Boutique Hotels provide enticing hospitality
By Pamela Price /Special to The Malibu Times
SAN FRANCISCO-Beach Blanket Babylon, one of San Francisco’s theatrical icons, was just one reason why four gal-pals and myself decided to spend a weekend here.
We ordered from a San Francisco CityPass, a booklet that offers 50 percent savings on six attractions including the San Francisco Bay Cruise on the Blue & Gold Fleet, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor fine art museum, and a seven-day MUNI passport, valid for unlimited rides on cable cars, light rail and the entire city bus system. It’s a deal for $34.95 (adults).
Added to that was a terrific package we found at the Prescott Hotel, 545 Post Street, in the heart of super-shopping and home to Wolfgang Puck’s inimitable Postrio Restaurant. Add in sublime weather and good company and we had the recipe for a perfect gal-pal getaway.
We consulted with the reservation department at the Prescott Hotel and reserved three adjoining rooms and another separate room, which I occupied. When the doors were all opened, it felt as if we were back in college, with nonstop chatter, phone calls and jokes galore.
Jimmy Hoard, the Prescott’s charming general manager, met us when we arrived, in style. Through the concierge, we had arranged for a white stretch-limousine to pick us up at the San Francisco Airport. Mr. Hoard escorted us to the elegant Club Level, where we had time for a marvelous breakfast of fresh croissants, fruit, assorted breads and coffee. This is just one of several packages organized by the Prescott.
Currently, this arrangement, ideal for couples or friends, is $250, double occupancy and includes a $30-credit per room for dining in the Postrio, breakfast, afternoon coffee and tea service, an evening Wine Reception (from 5-7 p.m.), special shopping vouchers for a nonstop spree and valet parking. Upgrade this to a suite and the rate is $395, double occupancy. These rates are valid through Dec. 30.
The Kimpton Group is a well-known name in San Francisco hotel circles. William Kimpton, the founder, established the, “We sell sleep” motto.
“We check you in, carry your bags to your room, shut your door and make sure it’s quiet. We sell sleep,” he was quoted in the New York Times. That philosophy sold a lot of overnights.
Today, the Kimpton Group boasts 16 hotels in San Francisco, and others in Washington, D.C., Denver, Chicago, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Vancouver. Cookie-cutter rooms do not exist in the world of Kimpton Hotels.
Around San Francisco, the group operates the 236-room Serrano Hotel on Taylor St., the 201-room Hotel Monaco on Geary, and the well-known 415-room Sir Frances Drake on Powell. Opened in 1999, Hotel Palomar, on the fifth to ninth floors above busy Market Street, transformed a 1907 landmark building into one of sleek sophistication.
Our rowdy group of five visited Union Square, which has more appeal than ever before. Now that it has reopened after an 18-month renovation with new granite plazas, a terraced stage and light sculptures designed by artist R.M. Fischer, it is a place to enjoy rather than to avoid, as was the situation in past times. For the latest on what’s happening there, call 415.781.7880 or visit www.landispr.com/press.
And if you plan to stay in San Francisco Jan. 11-31, take time to “Dine About Town,” when more than 100 top restaurants offer prix-fixe three-course lunches for $19.95 and dinners for $29.95. For more information, call 415.391.2000 or visit www.sfvisitor.org.
Regardless of how long you stay, be sure to reserve a night to dine at the Boulevard, a bastion of French-inspired dcor enhanced by the culinary talent of Nancy Oaks, their executive chef. If the Pavlova is on the dessert menu, order it pronto. Redolent with fresh berries dancing on meringue, it is sure to take your taste buds to a new level.
Considering there are 3,300 restaurants, 65 museums, 14,000 Victorian Houses and enough Kimpton Hotels to satisfy the fussiest traveler, it’s obvious why we all left our heart in San Francisco.
Contact information: Kimpton Hotels-866.633.7990, www.kimptongroup.com
San Francisco Convention & Visitor’s Bureau-800.220.5747, www.sfvisitor.org
Beach Blanket Babylon tickets-415.421.4222, www.beachblanketbabylon.com
Pamela Price, co-author of “Fun with the Family in Southern CA” (Globe Pequot Press) can be contacted at radiotrav@attglobal.net.