This past weekend I took my eight-year-old nephew on his first flight. My sister (his other auntie) accompanied us, and we chose San Francisco. The crew on board the flight out of Burbank (BUR) was amazing once they found out it was his first flight, taking him on board first and showing him the cockpit, something he will always remember!

Over the past few years, San Francisco has boomed in the hotel space, great for travelers, as there are so many different experiences to choose from. For this trip, we stayed at Hotel Zeppelin, a Viceroy Hotel, just a block away from bustling Union Square.

We arrived at noon on a Friday afternoon and were immediately greeted by the hotel staff at the front desk. They were able to accommodate an early check-in, completed in just a few minutes. The lobby is as hip as the hotel name sounds, but it also offered a cozy atmosphere, with a roaring fire and comfy couches and chairs in the lounge area. Unique wall art, statues and lighting remind you of the cool factor.

Our premier room was even more fun than I expected. Walking into the small entrance, you’re met with the bar with an espresso machine, mini fridge and lots of complimentary water; this all sits across from a generous, full-sized mirror. The heather gray walls and high ceiling gave the room an airy feel, and decent light came through the full wall of windows, despite the fire escape just outside.

Two full beds were separated by a large side table, which had double-sided outlet for everyone’s electronics and a chic green lamp. Adjacent sat the lounge area with full-sized couches and funky tie-dye pillows next to a 55-inch, mounted TV.

A great John Boos desk had plenty of space and outlets. I was even more delighted by the bottle of Pinot Noir and Circus Animal Cookies gifted from the hotel sitting atop it. By far the best part of the room was the ceiling light which, when turned on, projects a peace sign and the word “love” on the ceiling.

The slate-tiled bathroom was wallpapered with grey-and-white lettered names of famous bands like the Doors and Santana. A single, raised black bowl sink on a white counter had plenty of space for personal and beauty products. Three hanging bulbs surrounded a large mirror and gave great lighting. I loved the Roil products offered to guests, including the body lotion and wash. The stand-alone, glass-enclosed shower was roomy and had great water pressure.

As everyone knows, I am a robe snob, and the Zeppelin’s jersey hooded robes were comfortable, not overly large, and soft.

The hotel offers room service, but I recommend trying Rambler, the on-property restaurant. On Friday and Saturday nights it’s a typical San Francisco eatery with loud music and groups of young and old gathering together. The pizzas are cooked in a stone oven, and the pumpkin soup was perfect for a colder evening.

Being right off Union Square, other dining options are abundant, including Ryoko Sushi, perfect for a fun time, but I don’t recommend it for families with kids. As always in San Francisco, I recommend walking the streets and exploring new dining experiences or hopping on the cable car to China Town, Russian Hills or the Wharf.

I have to say the trip with my sister and nephew was a perfect weekend getaway, and I can’t wait to go back.

— Carly Allen, executive vice president