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Megan Brandt

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Save a Life Water

Posted by Megan Brandt on Thu, Oct 31, 2013 @ 01:37 PM

Vita Water was introduced to us last month when Jermaine Jackson signed the Hotel Diva sidewalk of fame. In addition to leaving a permanent hand print, Mr. Jackson wanted to use this opportunity to share his commitment to Vita Water, a company committed to ending the world water crisis. 

Each bottle purchased provides access to clean water to a person in need for up to a year. By building wells in communities around the world that need it most, Vita Water is making a difference to the 1 billion people that lack access to clean water.

Vita Collage

Vita Water is now available in all rooms at Hotel Diva and Kensington Park Hotel, and will be offered at Hotel Union Square very soon. We are so proud to support a brand that makes a huge impact with something as simple as a bottle of water. We hope you will love it as much as we do!

Tags: Hotel Diva, Kensington Park, Vita Water

Kid Friendly Hotels in San Francisco

Posted by Megan Brandt on Thu, Oct 24, 2013 @ 11:31 AM

If you're searching for kid friendly hotels in San Francisco for your next family vacation, this blog is dedicated to you and your family's sanity. Personality Hotels has two kid suites to make your next family vacation the best one yet!

Little Divas Suite at Hotel Diva

Hotel Diva makes kids feel like true divas and divos when they stay in the Little Divas Suite, which celebrates famous child actors, actresses and characters. Able to accommodate a family of four, this two-room suite allows kids to have their own room, separated by a connecting door to the parent’s room. Ah...comfort and security!

Stylized for even the savviest pint-sized traveler, the Little Divas Suite comes complete with modern bunk beds, colorful “Donut Pouf” cushions, a Mac computer, a karaoke machine, Wii gaming system, a drawing table and lots of toys.

Read more of what your family can expect on The Mom Reviews.  

Hotel Union Square Kids Suite

Hotel Union Square's Kids Suite boasts retro-style mixed media collages of famous kid-friendly San Francisco landmarks, all stylized in primary colors to engage kids and encourage them to be artistic. This large one bedroom suite, with a bookshelf divider for added privacy, features a cherry wood trundle bed, a computer filled with history related games, Nintendo Wii, a writing desk, books and games.

See what Simply Real Moms had to say about their stay. 

Happy kids, even happier parents. We hope to see the whole fam soon!

Plan Your Visit Today

Tags: hotel union square, #SF #sanfrancisco #sanfran, Hotel Diva, traveling with kids, #hotelunionsquare, kids

Top 5 Eats Under $10 Near Union Square

Posted by Megan Brandt on Tue, Oct 15, 2013 @ 10:11 AM

San Francisco Best Cheap Restaurants

Everyone likes a good deal, especially when traveling. These top 5 spots that we love are within walking distance to your San Francisco Personality Hotel, and will leave you and your wallet happy:

1. Pearl's Deluxe Burgers

When the burger craving hits, head to Pearl's. It's hard to go wrong here and with some many meat options and add-ons, pretty much anyone will leave feeling full and happy. Not to mention they serve melt-in-your-mouth milkshakes, and several different types of french fries. Sweet potato fries? Yes, please! Good for lunch or dinner. 708 Post St.

2. Kare-Ken

Only open in the evenings, Kare-Ken serves up a classic Japanese katsu curry. This place is small, but dishes up hearty comfort food and friendly service. Their made-from-scratch curry can be served mild or hot and topped with extras like a boiled egg, corn, fried seasonal veggies, and tempura onion rings. You can always add more meat, sauce, or rice to up-size the portions. The late-night (after 10pm) menu flaunts a beef curry dog and a katsu curry sandwich. 552 Jones St.

3. Bio

A cozy gem tucked in the middle of Union Square, Bio caters to those who eat a gluten-free or vegan diet. You'll find gluten-free quiche and vegan vegetable soups and salads. But don't worry, bacon lovers will still be pleased here - the prosciutto, fig, and gruyere sandwich always hits the spot. With both savory and sweet options, and hot and cold beverages (they even make their own Kombucha) Bio is a one-stop-shop ideal for breakfast or lunch. 75 O'Farrell St.

4. Bite

Sandwich lovers should look no further. This order-at-the-counter deli never disappoints. Build your own sandwich or order a specialty, like the Gouda Good - a heavenly combination of their rotisserie chicken with Gouda cheese and special pepperhouse sauces on Dutch crunch bread. Order a salad, or a rotisserie chicken with a side dish for a bread-less, but still delicious, alternative. Open-late. 912 Sutter St.

