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.  

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!

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

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!

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

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. 

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

•  A personal shopping voyage guided by famed style icon Wilkes Bashford

•  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

This year is the 43rd annual San Francisco Pride Parade and we have uncovered a few facts you might not know:

1. The first Gay Pride parades were held the weekend of June 27 and 28, 1970 in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. They were organized to commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The first San Francisco parade was held in 1970— it was a small gathering in Golden Gate Park. Since 1972, the event has been held each year and the name of the festival has changed over the years. The event organizers each year select a theme for the event, which is reflected in the logo and the event’s publicity. 

2. The rainbow flag was created by Gilbert Baker, one of Harvey milk’s good friends. It made its debut as a gay pride symbol at the San Francisco Pride Parade in 1978. Baker was asked to design a unifying symbol for the gay community and the rainbow flag was the result.

 3. Originally thre were eight colors on the rainbow flag includeing hot pink and turquoise, symbolizing sexuality and art. As a result of the  increasing demand for the flag, Baker approached Paramount Flag Company for mass production. At the time hot pink fabric was unavailable, so Baker dropped the hot pink stripe from the design. To keep an even number of stripes, turquoise was also dropped, resulting in the six-stripe flag that is widely used today.

4. The first mayor to take part in a Pride Parade was San Francisco’s George Moscone in 1978.

5. The parade which started as a small gathering of 30 “hair fairies” in 1970 has grown up over the years to reach 1.2 million people in 2008.

Enjoy the festivities this week-end. and show some pride!

Congratulations San Francisco ane the LGBT community. 

Here comes the week-end again and you have no idea what to do with your kids? We have put togehter a list of some obvious kid friendly "to-dos" and some more uniuqe experiences in San Francisco. Get ready to share some love and some fun with your little ones.

California Academy of Science

Considered the greenest museum on the planet, with a 2 ½ acre Living Roof, an expansive solar canopy, an extensive water reclamation system, and walls insulated with recycled blue jeans, the California Academy of Science brings the whole universe under one roof - an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum and more! If you go there you should definitely check the Earthquake exhibit, where you can see, hear and feel two earthquakes.This is the number one museum for kids in San Francisco.

Personality Hotels has teamed up with Cal Academy to offer a fantastic package that includes tickets, discounts to the Moss Room and the gift shops inside the musuem. Check out the package here: GO GREEN

Exploratorium

In case you dont know, The Exploratorium has moved and is now Pier 15 in a brand new building. It has moved but the fun is still the same. Kids will love discovering there exhibits in particular the South Gallery where you have to "think with your hands", or they will enjoy watching a movie on the terrace at Cinema Arts Outdoor Screening.

San Francisco Zoo

Who doesn’t like going to the Zoo? You get to see cute birds, impressive felines and funny monkeys.A few months ago The San Francisco Zoo was very lucky as a baby Sumatran Tiger cub was born on January 10^th.  Jillian is still not an adult but it won’t last very long, hurry to the SF Zoo to see this beautiful creature an many more.

Cable car  

You probably see it every day, but how often do you take the Cable Car? Hop on with your little ones for a city roller-coaster ride. It’s a little crowded but it’s worth the wait. Upon arrival on the Pier you can go say hi to the Sea Lions on Pier 33 or have a delicious ice cream at Ghiradhelli square. 

Cable car Museum

Of course using the Cable Car will raise some questions in your kids’ minds. How does it work? When was it built? Who invented it? No worries. During your ride stop at the Cable Car Museum. It’s free at will get all questions answered. Maybe even yours.

Aquarium of the Bay

Your kids love fishes but you can’t take them to Monterey every other day, why not visit the Aquarium of the Bay instead. Located on Pier 33, the Aquarium of the Bay gives you a good representation of the flora and fauna and the amazing creatures of the sea, that live around the bay. There is also a "petting pool" where little hands can touch the fishes while admiring the great sharks and pretty moon jellies. 

Golden Gate Bridge

I know you have been over that bridge several times, but haw many times have you actually parked and walked on the bridge? Try it with your kids and see how much fun they have running on the bridge and looking at the beautiful view of the bay and the ocean. Dont forget to stop at the Park Conservancy and take a fun photo of you or your family climbing the cables. (*Ask your concierge about discounts for the virtual reality photos)

Alcatraz

This infamous prison is on every single tourist’s to do list in San Francisco and there is a good reason for that, it is a must see. From being a fort, to being transformed into a prison and then occupied by the Olohone tribe this island has been through a lot. Taking your kids to Alcatraz is a real historical adventure. You get to take the boat, visit the prison, the audio guide is great and very descriptive and see one of the most theatrical views of San Francisco all in one.

Pirate Store

Aye Aye Maty! You have some little pirates at home and you don’t know how to quench their thirst for treasure hunting? We have the solution for you. The Pirate Store on Valencia St. This is THE PLACE, to find the best Pirate supplies. The Pirate Shop also offers a range of programs to students aged 6 to 18, to improve their writing skills.  

