The Jay, San Francisco
Brutalist Elegance with a Creative Soul
From Le Méridien to The Jay
In the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District, the former Le Méridien has been reborn as The Jay—a sophisticated, design-forward tribute to the city’s creative spirit. Housed within a 1989 John Portman-designed tower, the hotel’s dramatic Brutalist architecture becomes the canvas for a bold new narrative shaped by AvroKO, the acclaimed design studio behind the transformation.
Design That Honors Innovation
AvroKO’s interiors merge Brutalist geometry with modernist refinement, creating spaces that feel both sculptural and inviting. Raw concrete and bold lines are softened by warm woods, textured fabrics, and curated lighting. Throughout the hotel, subtle references honor San Francisco’s cultural icons: from the organic forms of Ruth Asawa’s wire sculptures to nods at Peggy Caserta’s free-spirited fashion revolution.
Rooms with Poise and Personality
The guestrooms balance architectural clarity with comfort. Large windows frame urban views, while interiors are grounded in a palette of natural stone, oak, and soft textiles. Art and accessories add subtle storytelling touches, weaving San Francisco’s cultural history into the guest experience without overpowering the serenity of the design.
A Cultural Lens on Hospitality
The Jay isn’t just a rebranding—it’s a reinterpretation of place. The hotel reflects the innovators, dreamers, and nonconformists who have shaped the city, translating that ethos into spaces where Brutalist strength meets Californian warmth.
DNA Hotels Verdict
The Jay is a masterclass in architectural respect and cultural storytelling. By pairing Portman’s bold Brutalism with AvroKO’s layered modernism, it delivers a hotel that’s deeply tied to San Francisco’s creative legacy. For travelers seeking more than comfort—a stay with a story—it’s a striking new icon in the Financial District.
