Arrival/Check-In: We were anticipating a bit of traffic driving from Sonoma into San Francisco, but it was smooth sailing right over the Golden Gate Bridge until we hit midday gridlock winding our way through the city’s many one-way streets. With a bit of help from our GPS, we managed to find the understated hotel entrance. A bellman was at the ready, efficiently unloading our bags before sending our car off with a valet.

We entered a stone and marble lobby done in warm tones with subtle lighting. The front desk was to the right and an inviting bar/restaurant, Ame, was on the left. We registered, then turned to the concierge to ask about local restaurants for dinner that evening. The concierge recommended Salt House, an atmospheric dining venue within easy walking distance of the hotel.

Guest Quarters: Sun shining through the floor-to-ceiling windows of our L-shaped corner room bathed the space in natural light. Off-white walls and white bed linens with taupe throw pillows enhanced the minimalist but comfortable décor. A desk and two chairs filled a window-lined alcove. A plus for business travelers: desktop electric outlets and Internet access. A wall-mounted, flat-screen television faced the bed, but with the only two chairs in the side alcove, the placement was a bit awkward. In a weird twist, the television locked on one station. A tech rep quickly fixed the problem. The explanation: Sometimes that happens if you scroll too fast.

The bathroom, stocked with Remède Spa products, featured a deep soaking tub, a separate shower, a single sink and a water closet. There was a small television in the bathroom and a wall-mounted makeup mirror.

Services/Amenities: A December 2012 renovation aimed at creating a living room-like ambience in the lobby and lobby bar was successful. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, lobby-level Ame showcases seasonal New American cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. A sashimi bar offers crudo, tartare and Carpaccio. Vitrine, on the fourth floor, is open for breakfast and lunch. The on-site fitness center includes a swimming pool open 24 hours a day, and Remède Spa is considered one of the best spas in San Francisco.

The Experience: Located in the city’s business district across the street from the Moscone Center but within easy distance of Union Square, The St. Regis San Francisco appeals to both business and leisure travelers.

GT CHECKLIST

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
• Turn-down service

The St. Regis San Francisco

125 Third St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
tel 415 284 4000
stregis.com/sanfrancisco