The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel New Speaker Series: Making History Fun Again

The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, a San Francisco landmark since 1915, continues its monthly speaker series, Making History Fun Again, designed to celebrate the city’s legendary past through lively storytelling, fascinating personalities, and unforgettable local history.
On Thursday, May 21, 2026, The Clift Hotel’s Redwood Room, in partnership with the San Francisco Historical Society, welcomes a panel of some of the city’s most celebrated hoteliers and historians for an evening devoted to the history of San Francisco’s most storied and luxurious hotels. The program, entitled “San Francisco’s Legacy Hotels,” will explore the remarkable histories, colorful characters, and enduring influence of the city’s grand hotels. (Note: This program will be broadcast live from the Redwood Room.)

Historian Peter Devine will lead the discussion with stories of some of San Francisco’s most iconic hotels, including the Mark Hopkins, Fairmont, St. Francis, Sir Francis Drake, The Clift, and Palace. Together, these hotels have played an essential role in the city’s social, cultural, and political life for more than a century. They have welcomed presidents, movie stars, royalty, artists, and generations of visitors, while also serving as witnesses to some of San Francisco’s most defining moments.

The evening will also feature special guests Ron Henggeler and Marianne Milton, who will share behind-the-scenes stories and firsthand memories drawn from decades spent in San Francisco hospitality.

San Francisco’s legacy hotels form a close-knit community of historic establishments, each with its own traditions, personalities, and approach to hospitality. From grand lobbies and rooftop views to legendary cocktails and unforgettable guests, this presentation offers a rare look inside the stories most people never hear.

About the Speakers
Peter Devine is a San Francisco writer, historian, and longtime observer of the city’s culture and architecture. He has written extensively about San Francisco history, with a particular focus on the people, places, and traditions that define the city’s unique character. Known for his engaging storytelling and deep local knowledge, Devine brings San Francisco’s past vividly to life.
Ron Henggeler spent decades as a waiter at the Huntington Hotel’s celebrated Big 4 Restaurant, where he became known for collecting and sharing the remarkable stories, legends, and personalities that passed through its doors.

Marianne Milton is Director of Sales and Marketing at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel and has helped shape the hotel’s modern identity while honoring its rich history. With extensive experience in hospitality and a deep appreciation for San Francisco’s cultural legacy, Milton has played a key role in bringing the Redwood Room and The Clift’s “Making History Fun Again” series to life.
Special guests may change.

About the Series

The Making History Fun Again series:
Celebrates San Francisco’s diverse and vibrant history
Connects generations through lively, accessible storytelling
Showcases authors, historians, performers, and cultural icons
Invites the public into the Redwood Room for conversations that spark curiosity and imagination

Signature Speaker Series Cocktails

Guests attending the speaker series events may enjoy themed cocktails honoring San Francisco’s storied past, including:
Pisco Punch — A Gold Rush original from 1853
Martini — Born along the trail between San Francisco and Martinez
Night Moves (Buena Vista Tribute Espresso Martini) — A wink to the city’s famed Irish Coffee
Maiden Lane — A nod to one of San Francisco’s most notorious streets

Event Details

What: Making History Fun Again — Speaker Series

Featured Speaker: San Francisco Historical Society’s “San Francisco’s Legacy Hotels”

When: Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Where: The Redwood Room, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel

Admission: Complimentary with RSVP

Upcoming Speaker Series Lineup

Thursday, June 18 - Shawn Sprockett - Unthinkable Vice
Thursday, July - 16 - Ben Fong-Torres - History of Rock & Roll
Thursday, August 20 - Rob Thomson - History of the Presidio / 250th Anniversary

About The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel

Located at 495 Geary Street, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel blends contemporary design with timeless character. Home to the legendary Redwood Room, the hotel has been a cultural fixture of San Francisco since 1915. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, The Clift offers 372 stylish guest rooms and suites, a state-of-the-art event space, and an enduring commitment to hospitality that is — and always has been — legendary. Learn more at Sonesta Press Room / The Clift or by calling (415) 775-4700.