It's that time of year again. The weather has finally turned, tinting the skies a shade darker, crisping the air, making layered clothing more of a necessity while walking around our beautiful Christmas lit city and we at Personality Hotels could not be cozier! Our gift to you this season: a holiday guide to make your experience in San Francisco feel a little bit more like home, while still on vacation.

Happy Holidays,

the Marketing Babes

Need a break from city life? Take a getaway to Monterey along one of the most scenic routes in the country! And be sure to stop at some of these iconic destinations, both along your way and during your stay.

On your way: 

Moss Landing State Beach - surf, fish, or horseback ride if you're feeling zealous! Or just take in the scene, bound to be a relaxing one.

Whole Enchilada - authentic Mexican food with an emphasis on fresh seafood and Oaxacan regional cuisine, this restaurant is legendary for locals and tourists alike. Great for people watching. 

Giant Artichoke Restaurant in Castroville - as our newly official state vegetable, go here for the best fried artichokes on the coastline. 

Photo by Laura Warren

While you're there:

Cannery Row - for a plethora of activity options from shopping to dining, there's something for everyone in this historic district. Take a stroll or a bike ride and peruse all there is to see. Must-Do: Monterey Bay Aquarium

Fandango Restaurant in Pacific Grove - a romantic and welcoming ambiance makes this french seafood restaurant a go-to for anyone visiting the area and totally worth the price.

Restaurant 1833 - riddled with romance, fire lit rooms and vintage chandeliers, take a step back in time while you dine in wing back chairs in a gorgeously restored historic 1833 house

Traveling to San Francisco for business can be both daunting and exciting. There is so much to do and see, while at the same time dings on every one of our devices remind us that real work must be achieved. The question lingers, "how to fit it all in?" One sure-fire answer: PLAN – or in this case, let us do the planning for you. 

BEGIN: We recommend starting your morning off right with a nice cup of joe. Most San Franciscans tend to lean toward the well-crafted stuff, no Dunkin' Donuts for us. So head to Blue Bottle in the Mint Plaza just South of Market for a gourmet taste of some of the most delectable, heart warming coffee you've ever had, certain to provide a nice, motivating buzz for the work day ahead. Also, be sure to try one of their tasty breakfast items or a quick fix pastry to provide even further sustenance, BUT be prepared for a bit of a line if you arrive during peak hours!*

Visiting SF soon? Well, have we got the city guide for you! Having just partnered with the amazingly helpful Utrip travel planner, we are excited to share one of the many "featured trips" offered, produced by experts in the field when it comes to San Francisco city slickin'.

This featured trip, created by our friend and city expert Jeani Hunt-Gibbon of Union Square Business Improvement District, highlights Shopping & the Arts in SF. And oh, what a fantastic trip it will be! We've even gone ahead and made it easier for you by narrowing the trip down to our top favorite must see's and do's. Enjoy your vacay!

DAY 1: 

                 MUST SEE: Grace Cathedral                             MUST DO: Shop in Union Square

DAY 2:

                   MUST DO: Ferry Building                                  MUST SEE: show at ACT

DAY 3:

                MUST DO: Ride the Cable Car                             MUST SEE: Haight Ashbury

*Want to create your own trip? Read our How To Plan Your SF Trip: Utrip!

Crystal Kong, founder and style blogger at Cryskay, stayed at Hotel Union Square during her first stop in San Francisco as part of her national ice cream tour. As busy as she was during her indulgent days, we caught a moment to speak with her about her experience as an LA fashion blogger and learn more about what inspired this uniquely tasty trip. Enjoy our first of many guest spotlight Q&A's!

the Marketing Babes

MB: How long have you been blogging on Cryskay? How did you start? 

CK: I used to have an online journal before it was considered "blogging" and always knew I wanted to get back into it. Three years ago, as a New Years Resolution, I started Cryskay and have stuck with it ever since. It's become my creative outlet and a way for me to archive my personal style. 

MB: What inspired your Ice Cream campaign?

CK: My crazy obsession and addiction to ice cream. A friend and I came across the "Best Ice Cream Shops in the US" lists from the Thrillist and Food & Wine and decided that we needed to visit them all. Being that one of the things on my bucket list is to visit all 50 states by age 50, it gave me all the more reason to do this. Neither one of us thought the idea would come to fruition, but slowly & surely it did and now we're here! 

MB: What ice cream stores are you planning to hit up/did you hit up while in SF?

CK: There's Bi-Rite Creamery and Humphry Slocombe in the city, as well as Ici Ice Cream in Berkeley and Three Twins Ice Cream in San Rafael.

MB: What's your favorite ice cream place and flavor here in SF?

CK: Hands down, Honey Lavender & Salted Caramel at Bi-Rite. I have dreams about it.

MB: Where else are you going on your trip and where are you most excited to go? 

