Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [52]
The InterContinental San Francisco ★★ You can’t enter San Francisco from the south without wondering what the odd-but-pretty facade vaguely resembling a cross between a test tube and a larger-than-life aquarium looming in the distance is. But fear not: It’s just the second InterContinental property to nab a San Francisco zip code. When the InterContinental began welcoming guests in February 2008, it was the first new lodging to open in the city in 3 whole years. Common spaces have a more neo-Japanese feel, but rooms are quite classic—ask for one on a top floor. Spanning 32 levels, it’s hard to find a better view of the city this side of Market Street. One of the hotel’s highlights is its posh lobby lounge, Bar 888, where the house specialty grappa is dispensed generously, and the adjoining restaurant, Luce, already the recipient of a Michelin star. Another is the luxe I-Spa, comprising a state-of-the-art gym and sky-lit lap pool. The InterContinental isn’t the most unique place to stay in town—amenities are pretty much the same stuff you’d expect from any five-star—but it’s still every bit as nice, and often cheaper, than its neighboring competitors.
888 Howard St. (at Fifth St.), San Francisco, CA 94105. www.intercontinentalsanfrancisco.com. 888/811-4273. Fax 415/616-6501. 500 units. $139–$399 double; from $500 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $46. Bus: 6, 7, 9, 15, 19, 21, 27, 30, 31, 45, or 71. BART: Civic Center or Powell St. Amenities: Restaurant; concierge; fitness center; pool; room service; spa. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, CD player, hair dryer, minibar, MP3 docking station, Wi-Fi ($15 per day).
Elements: A Hip Mission District Hotel
Bad credit? No problem. There’s finally a place for the perpetually young and broke to stay and play in the heart of the Mission District. The Elements Hotel is sort of a cross between a boutique hotel and a hostel, offering both private rooms and shared dorms, all with private bathrooms. Add to that Wi-Fi Internet access throughout the hotel, a free Internet lounge, rooftop parties, free movie nights, lockers, free continental breakfast, luggage storage and laundry facilities, free linens, TVs (in private rooms), a lively restaurant and lounge called Medjool, and a plethora of inexpensive ethnic cafes in the neighborhood, and, baby, you’ve got it made. The hotel is at 2524 Mission St., between 21st and 22nd streets (www.elementssf.com; 866/327-8407 or 415/647-4100). Rates per person are between $25 and $30; expect higher rates and minimum stays during holidays.
San Francisco Marriott ★★ Some call it a masterpiece; others liken it to the world’s biggest parking meter. In either case, the Marriott is one of the largest buildings in the city, making it a popular stop for conventiongoers and those looking for a room with a view. Fortunately, the controversy does not extend to the rooms, which are pleasant, vibrant, and contemporary with large bathrooms and exceptional city vistas. Tip: Upon arrival, enter from Fourth Street, between Market and Mission streets, to avoid a long trek to the registration area.
55 Fourth St. (btw. Market and Mission sts.), San Francisco, CA 94103. www.marriott.com/sfodt. 800/228-9290 or 415/896-1600. Fax 415/486-8101. 1,598 units. $199–$349 double; $269–$3,250 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $56. Bus: All Market St. buses. Streetcar: All Market St. streetcars. Cable car: Powell–Hyde or Powell–Mason line (3 blocks west). Amenities: 2 restaurants; 2 bars; health club; indoor pool; free Wi-Fi in select areas. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, hair dryer, high-speed Internet ($13 per day).
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