5. Golden Coffee Shop

With plenty of breakfast options, this mom and pop diner will satisfy the most important meal of the day. Fuel for a day of sight-seeing or to cure last night's hangover, jump-start your day with classic scrambled eggs with corned beef, hash browns and toast, or a stack of fluffy pancakes. Oh, and they also serve Chinese food after 11am. We'll let you be the judge of that. Cash only. 901 Sutter St.

Tags: #SF #sanfrancisco #sanfran, Union Square, Where to eat in Union Square, restaurant, lunch, dinner, breakfast

Nightlife at Cal Academy

Posted by Megan Brandt on Wed, Oct 09, 2013 @ 11:11 AM

California Academy of Sciences Nightlife

Last Thursday night I got to feel like a little kid again, but with big kid advantages. Full of excitement I attended my first-ever Nightlife event at California Academy of Sciences. With minimal expectations, I headed for Golden Gate Park to take part in 'Sharktoberfest'.

Every Thursday evening, the museum hosts an adult-only festivity influenced by a different environmental or scientific theme. And last week's theme happened to be Sharktoberfest. There was a live German band decked out in ledderhosen, Berlin-style ping pong, a pop-up beer garden, and great cocktails. I can't deny my love for cocktails so I went for the Farallon Collins - a delicious blend of vodka, fresh canteloupe, house-made ginger shrub, local honey and fresh mint. The night was off to a good start.

But cocktails aside, the real celebration of the evening was in honor of sharks. Here in Northern California during October local conservancy groups adopt the theme 'Sharktober' to raise awareness that sharks are endangered and the health of our ocean is suffering because of that.

In addition to shark education, all of the regular Cal Academy exhibitions were open for exploration, as they always are. With cocktail in hand, I came nose-to-nose with creatures at the aquariam, took a virtual safari through Africa in the natural history museum, and excited my senses in the all-too-real earthquake exhibit. Others journeyed through the stunning 4-story rain forest and others were entertained by digital imagery in the planetarium.  

With food and drink options, live music, and tons of activities, Nightlife is the perfect way to spend a Thursday evening with friends. I left feeling happy and proud of the new things I learned. I didn't feel like I was being educated, it just naturally happened, in the most fun way possible.  

INTERESTED IN VISITING CAL ACADEMY? Ask your front desk about discounted tickets. 

Tags: #SF #sanfrancisco #sanfran, What to do, Golden Gate Park

Summer White Party at Hotel Union Square

Posted by Megan Brandt on Fri, Oct 04, 2013 @ 11:54 AM

Hotel Union Square Penthouse Party

Summer may be over everywhere else, but not for San Francisco. In honor of our Indian Summer, we threw a White Party this past Wednesday night to celebrate all of our fabulous clients. Guests arrived at the Hotel Union Square Penthouse to soak up the evening rooftop sun and mingle with old and new friends.  

Le Grand Courtage

HUGE thanks to San Francisco Wedding & Events Photographer Jim Vetter for capturing the evening, Le Grand Courage for the celebratory bubbly, Sauce for the delicious speciality cocktails and appetizers, and Jonathan Rachman for the beautiful finishing touches!

Sauce Collage2

Thank you to all who joined the celebration! Until next time...

  SEE THE PHOTOS

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

Jermaine Jackson Signs Hotel Diva Sidewalk of Fame

Posted by Megan Brandt on Tue, Sep 24, 2013 @ 12:18 PM

JermaineJackson Collage

Hotel Diva was in the spotlight last Friday when a new celebrity signature was added to San Francisco's ONLY sidewalk of fame! Jermaine Jackson, renowned musician and member of the Jackson 5, signed and placed his hands in wet cement on our sidewalk - permanently joining celebs like Joan Rivers, Stevie Wonder, and Anjelica Huston.

This red carpet event was more than just a public appearance for Mr. Jackson. It was a chance for him to make a statement about the world water crisis and his support of Salvare La Vita Water, a company working to combat the issue. For every 31 bottles of spring water sold, Vita Water provides one person with clean water for 20 years, by building wells in communities around the world that need it most. And now, Personality Hotels is proud to support their mission too.

ABC News came out to capture the evening. Take a peek below of their coverage!

  

SEE THE PHOTOS

Tags: #SF #sanfrancisco #sanfran, Hotel Diva, Hotel Diva walk of fame, Jermaine Jackson

Save Me, San Francisco

Posted by Megan Brandt on Thu, Sep 19, 2013 @ 09:43 AM

savemesanfranciscopackage

When we adopted Family House into our hearts, we never looked back. It was an obvious partnership for us. Like us, their goal is to provide a home away from home. But unlike us, they provide this comfort to families of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses while being treated at the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.

