Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [39]
The Orchard Garden Hotel ★★ If Al Gore were a hotelier, this would be his hotel. The Orchard Garden is California’s first generation of truly “green” hotels and the only hotel in the state that was built to the nationally accepted standards for green buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It’s the first hotel in the city to use the European-style keycard system that turns power off each time you leave, saving about 20% in energy consumption. But going green doesn’t mean you have to cut back on comfort—yes, that’s Egyptian cotton linen on the king-size bed, real feather down in the pillows, Aveda bath products, and plush spa-style robes in the closet. Rooms are superinsulated (and very quiet). The hotel also has a pleasant rooftop garden and Roots Restaurant, serving contemporary American cuisine made from locally sourced organic products. Note: If the hotel is booked, inquire about their sister property—the Orchard Hotel—up the street.
466 Bush St. (at Grant Ave.), San Francisco, CA 94108. www.theorchardgardenhotel.com. 888/717-2881 or 415/399-9807. Fax 415/393-9917. 86 units. $169–$499 double. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $40. Cable car: Powell–Hyde or Powell–Mason line. Amenities: Restaurant; concierge; fitness center (and $15 passes to Club One). In room: A/C, flatscreen HDTV, free DVD library available, hair dryer, minibar, MP3 docking station, free Wi-Fi.
Petite Auberge ★★ Nobody does French Provincial like Petite Auberge: handcrafted armoires, delicate sheer curtains, cozy little fireplaces in most rooms, and an adorable array of antiques and knickknacks. Honeymooners should splurge on the petite suite, which has a private entrance, deck, and spa tub. Guests turn up in robes for the bountiful breakfast in the sunny breakfast room, with its mural of a country market scene, terra-cotta tile floors, cheerful tablecloths, and garden patio. California wines, tea, and hors d’oeuvres (included in the room rates) are served each afternoon, and guests have free rein of the fridge stocked with soft drinks. Bathers take note: Eight rooms have showers only, while others also have tubs.
863 Bush St. (btw. Taylor and Mason sts.), San Francisco, CA 94102. www.petiteaubergesf.com. 800/738-7477 or 415/928-6000. Fax 415/673-7214. 26 units. $119–$269 double; $269 petite suite. Rates include full breakfast and afternoon reception. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $32. Bus: 2, 3, 4, 30, 38, or 45. Cable car: Powell–Hyde or Powell–Mason line. Amenities: Babysitting; concierge; access to small exercise room available at sister hotel next door, the White Swan Inn. In room: TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi ($7.95 per day).
Serrano Hotel ★ Los Angeles designer Cheryl Rowley (who also designed the Hotel Monaco) swathed this 17-story 1920s hotel in her trademark vibrant red and added a playful dash of Moroccan flair while preserving the building’s Spanish Revival integrity. Original architectural elements dot the colorful lobby, with its whimsically painted beams, high ceilings, large ornate fireplace, and dramatic colonnade. Equally vibrant guest rooms (sometimes small) have oversize windows and high ceilings, cherrywood headboards, terry robes, and theater-themed artwork. Guests can borrow puzzles and board games from the hotel’s large game library. The hotel is in the heart of the Theater District, right off Union Square, and is pet friendly.
405 Taylor St. (at O’Farrell St.), San Francisco, CA 94102. www.serranohotel.com. 866/289-6561 or 415/885-2500. Fax 415/474-4879. 236 units. From $128 double; from $300 suite. Rates include morning coffee and tea service and afternoon beverages. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $40. Bus: