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Megan Brandt

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Delicious on Demand - Food Delivery Apps

Posted by Megan Brandt on Thu, Sep 24, 2015 @ 01:25 PM

During a recent business trip, I got back to my hotel room after a long day and I was tired and starving. My pajamas were calling my name and I just didn't want to venture outside into the unknown. Sound about right?

Well, if I had been in San Francisco, the solution would have been a no-brainer. Food delivery apps are all the rage right now and several delivery service options are available to make your life easier. 

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These top favorites will deliver fresh, gourmet meals straight to your door (or curb) for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Think "Uber For Meals". Hope you're hungry!

1. Munchery

Order wholesome prepared dinners, handmade by top local chefs using only the best ingredients, for same-day delivery to your home or office. Why it's my favoriteEvery time you order on Munchery, they donate to provide a meal for someone in need.

2. Sprig

Browse the Sprig app and select from a daily-rotating menu of seasonal and sustainable meals handcrafted by former Google executive chef Nate Keller. With just a few taps, a Sprig servers will brave rain and fog to whisk your order over faster than you can say "dine on demand." 

3. Postmates

Get any product delivered in under one hour. Postmates on-demand delivery platform connects customers with local couriers, who purchase and deliver goods from any restaurant or store in a city.

4. Caviar

Caviar offers delivery from some of San Francisco's favorite restaurants. Browse a picture menu, customize your meal, and get delivery straight to your door.

 

**Feel like dining out? Check out our Next Best Dinner Guide or Top 5 Lunch Spots In and Around Union Square.

Tags: restaurant, Food, delivery

First Timer in SF: What to See and Do

Posted by Megan Brandt on Fri, Mar 06, 2015 @ 05:03 PM

Traveling to San Francisco for the first time can be both daunting and exciting. There is so much to see and do that you're probably asking yourself "how do I fit it all in?" One sure-fire answer: PLAN  or in this case, let us do the planning for you.

Our Utrip planner combined the best must-see attractions with awesome local hangouts into a four day itinerary, perfect for the first timer in SF. Check it out!

DAY 1

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MUST SEE Union Square

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Union Square is the heart of downtown and plays host to cultural performances, art walks, musicians and performers. With a myriad of restaurant, cafes, boutiques and art galleries, there's endless opportunities to dive into local SF culture. 

MUST SEE Chinatown

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The largest Chinatown outside of Asian, you can find some exciting eats, gifts and sights wandering through the many little shops that create a colorful backdrop to many SF streets.

 

DAY 2

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MUST SEE Golden Gate Bridge

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Come to one of the vista points at either end of this iconic bridge for some amazing scenic photos. Did you know that the Golden Gate Bridge was actually intended to be black and yellow?

MUST SEE Coit Tower

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A staple of the SF skyline, Coit Tower is a famous and historic landmark. Take the elevator to the top for beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding area. 

 

DAY 3

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MUST SEE Golden Gate Park

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There are endless opportunities for fun, exploration and relaxation in Golden Gate Park. Spanning close to 5 miles from Ocean Beach to Haight Ashbury, this urban park is full of museums, beautiful gardens, and so much more.

MUST SEE Haight-Ashbury

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See one of the most famous gathering places in San Francisco, where the free love and hippie movement of the 60s and 70s flourished. Today, the area still exudes counter-culture personality and has a ton of vintage shops, lounges, bars, cafes and restaurants to explore.

 

DAY 4

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MUST DO Ride the Cable Car

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The iconic cable car is one of the best ways to explore the city and take in the different neighborhoods and the constant picture perfect moments. Just remember, it's always cash only!

MUST SEE Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39

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Located right on the water, this iconic fishing port is not only good for picking up souvenirs but for indulging in dungeness crab and the world famous sourdough bread bowl and clam chowder at Boudin Bakery.

MUST SEE Lombard Street

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Head up to Russian Hill to see Lombard Street, the windiest road in the world. Drive, walk, or take in the incredible view of the bay from this famous landmark.

 

Plan Your Trip!  

Utrip: Plan a trip to SF in 3 Simple Steps!

Posted by Megan Brandt on Thu, Feb 12, 2015 @ 09:50 AM

Our Utrip planner lets you experience our beautiful city, San Francisco, in the way that’s most meaningful to you. Using your budget and interests, the planner will give you a day-by-day itinerary, in moments.

Follow these 3 simple steps to turn your San Francisco dreams into a reality:

 

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Plan Your Trip!

Tags: travel tips, Utrip, Trip Planning

5 ways to have a sexy vacation

Posted by Megan Brandt on Fri, Feb 06, 2015 @ 02:14 PM

San Francisco is a sexy city, if you know the local secrets. So, to make sure you make the most of your romantic getaway, we've rounded up 5 ways to add some sexy to your SF vacation! 

P.S. Below is info you won't get from any tour guide or guide book, guareented.

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1. Shop at Les Cent Culottes. Splurge like the French at the city's sexiest lingerie shop. French owner, Sophie Boudet, is just as delicate and feminine as the intricate tulle and lace bras you'll find at the Russian Hill boutique.

2. Have dinner at Foreign Cinema. It's worth making a trip to the Mission to dine under the lights in their outdoor (heated) covered patio. If you're not too busy staring into each other's eyes, admire the foreign and independent films screened nightly on the patio wall. 

3. Enjoy a champagne picnic for 2 at Baker Beach. There really is nothing more romantic than the crashing of the surf and some quality together time in nature, as long as you bring those layers! Baker Beach is just one to consider in San Francisco. Here's 10 more outdoor SF date spots.

4. Sip cocktails at Local Edition. This sexy space is located underneath Market Street, literally. The heavy velvet drapes, sconce lighting, and retro jazz club ambiance will have your lover begging for a kiss.

5. Book the 50 Shades of Women package. Take the romance behind closed door and unleash your sexy side with a secret black box full of Christian-and-Anastasia-approved goodies. Sexy vacation? We think YES!

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Get Romantic

Tags: #50Shades, sexy, romance

50 Shades of Women... COME AGAIN?

Posted by Megan Brandt on Wed, Feb 04, 2015 @ 05:00 PM

Le'ts be honest here. The 50 Shades of Grey movie trailer is HOT. You pretend not to watch it or care about it, but you're drawn to it, each and everytime. Damn it Christian... put your shirt back on! 

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All this 50 Shades madness doesn't have to be just a fantasy. You can bring it to life. And as strange as this might sound, we're here to help you.

Trust us, we know what we're doing - we did this before back in 2012 when the book came out, so naturally, now that the film is set to release this Valentine's Day, we're bringing back the goods with an all new sexy treasure chest!

Our 50 Shades of Women COME AGAIN package is creating quite a buzz inside and outside the box. Watch this clip from NBC News to get a peek at what's inside, and hey, if you're ready to take the whip by the handle, click here.

Spice Things Up

Tags: packages, #valentinesday, #50Shades

Pregnant and Pampered

Posted by Megan Brandt on Mon, May 19, 2014 @ 08:48 AM

pregnant and pampered san franciscoYou're sporting a gorgeous pregnancy glow and a beautiful baby bump, so why not give yourself the pampering you deserve? After all, we know that carving out "me" time will be harder to do after the little one arrives. Whether you're a local or just visiting, San Francisco offers plenty of relaxing things to do. Here's a list of 5 that we think will leave you feeling pampered! 

1. Have a picnic at the Palace of Fine Arts, Yerba Buena Gardens or Washington Square Park. (On Sunday's check out Off the Grid: Picnic at the Presidio - food truck heaven).

2. Rent a rowboat at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park (make sure to bring someone with upper arm strength).

3. Enjoy afternoon tea at The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus.

4. Get your make-up done. We love Benefit, Bobby Brown (Kimberly at Neiman Marcus is awesome) and Mac's new Powell Street flagship store.

5. Book the Pregnant & Pampered SF Hotel Package at Personality Hotels. We'll keep you comfortable and happy with a Ghirardelli sundae, spa treatment coupon, sparkling cider, a body pillow, Tums, and much more! 

Tags: packages, san francisco, What to do, travel tips

I Got It From My Mama

Posted by Megan Brandt on Sat, May 10, 2014 @ 11:13 AM

"If it wasn’t for your mother, you would not be the personality you are!" - Yvonne Detert, CEO. 

Your mom gave you everything. She gave you life, love, and personality! Today our eyes are on our "mother" - Yvonne. Personality Hotels is lucky to have such a passionate leader and someone who treats all the staff as her own. Even if she didn't tell you, you would know she's a mother. Having that motherly quality is a huge reason for her professional success. 

Outside of work, she has two successes - her daughters, Emily and Elizabeth. In honor of Mother's Day, her gorgeous girls share the inspiration they find in their special relationship. Sounds like this Mom can cook! 

Yvonne DetertYvonne Lembi-Detert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day! Make sure to show your mom love and thank her for the personality she gave you!

Tags: Yvonne Lembi-Detert, Mother's Day

Best Neighborhood Cocktails

Posted by Megan Brandt on Wed, May 07, 2014 @ 11:38 AM

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I didn't really embrace Union Square until I started working at Personality Hotels. Like most San Franciscans, my loyalty was rooted in own neighborhood - Nob Hill. But as soon as I started spending 5 days a week in Union Square, I had no choice but to embrace my surroundings. 

I spent lunchtime wandering around the square, looking at the menus of nearby restaurants, and occasionally popping into H&M. (Shhh... don't tell my boss). It quickly became my 2nd neighborhood.

To be honest, the expertise I'm most comfortable sharing with you is my cocktail knowledge. Most girls spoil themselves with new shoes, I spoil myself with fancy cocktails. Everyone needs a drink after work, right?