Family House Collage

Falling in love with their mission and undeniable spirit was easy. And soon we found out that it was easy for a lot of people - like the rock band Train and Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. When we heard they were creating products specifically for the benefit of Family House, our newest package "Save Me, San Francisco" just fell into place.

Chocolate and wine have never come together better. Satisfying in taste and fulfulling in heart, this package will have you savoring the fact that you're helping others who really need it.

  • A bottle of "Save Me, San Francisco" Pinot Noir released by the Grammy-wining band Train
  • 2 Limited Edition "Save me, San Francisco" Ghirardelli Chocolate bars
  • $10 from each package purchased will be donated to Family House
  • Late Check out
Plan Your Visit Today

 Click here for additional details.


Tags: packages, wine, san francisco, #chocolate, Ghirardelli, Family House

Top 5 Tuesday with Yvonne Lembi-Detert

Posted by Megan Brandt on Tue, Sep 10, 2013 @ 08:03 AM

SanFrancisco_Fashion_Dining

Have you ever had a boss who lacked style and class? Probably at some point or another, we could all answer yes. But a true leader should have it all, don't you think? Well, enter Yvonne Lembi-Detert. She fearlessly leads our team and looks totally chic while doing it. Her closet must look like something out of Sex and the City. Well maybe a little less fur because this is California, afterall. 

Curious to know more about what we'd find in her closet, we asked Yvonne about her top 5 places to shop in San Francisco. And since every shopping trip should be followed with a reward, we also asked about her top places to dine. Here's what our CEO had to say...

Fashion:

  1. Kurt Geiger for fun shoes
  2. Vince for urban everyday wear
  3. All Saints for funky and edgy eye apparel 
  4. Barney’s for unique designer must-haves
  5. Neiman Marcus for hangbags and classic pieces

Dining:

  1. Gitane for fabulous cocktails and mashed peas
  2. Le Colonial for its ambiance and many floor levels of entertainment while dining
  3. 54 Mint especially when its truffle season
  4. Colibri for the very best guacamole and ceviche
  5. Bouche for its tiny kitchen creating incredible culinary bites

Tags: #SF #sanfrancisco #sanfran, Union Square, shopping, Interviews, San Francisco Fashion, Where to eat in Union Square, SF Fashion, Yvonne Lembi-Detert, restaurant

Escape to The Flamingo Resort and Spa

Posted by Megan Brandt on Thu, Sep 05, 2013 @ 03:35 PM

Flamingo Resort

Picture this: You're basking in the summer sunshine, breathing in the fresh country-side air, and sipping some of the best wine in the world. Bold statement, we know, but we have to brag about the fact that wine country is basically San Francisco’s backyard. And, at just about an hour north, Sonoma County is the closest place for a rejuvenating escape.

Now picture this: You're lounging poolside under the gentle Sonoma sun after your relaxing morning spent at the spa enjoying a warming ginger body scrub. The on-site tennis courts looked appealing, but hey, they’ll still be there tomorrow. As will all the other amenities our Sonoma Personality Hotel offers.

A historic landmark put on the map in the 1950s, The Flamingo Resort and Spa delivers a classic charm while flaunting all the modern amenities after its recent renovation. And with its central location, Sonoma's endless recreational options are at your disposal and ready to be explored, especially since those warm summer days tend to last well into October.

From hiking in the redwoods to wine tasting in the vineyard-rich valleys, Sonoma offers something for everyone and The Flamingo can be your home away from home. 

*Visit the Flamingo website to plan your next trip or reach the reservation desk at 1-800-848-8300. 
Flamingo

 

Tags: Personality Hotels, The Flamingo, Wine Country

Mind Your Manners Miley

Posted by Megan Brandt on Thu, Aug 29, 2013 @ 02:29 PM

Miley cyrus, vma's, twerking, mind your manners

In lieu of recent events, Personality Hotels would love the honor of rescuing a former Disney Star who needs a lesson(s) in appropriate Diva behavior. We are offering Miley a relaxing retreat where she will learn to mind her manners and restore her image. 

If Miley comes to stay with us, she will receive the following, for free:

  •  A three night stay at a San Francisco Personality Hotel – Hotel Diva, Kensington Park or Hotel Union Square

  •  Etiquette classes at the Parsons School of Etiquette  

  •  A copy of Tiffany’s Table Manners book

  •  A ladies lunch at The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus

  •  An automatic toothbrush and tongue scraper hygiene kit (at least we aren’t washing her mouth out with soap)

Help us bring Miley to San Francisco! Share this story and tag Miley (@MileyCyrus) and use hashtag #divaMiley

 

 

READ THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

 

Tags: #SF #sanfrancisco #sanfran, Hotel Diva, Miley Cyrus, Twerking

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

DugoutSuitePress resized 201

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

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