Enjoy San Francisco views from your room at the Four Seasons

The holiday season can get out of control, and before you know it, you’re rushing everywhere. Why not slow down and enjoy a retreat in San Francisco this winter at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco.

The luxury hotel is right on Market Street, in the heart of San Francisco’s downtown shopping district—Union Square. The hotel’s 277 guest rooms include 46 luxury suites, and all are roomy. My room, a Deluxe King, had a long window seat where I could perch and watch all the Market Street action while I had slippers on.

Sure, those cozy slippers (and robes) are in all the rooms, but so are a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, CD player and an iHome alarm clock. The spacious marble bathrooms have a large vanity, deep bathtub (where you can relax after the shopping) and separate glass-enclosed shower. Rates start at $395 for a standard room, and $495 for the room I had.

When you’re not lounging in your room, head to Seasons Bar and Lounge for small-plate selections (or the burger lounge, offered on Sunday and Monday), cocktails (including specialty martinis) and live music. If you’re looking for something a little more leisurely, take your meals in Seasons restaurant. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant focuses on California-style cuisine.

Treat your taste buds at Seasons restaurant

And even if you’ve spent all day shopping, you can still people watch from the bar, restaurant, or your room—if you’ve gotten one on the Market Street side.

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, 415-633-3000
757 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Photos courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

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Enjoy the view from your room at the Mandarin Oriental

Looking for a special place to celebrate? Whether it’s an anniversary, birthday, job promotion, holiday, or you’re just thankful for a drama-free day—one of the best places in San Francisco to celebrate anything is the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco.

Once you reach your room, one of the challenges is getting yourself to look away from the stunning city view, and around at the richly decorated digs. In my case, I had the bridge-to-bridge room, with a 180-degree view from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge. I think it took me about 30 minutes of gawking at all the San Francisco landmarks before I turned my back on the windows and settled down to my welcome beverage—a cup of jasmine tea.

Then, enjoy the view of your room

The rooms include HD LCD flat-panel TVs, radio, CD player, Wi-Fi (for an additional fee), binoculars, robes and slippers, and twice-daily maid service. If you’re really splurging, consider the Oriental Suite with its private terrace that spans the entire length of the suite.

Add to your celebration with a leisurely dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Silks. It’s hard to choose just one favorite from the menu of California cuisine with Asian inspired dishes, and even if you visit on a busy night, the service is as attentive as if you were the only one in the room. The breakfast menu at Silks may be different, but consider starting your day there as well, before taking off to see the sights of the city.

Smack in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District, the Mandarin Oriental proves that you don’t have to be a hotel right on the waterfront to have the best views. Now that I’ve spent my 10th wedding anniversary there, I’ll definitely consider going back for another special occasion.

Mandarin Oriental San Francisco, 415-276-9888
222 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA 94104

Photos courtesy of Mandarin Oriental San Francisco

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Step off the cable car and into the Omni San Francisco

Whether you’re in San Francisco for business or pleasure, a spacious room at the downtown Omni San Francisco Hotel is a way to do any city visit in style. Perched right beside the cable car line and an easy walk to Union Square, the hotel is right in the middle of the action.

Step inside from California Street and descend the marble staircase into the lobby. This space was built as a bank in 1926, and is filled with Italian marble and Austrian crystal chandeliers. The hotel restaurant, Bob’s Steak and Chop House, is located just off the lobby and is the ideal place to treat yourself to classic steak house food. Not hungry? Take a seat at Bob’s Bar and watch the cable car go by.

The 362 guest rooms feature 1920s décor with high ceilings, marble bathrooms, clocks with iPod/iPhone docking capabilities and LCD TVs. Join the Omni Select Guest program (for free) before your stay, and enjoy complimentary Internet access, morning beverage delivery and more. Room rates range depending on time of year and day of week. In high season (June through mid-November), rates start at $229 per night. The rest of the year, rates start at $169 per night. If you’re looking for a special rate or package, it’s best to try for the weekend.

Omni San Francisco Hotel, 415-677-9494
500 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94104

Photo courtesy of the Omni San Francisco Hotel

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Get great views of San Francisco from the Mandarin Oriental

Boost your cultural intake on your San Francisco vacation this winter with the “Symphony of Delights” package at the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco. The San Francisco Symphony celebrates its centennial season in 2011-12, and if you’ve never been to a live performance, this is an ideal opportunity to sneak a luxe hotel stay in as well.

The one-night package includes a deluxe king room accommodation, breakfast for two and a 25 percent discount on seats (Orchestra, Upper Orchestra, First and Second Tier) in the San Francisco Symphony’s Davies Symphony Hall. Available in January and February, the package price is $415 per night (with additional nights available at published rates); taxes and gratuities not included.

To reserve, call the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco at 800-622-0404, or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco. Once you book the package, you’ll be given a code and instructions to select your seats.

Relax in your room before the concert

When you’re not lounging in your room, enjoying the breakfast menu at the hotel’s Silks restaurant, or attending the concert—you’re in an ideal spot to get out and discover some top San Francisco attractions. Stop by the Ferry Building Marketplace (a foodie’s delight), amble along the historic Barbary Coast Trail, ride a cable car, or shop ‘til you drop. That’s only scratching the surface, so extend your stay and add more things to do!

Mandarin Oriental San Francisco, 415-276-9888
222 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA 94104

Photos courtesy of the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco

More San Francisco-related information:
Nopalito—San Francisco, CA
Hog Island Oysters in San Francisco: Best Lunches With a View