Rarely do I linger in a hotel room until the last seconds tick down to checkout time. But during a recent overnight stay at San Francisco’s Four Seasons Hotel, staff nearly had to drag me out of my newly remodeled quarters. Like a cat in leisurely repose, I spent my last minutes curled-up on my eastward facing window seat 17 stories above the city fray, gazing at the sights as the sun streamed in. Unfurled below: SFMOMA, St. Patrick’s Church, Yerba Buena Gardens, and the Bay. One last yawn and stretch and I was eventually on my way back to the East Bay, restored, rejuvenated and reminded of the healing powers of a 24-hour San Francisco respite.
In a city with more than 200 hotels, San Francisco provides plenty of lodging options for a quick staycation. But you’ll be hard pressed to find anything more sumptuous, indulgent, and convenient than the Four Seasons San Francisco, especially after a recent $20M remodel of its 277 refined rooms and suites. “San Francisco has seen tremendous change since we opened our doors 16 years ago, and we’re excited to evolve with the city and introduce the next chapter in our hotel’s luxury legacy,” says general manager Doug Housley. “The rooms were designed with the sole purpose of heightening the guest experience, ensuring that all needs are met regardless of why the traveler is visiting,” continues Housley. “The suites are sophisticated and refined as one would expect from Four Seasons, and at the same time they have a welcoming environment with floor-to-ceiling views of Yerba Buena Gardens or downtown San Francisco, window seats, and modern décor and furniture.”
Featuring shades of Bay blue with cool steel tones that complement brass and gold accents, each spacious guest room welcomes with floor-to-ceiling views of downtown to the west or the Bay to the east. Furniture is modern and comfy, and the cozy window seat that fully claimed me is standard in every room. Table/desk space allows for either work or dining; outlets and USB ports are plentiful, Bose speakers pair with smartphones, and large flat-screen televisions have DVR and casting capabilities. Heighten your relaxation by raiding your stocked mini-bar. Enjoy a bottled Cosmo or Old-Fashioned while soaking in your marble bathroom’s large tub.
The Presidential Suite (above) features light oak flooring, airy wall coverings, and flowing drapery and carpets layered with bold furniture suited for meetings and work, as well as family dining and lounging. The guest room is separated by a leather clad door that opens to create a master open space, or it can be closed for an intimate, quiet escape. Pops of champagne metals, light walnut, onyx stone and rich leather add balance to the palette. The Premiere Suites provide a nod to California Modernism while catering to a tech-savvy clientele visiting for either work or play. Tailored finishes and flooring choices are paired with interesting art displays and graphic carpets. Furniture is slightly over-scaled to allow for lounging, dining, or working. Veined marble contrasts nicely with textured fabrics and rich walnut. Open window walls allow for an exceptional view of the city. The living room also features a separate wet bar, pantry area and powder room.
Situated at Grant and Market Streets, the hotel’s main entrance is hidden off of Stevenson Street. The lobby is located on the building’s fifth floor – providing insulation from the teeming urban energy below. Such stealth is likely one reason that notable and well-known faces choose this hotel over others. But one need not be an NBA superstar or tech titan to enjoy all that the hotel offers, such as the polished, urbane lobby with varied seating nooks, an expansive, furnished, sun-dappled 5th floor veranda terrace, more than 90 works of art by varied California artists, full access to the state-of-the-art Equinox Sports Club (above) on the fourth floor, transport in the Tesla house car, and the gourmet cuisine and craft cocktails at lobby-adjacent MKT Restaurant and Bar.
The retro-urban chic design of MKT (above) makes it a cozy spot to dine while surveying the city’s urban scene. Start with a craft cocktail at the expansive bar while watching the Warriors win another on the overhead television. (Try the California Beaming featuring Hibiki Harmony Whiskey, orange shrub, Calisaya, and fire tincture - served over a singular, circular ice cube.) The dinner menu is decidedly seafood oriented, with a chicken and steak option for good measure. Small plates, such as the exceptional Heirloom Baby Beets, Burrata Fritti, and Tuna Crudo, are as Insta-worthy as they are delicious and are meant to be shared. And leave room for dessert – specifically the So Much S'more - brown butter Panna Cotta, cocoa-graham crumb, and torched espresso meringue. Yum.
In the morning, take full advantage of your room or suite’s spectacular view by ordering room service. Finally, if you must leave the premises despite finding all that you need for a weekend’s happiness within arm’s reach, the hotel is centrally located and within walking distance to nearly everything for which the San Francisco is known: Union Square, cable cars, the Embarcadero, Ferry Building Marketplace, Chinatown, AT&T Park, boutique shopping, cultural museums, and theaters.
Tip: An excellent feature of the Four Seasons brand of hotels is their Four Seasons App, downloadable via iTunes, Google Play or Amazon. Guests can experience seamless access to Four Seasons reservations, services and amenities. Check in and out quickly, confirm wake-up calls, make dinner reservations, and connect with a concierge - all with a few taps to your phone.
