Hotel California

San Francisco Hotel Review

Official Reservation Site for Hotel California

Formerly the Savoy Hotel, this is now known as Hotel California. The Hotel California is the kind of hotel that exudes the charm San Francisco is known for all over the world. Housed in a European-style structure originally constructed in 1913, the Savoy has kept the elegance of its frame while modernizing its amenities. The result is a quiet, comfy escape in the heart of the bustling city.

The building itself is a lush and comfortable place, well located near Union Square, with characteristic San Francisco sophistication and friendliness. There are 83 non-smoking, California-themed rooms in total: 29 Queen Rooms, 34 Deluxe Rooms, 7 Twins, and 12 Suites available. The guest rooms are typically cozy and furnished elegantly with quality furniture, including Pillowtop Beautyrest mattresses and 400-threadcount linen.

The best rooms are the corner rooms, which may run you a little extra but are well worth it for the increased lighting, bay windows, and extra living space. However, all the rooms come standard with double-pane windows, coffeemaker, mini-bar, iron, hair dryer, phone with data port, and a safe. Renovations that are scheduled to be completed in 2006 should see hardwood floors and 30”+ plasma screen TVs added to all the rooms.

While the rooms are not considerably large, this is rather normal for the downtown area of the city. Just a few blocks from Union Square, the hotel is in the heart of the theatre district, and nearby the TIX booth that offers half-price tickets for same-day shows. It is also close to the famous San Francisco cable cars, as well as major bus, tram, and train lines.

Unavoidably, the hotel is also near the less pleasant Tenderloin district, so it is advisable to stray in the eastern direction when wandering away from the hotel. You will find that you can easily walk to many tourist attractions including Chinatown, the MOMA and other museums. Longer walks and buses will take you to North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Golden Gate Park. The SFO airport is just 14 miles away and easily accessible by shuttle or the BART train system (exit at Powell station).

The Hotel California in San Francisco primarily caters to leisure travelers, although it has recently made efforts to attract a corporate crowd. Complimentary Internet access is available in the lobby and Wi-fi access, a new Business Center and Fitness Room are being added. Moscone center, where most of the city’s conventions are held, is easily within walking distance. What the Hotel California does best, however, are the unexpected niceties. Wine and cheese is served everyday in the hotel from 4-6pm, and coffee is always available. When you check in you are offered a welcoming frosted tequila shot—not mandatory, but much appreciated by most guests!

The property also houses the award-winning vegan restaurant, Millennium. It is quite simply some of the best vegetarian food in the country, and in compliment with the Savoy, it remains an upscale but decidedly casual restaurant. Though open only for dinner, the Hotel California offers a deluxe continental breakfast buffet on the premises each morning for an additional charge.

By: Benny Zadik / Copyright SFTRAVEL LLC

Official Reservation Site for Hotel California