I love San Francisco, but live in the South Bay, so it’s about an hours drive for me. When we can, I like to take the opportunity to stay a night in the city. It’s always great to do a weekend, like I recently wrote about here, but sometimes we only need a night to make it seem like a getaway. Recently, Max had a holiday work party up in the city and as it started around 7, we thought we’d stay nearby instead of driving back late. I was so glad we did as we discovered the W, which is my new favorite San Francisco hotel.
First of all, it’s location cannot be beat. It’s in the SoMa district, near Market Street and Union Square and as adjacent as you can get to the gorgeous new MOMA which has recently reopened. The work party was at the MOMA, so it was ideal. (More about the MOMA here.)
I found the rooms, especially the ‘Cool Corner King’ we paid a bit extra for, to be extremely spacious by city hotel standards. The rooms are also well designed, modern and yet cozy. If you check the hotel site there are many different types of rooms and they are all designed uniquely, which is fun.
The entry to this room has plenty of space and a big coat closet as well. I love not tripping over my things and not seeing them all over the place in a hotel room. There was also a great tv and best of all, excellent bed and sheets and good lighting to read by. I slept very well.
Our room was also equipped with a modern desk with task lighting, pencils, pins and anything you’d need to work.
Then there was the cute banquette situation overlooking the windows and the hills of San Francisco. Perfect for a glass of wine before going out or to just to put ones feet up, read for a bit and chill.
I thought the decor was fresh and pretty and chic with grasscloth walls, touches of Chinoiserie, white and turquoise.
The bar was stocked with good snacks and drinks beyond the usual selections and the Nespresso machine is always a nice touch.
The well designed bath had a large window seat, natural lighting, shelves for bags, super luxe towels, an excellent shower and Bliss bath products.
After Max’s work function we joined some friends back at the hotel, in the downstairs lounge. On a weekend night, it was hopping with a DJ, a very cute bar, and cozy spots to have a cocktail by little fires. There was even a cute Pac Man game. It’s an inviting spot to hang out after a day in the city or to have a drink or snack before venturing out. There is also an upstairs lounge as well, The Mix Bar which has craft cocktails. (photo below via the W.)
As part of our stay, complementary breakfast was included and it’s not your typical breakfast buffet. The Trace restaurant was lovely and we had our choice off the menu for breakfast.
Details are everything and they have done a great job to make the breakfast choices very California inspired. The menu has a mix of fresh and healthy choices with fruit and yogurt bowls, hazelnut French toast, organic egg scrambles, smoothies, espressos and even chilaquiles. Food and presentation were lovely and I appreciated the beautiful crafted stoneware they were served on. This was one of the best breakfasts I have had in a long time. Great selection of quality teas and coffee too.
I would love to stay here again and it’s a great base for anyone looking to explore the city, as well as a business stay. I also appreciated the service here as the people were friendly and very helpful. The men in the garage and valet were even over the top, trying to give us great instructions for safe driving during a terrible rain storm and the best routes. Lovely people.
While you are there, there are two other spots I recommend that are nearby to check out, –The Lobby Lounge at The St Regis, is directly next door…
The lounge is gorgeous, has good vibe and many food and drink options. Tea service is also served there daily 2-4 by reservation. I have yet to stay there, but it’s quite beautiful. Max and I having a drink in the pretty Lobby Lounge before his party…
Also around the corner is The Grove, which I written about before and is a very California spot with arts and crafts/wood decor, a big fireplace, great coffee and an amazing local menu for breakfast, brunch or lunch or anytime. It gets quite crowded on weekends, especially outside, so go early for a spot, but do not miss this if you are in SoMa. There are also other locations in the city of this local gem.
Love to hear about your San Francisco favorites too in the comments!
Thanks for reading,