So sit back, wait patiently, and watch your bartender create a work of art at one of my top 5 spots to enjoy an amazing well-crafted cocktail!

 

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1. Local Edition

This sexy space is located underneath Market Street, literally. Inspired by the newspaper business of the 50s, you'll notice printing artifacts and century-old papers are everywhere. I love the heavy velvet drapes, sconce lighting and the retro jazz club feeling it exudes.

2. Bourbon & Branch

Straight out of the 1920s, Bourbon & Branch is the closest Prohibition experience we'll ever have. Just ring the buzzer and use the password "books". You'll be escorted to the secret speakeasy location with floor to ceiling bookcases and of course, superb cocktails. 

3. Tradition 

This is a true melting pot of traditional American bars of the ages. From Tiki to Dive Bar to Speakeasy to English Pub, Tradition is all about the evolution of drinking. I'm partial to the French 75 from the "Grand Hotel" menu.

Two favorites slightly outside of Union Square:

4. Comstock Saloon

If you love a Manhattan as much as I do, this is the place to go. Plus you get to step back in time. Word has it that the saloon has served as a watering hole to San Franciscans since 1907, and it definitely embraces that history. Think bow ties and suspenders. 

5. 1760

If you're exploring my lovely neighborhood of Nob Hill, the best cocktail can be found at 1760. It's a restaurant as well and the food never disappoints, but my regular visits are dedicated to my two favorite cocktails:

Blood Orange-Rosemary. blackstrap. absinthe. rye (pictured above)

Garam Masala-Cardamom. thyme. orange. toasted cardamom. bourbon 

 

Written by Megan Brandt, Marketing Manager.
@megbrandt

Tags: Union Square, What to do, cocktails

100 Year Celebration at Hotel Union Square

Posted by Megan Brandt on Wed, Apr 02, 2014 @ 12:43 PM

Hotel Union Square 100 Year Party

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last week's blog post we shared the exciting news that Hotel Union Square was celebrating its 100 year anniversary along with some fun historical facts! A lot has happened in 10 decades, so, as you can imagine, there was a lot to celebrate!

And that's exactly what we did last Wednesday night! We threw a fabulous party and celebrated with our amazing clients in the newly re-designed Hotel Union Square Penthouse Suite. It was truly a night to remember!

Hotel Union Square 100 Year Anniversary

HUGE thanks to the talented culinary students from the Art Institute of California for the delicious spread of hor d'oeuvres, Le Grand Courtage for the celebratory bubbly, John's Grill for the timeless martini bar, Teldeschi Winery for their tasting table, DJs Michael & Michael for spinning old-school vinyl hits, and Jonathan Rachman for the beautiful finishing touches!

Hotel Union Square 100 Year AnniversaryThese adorable mini cupcakes were handmade by our very own Group Sales Director, Janelle Granfors. Thanks for sharing one of your many hidden talents!

And a very special thank you to all who joined the celebration! Until next time...

SEE THE PHOTOS

Tags: hotel union square, Parties, #SF #sanfrancisco #sanfran

Hotel Union Square Turns 100!

Posted by Megan Brandt on Fri, Mar 28, 2014 @ 12:13 PM

Hotel Union Square Exterior

A whole century has gone by since Hotel Union Square opened its doors for the first time. The then “Golden West Hotel” was constructed in 1913 in anticipation of the visitors attending the 1915 World’s Fair. Officially called the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the fair celebrated the successful 1914 completion of the Panama Canal. This was also San Francisco’s opportunity to prove that the city had fully recovered from the devastating 1906 earthquake and was prepared to handle the rapid growth of tourism.

Your history lesson doesn't stop there. The hotel was also a temporary home of author Dashiell Hammett. Historians suggest that he likely wrote “The Maltese Falcon” and the “Thin Man” series while he was a resident of the hotel. He loved the hotel so much that he booked his bride-to-be, Josephine Dolan, in a suite the night before their 1921 wedding. Mr. Hammett might have also favored this location because during the Prohibition Era, a 10,000 square foot speakeasy called The Golden Bubble was located in the basement of the hotel!

A couple name changes and ten decades later, Hotel Union Square still retains much of its early charm, including original Egyptian-motif mosaic murals, grand staircases and ornate moldings. And a Dashiell Hammett suite

Hotel Union Square ExteriorHotel Union Square, 2014

And of course, a milestone this exciting and historic deserves a huge celebration, and that's actually what we did this past Wednesday. Stay tuned for photos from our 100 year anniversary party!

Follow us on Instagram

Check us out on Instagram to see awesome pictures taken by our employees and guests. @personalityhotels #personalityhotels

In the Press

Hotel Unions Square's DUGOUT SUITE is featured in this months 805 Living Magazine

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7x7 Magazine names Flamingo Resort & Spa one of the best places to recline in Sonoma!

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