The Huntington Hotel and Nob Hill Spa, San Francisco
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The Huntington Hotel in San Francisco describes itself as - "...a warm, welcoming tribute to an era when travel was truly glamorous, blended with the perfect measure of modern luxury."
After my recent stay there, I can only confirm this. As soon as you arrive, an immaculate doorman appears to help with your luggage and escort you into the timeless reception.
The Huntinton Hotel and Nob Hill Spa was formerly luxury apartments (since 1924) and has now been re-modelled into larger than average rooms and suites, each room is different, mixing classic, understated good taste, and ‘Frette' bed linen, silks and leather, with the latest modern technology, including wi-fi, MP3 docking stations and plasma TV screens. Specially commissioned art on the walls reminds you of where you are. With L'Occitane toiletries in the bathroom and huge, soft towelling robes in the wardrobe, you immediately feel that you're being pampered.
Downstairs in the wood-panelled bar adjoining the ‘Big 4' award-winning restaurant, - where they do actually serve joints of 'The Big Four', a pianist plays for a mixed audience of upper class ‘ladies who lunch', businessmen and well-dressed guests. Jeff, the excellent bartender, chats about the 43 foot ‘Sloop' he's lovingly restoring. It's a great place to meet interesting local characters in the Big 4 bar, like the highly intellectual Tom, local resident in San Francisco since the 'Summer of Love' who loves good conversation or listen to the ship's captain as he tells you all about his many adventures in the Bay. It has the wonderful feeling of an exclusive 'Gentleman's Club' and is the perfect place for a nightcap or three.
After all those nightcaps, it's a good idea to visit the ‘Nob Hill Spa' within the hotel. Nob Hill Spa is an adult day spa, and a calming place to unwind, swim, have a beauty treatment or take a yoga or pilates class. When I rang the Spa very early one morning to ask if I could possibly have a massage, Chris kindly offered to ‘ring around the therapists to wake one up to come to the hotel straight away'. Now that's service for you! But I couldn't possibly. Try the serene indoor pool and terrace overlooking the city skyline or relax in the eucalyptus steam room or in the Jacuzzi or read a magazine by the fireplace.
According to their website, the Huntington Hotel ‘has been ranked consistently as not only the most distinguished choice of San Francisco luxury hotels, but as one of the finest places to stay in the world'.
The Huntington Hotel and Nob Hill Spa is at the top of one of San Francisco's highest hills, and either has views of the distant bay from some rooms, or beautiful Grace Cathedral opposite or Huntington Park. Every room is traditionally decorated and immaculate. The maid service is first class.
The lovely lady concierge knows everything you need to know about San Francisco, and is the obvious choice for the low-down on the best restaurants, theatre tickets, tours, etc.
The famous ‘trolley buses' of San Francisco go right by the hotel making getting around easy and fun. The hotel will also provide one complimentary ride in a chauffer-driven 'Town Car' down to Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square, with a very knowledgeable chauffeur should you want to arrive in style. It's not a hotel I would take children to, but for adults willing to pay for some genuine old-fashioned luxury, it's perfect.
Consult their website for details of ‘Spa and Dining Packages' and other special offers.
Contact tel: +1 415 771 1140
Cost standard double room: ££££, suite: £££££+
Services spa, swimming pool, fitness equipment, parking, hotel restaurant, hotel bar, room service, business services, internet access
Average customer rating
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