Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [49]
757 Market St. (btw. Third and Fourth sts.), San Francisco, CA 94103. www.fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco. 800/819-5053 or 415/633-3000. Fax 415/633-3001. 277 units. $355–$855 double; $750 executive suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $50. Bus: All Market St. buses. Streetcar: F, and all underground streetcars. BART: All trains. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; concierge; huge fitness center; room service; spa; free Wi-Fi in lobby. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, hair dryer, high-speed Internet ($15 per day), minibar.
Hotel Palomar ★★ The Kimpton Group’s most refined downtown property occupies the top five floors of a refurbished 1907 landmark office building, where fashion models and musicians mingle freely with ordinary folks. The Art Deco–inspired interior designed by Cheryl Rowley features rooms with an updated twist on 1930s modern design—artful, understated textural elements such as emerald-tone velvets, fine woods, and raffia. Tailored lines and rich textures throughout lend a sophisticated, fresh aspect to the overall air of elegance. Rooms, however, can range from very cozy (read: small) to soothingly spacious (try for a corner room overlooking Market St.). There’s not much in the way of public spaces, but the hotel makes up for it with a delicious air of exclusivity (there’s even a private back entrance for celebrities). Its dining room, the Fifth Floor Restaurant, is one of the most well-regarded restaurants in town. If you want the full-blown luxury hotel experience, however, you’re better off with one of the Nob Hill or Union Square big boys.
12 Fourth St. (at Market St.), San Francisco, CA 94103. www.hotelpalomar-sf.com. 866/373-4941 or 415/348-1111. Fax 415/348-0302. 198 units. $179–$429 double; from $379–$679 suite. Continental breakfast $22. Rates include a nightly hosted wine reception. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $42. Streetcar: F, and all underground streetcars. BART: All trains. Pets welcome. Amenities: Restaurant; babysitting; concierge; fitness center; room service. In room: A/C, TV, CD player, fridge, hair dryer, minibar, MP3 docking station, free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Vitale ★★ Perched at the foot of the Embarcadero with outstanding waterfront and Bay Bridge views from east-facing rooms, this 199-unit hotel opened in early 2005 to instant popularity. In addition to its prime location across from the Ferry Building Marketplace, Hotel Vitale looks pretty darn chic, from the clean-lined lobby, lounge, and Americano restaurant (with a hopping after-work bar scene), to the modern and masculine rooms armed with contemporary perks like flatscreen TVs, CD players with groovy compilations, gourmet minibars, huge bathrooms with walk-in showers (in some), and nature-themed pop art. Despite excellent service from the well-trained staff, a few subtleties separate Vitale from true luxury-hotel status: For example, the fitness room is pretty basic. However, they offer complimentary access to the nearby fancy YMCA, which has all the workout essentials, including a full-size pool—and the penthouse spa with outdoor soaking tubs makes up for a lot. If you can live with a few quirks, it’s a very attractive place to stay, especially if you book one of the suites with 270-degree San Francisco views.
8 Mission St. (at Embarcadero), San Francisco, CA 94105. www.hotelvitale.com. 888/890-8868 or 415/278-3700. Fax 415/278-3750. 199 units. $299–$499 double; from $799 suite. Rates include morning paper, free morning yoga, and free courtesy car to downtown locations on weekdays. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $48. Bus: 2, 7, 14, 21, 71, or 71L. Amenities: Restaurant; concierge; exercise room; spa. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, MP3/CD player, hair dryer, minibar, free Wi-Fi.
ACCOMMODATIONS WITH free parking
Despite my exhortations to leave the driving to locals and use the public transportation system to get around, I know that some of you will still