CK: The trip takes us up the west coast to Seattle, over to Yellowstone National Park, back down to Phoenix, across the south through New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Nashville, up to Boston and ending in New York City. I think I'm most excited about Yellowstone for the scenery and Nashville because it's a city that I've fallen madly, deeply in love with over the years. 

MB: What's your idea of the perfect first date ice cream outing outfit in San Francisco?! Which ice cream spot would you go to for this particular occasion?  

CK: When in San Francisco, I like dressing in layers because you never know when Karl the Fog will make an appearance. Also, I'm always about comfort so I would probably be wearing jeans (or shorts), a tee, leather jacket and boots. The date would start out at Bi-Rite (but of course). I like picking up the pints there (you get the cut the line) and eating it on the lawn at Dolores Park.

MB: Which ice cream place and flavor has the most Personality in SF?

CK: Again, Bi-Rite Creamery... I'm telling you, I'm obsessed with it! The most personality award would go to their Ricaenelas flavor. It's original, unlike anything I've ever had before - smooth in texture with small chunks of snicker doodle and hints of cinnamon.

Craving more? Read Top 5 Union Square Sweet Treats!

                                                                                                                                                      Photo via E&O

E&O Asian Kitchen – 314 Sutter Street, Union Square. Sophisticated, modern Asian fusion to-die-for! Plenty of space for larger parties in a chic, yet warm environment, in a prime location right off Union Square. Local business goers and tourists alike rave about E&O for their unique dishes and unforgettable cocktails. The Ultimate Meal: Oysters and Indo Corn Fritters to start, Prawn Citrus Salad appetizer, finish with Drunken Noodles. 

Farallon – 450 Post Street, Union Square. One of the best little known happy hour spots in the city with an amazing jellyfish bar to boot! A seafood platter (Grand Platter $70/Royal Platter $130) gets a group of dinner-goers a little bit of everything. Forget waiting an hour, or three, for a table at one of the new foodie fish spots, this historic space boasts the charm as one of SF's more classic fish houses, reliably timely and delicious. 

Cafe Claude – 7 Claude Lane btwn Bush and Sutter, Financial District. A hidden gem! This intimate, low-lit, classic French bistro is situated along an inconspicuous alley whispering romantic nuances with every step, a rarity in the middle of the hustle bustle that makes up Downtown SF. Don't be suprised if there's a jazz band ruminating out of the corner of the room. Must Try: Fig Wrapped Prosciutto appetizer and the Duck Confit - bon appetit!

Sauce – 56 Belden Place, Financial District. This comfort food style restaurant is perfect for people looking for reliably good New American dishes. A go-to for groups in need of space, or couples looking for something more intimate (the outdoor patio is quite the romantic film scene). Must-Try: the Portobello Mushroom Fries paired with the Hangar Steak and a Moscow Mule. 

Naked Lunch – 504 Broadway, North Beach/Telegraph Hill. Located near the old beatnik neighborhood where literary rebels like Kerouac and Burroughs once frequented, diners are sure to catch onto the historic feel at this restaurant, but guaranteed a table and timely meal, all in a fun and casual setting. Order the fried chicken sandwich with the bartender's seasonal cocktail for a fulfilling, good ole' American meal.

Colibri Mexican Bistro – 438 Geary Street, Union Square. Get your Mexican food fix with a twist! Quality ingredients are used for every drink and dish. We never fail to order one of their many specialty margaritas and fresh guacamole to start, followed by any of the entrees, sure to invigorate those taste buds. If there's time: try their weekend brunch (includes bottomless mimosas)!

Aliment - 786 Bush Street, Nob Hill. This intimate & cozy space offers seasonal dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients. A neighborhood favorite, the menu and decor shouts San Francisco chic! We love the brussels sprouts, the bolognese, and/or the pork belly paired with a glass of one of their many choice wines.  

Need lunchtime inspiration? Check out our Top 5 Favorite Lunch Spots blog post!

Anyone in San Francisco from June through August knows that summer doesn't always feel like real summer here. It's quite the opposite: foggy, windy, and invariably a bit cooler. Although, we locals know that after three months of a pseudo-summer we experience every year, the more expected summer symptoms reveal themselves shortly thereafter. Alas, our annual Indian Summer! September through November one can expect consistently warmer temperatures and much, much more lounge-like afternoons and evenings. So, in celebration of warmer days ahead, we've compiled a list of to-do's (just in case you've missed them these past few months):

1. Hike this Coastal Trail from Baker Beach to the Golden Gate Bridge

2. Attend a Nightlife at the Academy of Sciences

3. Do A Station-to-Station Bay Area Bike Share Ride 

4. Dance at Salsa in the Square in Union Square

5. Eat at Off the Grid in the Presidio or Fort Mason (Photo via KQED)

6. Catch a Giant's Game before the season ends!

7. Treat yourself to a day at Archimedes Banya Spa (Photo by Kristin Viola)