest and longest operating hotel in San Francisco!

An atmosphere reminiscent of a golden era presides not only in the grace and beauty of the Hotel Majestic itself, but in the caring, responsive attention bestowed upon its guests. Quiet, impeccable, old world manners reign in this magnificent five story Edwardian structure, along with a warm hospitality normally reserved for long-cherished friends. Guests of the Hotel Majestic are welcomed more as house guests than as hotel residents. The Hotel Majestic is a symbol of the very best of San Francisco’s historic beauty, charm, gracious lifestyle and warm hospitality.