History

A Rich History That Dates Back a Hundred Years

Cornell is a timeless cornerstone of San Francisco and has been an iconic fixture of Nob Hill since 1910. For decades, visitors have come from around the world for its luxurious accommodations, prime location, and authentic European aesthetic that has been carefully crafted over many years.

hotel
line bird

From Orléans, France to San Francisco

Cornell Hotel de France was originally built in 1910 by the architect A.W. Pattiani, a few years after the earthquake and fire of 1906 that ravaged the area. It was later purchased by Claude and Micheline Lambert in the 70s, who began shaping it into what it is today. The Lambert family came to San Francisco from their native Orléans, France with their 5-year old daughter Sabine in pursuit of prosperity in America.

line bird

A True Labor of Love

After arriving in San Francisco, they started to work for room and board in a dilapidated establishment which they diligently renovated and eventually purchased. They redecorated every room one by one, collected and framed the French art prints that are installed throughout the hotel, and added endless personal touches over many years that give Cornell its authentic European flavor. The slow process of renovating the hotel and turning it into a little slice of France in the heart of San Francisco was a true labor of love for the Lamberts.

hotel
hotel
line bird

Pillars of the French Community

The Lamberts continued to play an active role within the French community of San Francisco for many years. Mr. Lambert has held an important position at the local French school, Petite Ecole Française, and has taught at the Alliance Française. In 1994, July 14th was named Claude and Micheline Lambert Day by the Mayor of San Francisco, in honor of the Lamberts’ ongoing contribution to the local Franco-American community. On September 26th, 2019, Mr Lambert received the Insignia of Chevalier de l'Ordre du Merite from the French Government, in honor of his contributions in the French community in America.

line bird

Pillars of the French Community

The Lamberts also continue to play an active role within the French community of San Francisco. Mr. Lambert has held an important position at the local French school, Petite Ecole Française, and has taught for many years at the Alliance Française. In 1994, July 14th was named Claude and Micheline Lambert Day by the Mayor of San Francisco, in honor of the Lamberts’ ongoing contribution to the local Franco-American community. On September 26th, 2019, Mr Lambert received the Insignia of Chevalier de l'Ordre du Merite from the French Government, in honor of his contributions in the French community in America.

hotel
hotel
line bird

The Legacy of the Lamberts

On the first floor of the hotel, Mr. Lambert created a beautiful reflection of his native Orléans, Restaurant Jeanne D’Arc, named after the world-famous French heroine. Today, Cornell Hotel de France is a well-known landmark in San Francisco and a favorite of European visitors who appreciate the fine details and authentic touches that make it feel like a true French boutique hotel — the type of detail you could only get from passionate French natives.