It was no surprise that I would throughly enjoy my stay at the San Remo. Our Editor, Gil Zeimer, highly recommended it, as did his colleague, Paul von Beroldingen, so I know I was in for a treat. What did surprise was how far beyond expectation it rose. The attentive staff, the location, the accommodations, and its turn-of-the-century charm were absolutely amazing.
The first couple of nights, I was spoiled up on the roof-top Penthouse of this Victorian beauty. It is a little wood and window lined cabin and rooftop garden with views of Coit Tower and the Bay and is quite charming. Pretty stained glass windows and clawed bathtub make the bath attractive. It was quaint, clean and very romantic. Too bad I was alone.
It is a hidden gem and likely one of the most affordable penthouse stays in the city that provides panoramic views of San Francisco.
My last evening there, I moved downstairs to experience life as a commoner. To be candid I was a bit apprehensive about the idea of being demoted to a shared washroom. To say it was clean would be an understatement, it was immaculately clean.
The hotel has a very special Victorian personality that is compounded by the oh-so helpful staff. From the manager to the people who clean the rooms, the entire staff is extremely friendly and sincerely helpful. They offer the kind of service one would expect in a four-star hotel, so it’s an extremely friendly surprise.
The location of the San Remo is very convenient. It’s a few blocks from North Beach restaurants, but on a quiet street rather than bustling Broadway or Columbus. It’s a few blocks in another direction to Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and the San Francisco Bay cruises that take you on the water, under the bridges or to Alcatraz.
For affordable luxury with Victorian charm, make your reservations now at the San Remo for the next time you’re in San Francisco. With just 62 rooms, compared to the hundreds in Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf hotels, it’s booked far in advance during the busy summer and holiday months.
Hotel San Remo
2237 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
T: 800-352-7366