Concrete Slides

The best thing in a playground are usually the slides but most of the time they are small, metal and you have to climb a ladder to access them. The real fun are the built-in concrete slides that you can sometimes find in parks. In San Francisco they can be found in two places. Number one is the Children's Playground at Golden Gate Park located near the carousel, on Bowling Green Drive near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. This playground has double shallow chutes with low rails and one curve over a rounded mountain. It is generally crowded, so you usually have to wait in line, especially in summer. But there is always plenty of cardboard strewn around.Number 2 is The Seward Street Slides and Mini Park. Seward Street at Douglas Street, in Noe Valley, between 19th and 20th streets: Tucked next to houses on a steep, shaded hill are twin gray chutes that are narrow with high walls. Remember to bring some cardboard

 We hope you enjoyed our list of kid friendly attractions. Now go have fun!

Lately we have been enjoying incredile weather in San Francisco and with it comes the need to get out and of course have picnics. Get your chips and your egg salad ready, here is a list of some of the best picnic spots in San Francisco, it’s up to you to choose the one you prefer.

1. Dolores Park

Enclosed by Church, Dolores, 18th, and 20th streets this is probably one of the most beloved park of San Francisco.
With its' grassy, hilly setting; often toasty microclimate; and lovely views of the bay, the city, and the East Bay hills, Dolores Park is a perfect place for a picnic. This isn't your typical urban parkland, though. Tennis courts, impromptu concerts, street theater, anything can happen in Dolores Park. If you have forgotten your sandwich, don’t worry there are a lot of options nearby. Go early, it can get very crowded.

2. Crissy Field

Runs along Mason; parking at Mason at Javowitz
Crissy Field's 100 or so acres of reclaimed marshes and meadows are a pristine setting for a sunny, breezy picnic, breathtaking views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay right there at your elbow. If you're in the mood for a beach picnic, Crissy's sand dunes are right there no need to go all the way to Ocean Beach.

3. Corona Heights

Entrance at the end of Deforest Way (between Beaver and Flint)
Just 10 minutes from Castro and Market is this wild, secluded getaway of steep cliffs, mountain meadows, strange rock formations, and dazzling 360-degree urban panoramas. Conquering 510-foot Corona Heights via its mountain-goat trails and climbable outcroppings of prehistoric chert is something of a workout, but you'll be rewarded with intimate vistas of Diamond Heights, Mission Dolores, Buena Vista Park, and the skyscrapers of downtown S.F.

4. Golden Gate Park

Designed and executed by William Hammond Hall and John McLaren, Golden Gate Park is more than 1,000 acres of public land. The park offers a wide variety of activities, you can eat by Stow Lake and then rent a rowboat or pedal boat from the boathouse. Take a stroll in the Japanese Tea Garden, visit the the Academy of Science, the De Young Museum or just lay in the grass. 

5. Alamo Square

Bordered by Fell Street to the south, Fulton Street to the north, Scott Street to the west, and Webster Street to the east, this is a small park surrounded by Victorian Houses with picturesque views on the Painted ladies and downtown. As you settle you will realise how familiar this park is as it appeared in may TV Shows and Movies.

Don’t forget your sunscreen and your jacket, it’s San Francisco, and have a good day. 

Hi, my name is Gracie and I am the Canine Representative at Personality Hotels. Among other tasks, I keep an eye on what's going on, try new treats, wag my tail, and allow people to pet me… it makes them so happy.

As I have spent a good deal of my life in hotels they feel like a second home to me. I love traveling and going on vacation with my family but this is not the case for all my fellow 4 legged friends. Sometimes traveling doesn't reveal the best aspects of their personalities, so I am going to help you remedy that.

Here are 10 tips to have a good stay with your pup at a hotel: 

• When making your reservation at a hotel check that dogs are welcome. Ask about the pet policy in detail. What is the fee? Is there a weight limit? Is the number of pets limited? Addressing these questions before your arrival will make things much easier.

• Upon check in ask for a room on a lower floor, it will save you some elevator waiting time, or for a quiet room if your dog is sensitive to noise.

• Traveling can be a stressful time for some dogs, bringing the food your dog is used to and a favorite toy will help him quiet down. If you have the space, bringing along his bed would be even better. If your pet is used to laying on your bed at home or climbing on the furniture, bring a blanket or a sheet to cover the furniture in your hotel room.

• If you plan on leaving your dog alone in your room, make sure he is up to it. There are a lot of other guests nearby and they probably won’t be happy if they hear barking all day long. Another way your dog might express his stress is by chewing on furniture or by marking his territory all around the room. If you are not sure of his behavior, put your dog in his crate while you are away. If he is used to it, it will feel much safer to him. The sound of the TV might also help him to calm down. 

• If you decide to leave your dog roaming around the room remember to put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to avoid anyone from entering while you are away, you never know how your dog might react to a stranger entering the room.

• If you haven’t checked before, ask the Concierge or the Front Desk agent where is the closest patch of grass for your dog to enjoy himself and get his potty-break. With the voyage your dog might need to relieve himself more often then usual. Remember to pack enough potty bags to clean up after your dog.

• Pack an extra leash and collar just in case the one you have breaks or you misplace them. Before traveling make sure that the information on your dog’s tag is accurate, especially your phone number.

• A hotel bathroom is no place for grooming your pet. If something happens and you really have to give your dog a bath, make sure not to leave hair and mud in the bathroom. 

• If your dog causes any damage in the room, address the matter right away with a manager, don’t wait until check out, it will make things much easier.

• Of course if you brought your dog along, spend some time with him. Ask the hotel staff if there are some special events or parks you can go to together to have fun. 

Enjoy traveling with your pet and making great memories. Maybe I will have the chance to meet you the next time you stay at one of our properties!

           Gracie Personality Pup