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
Tags: Holidays, san francisco
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)
Tags: san francisco, sun, fun, Summer tips, Indian Summer
What We Ordered: The light starter, Prawn & Asparagus Salad (topped with a fava bean pesto accoutrement to-die-for), followed by the Maverick, a rich and stoutey kobe butter burger. Perfect for two. Per Chef’s Request: Emmanuel Eng recommends the Farro "Risotto" paired with the Lost Abbey Red Barn Saison (a San Marcos on-draft beer), or the ever-popular Maverick burger paired with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon – particularly the Terra Valentine Napa 2012. He also loves the Fried Green Tomatoes paired with their 49er Gold Rush cocktail, made with bonded bourbon, lemon, honey syrup, and an SF favorite, Fernet Branca. Perk: Beautiful in-house gastropub, delicious bourbon cocktails, three course prix-fixe business lunch. Fun & snazzy.
Chef’s Request: A Northern Thai specialty, the Khao Soi Gai includes soft and crispy egg noodles with chicken in a super aromatic (and not-so-spicy) curry broth, topped with pickled mustard greens and spicy chili oil on the side (also available vegetarian w/ veggie broth & Hodo soy tofu). Drink their Pak Pow, aka the Thai Beach Kite: IPA, Appleton Reserve Rum, Allspice Dram, Palm Sugar, Lime, and Nutmeg. Perk: Rumor has it this may be the best new Thai restaurant in the city...
What We Ordered: The traditional, and might I add mouth-watering, Spaetzle had us craving for more, while the gourmet Chicken Salad sealed the deal. Chef’s Orders: "My favorite item for lunch here at Schroeder’s would have to be our bratwurst served with braised sauerkraut, whole grain mustard, bread & butter pickles on an acme soft roll. And nothing goes down better with a brat than a beer! Thanks to our ciceron, Rich Higgins, we have some delicious options in that category. The Maisel Weisse: lightly sweet, bready/malt, highly carbonated, or the Gaffel Kolsch: grassy, slightly bitter, crisp." Perk: Newly vamped menu and interior decor make for a vintage flair to your dining experience. Enjoy deliciously authentic German cuisine with a modern twist.
We Ordered: Gourmet Chowder to start the meal made for a rich beginning, while the oh-my-gawd-good Oyster Po Boy served as a unique end. Next Time: One can never go wrong with an oyster sampler for a taste test of all the goods, especially when the raw bar is displayed so eloquently in the center of the room. Pair it with a glass of their proprietary white vino for the ultimate finish. Perk: Some of the best views of the waterfront with the freshest fish selection in town, right on SF's historical Embarcadero. Totally worth the wait.
Why: Because who can go wrong with fish tacos and a pitcher of sangria on a summer afternoon? If You Dare: Spice up your work day with a delectably dangerous Tongue Taco. Perk: Right off Market with tons of outdoor seating on a grand patio for some of the best people watching in town. Also, great vegetarian options from tacos to salads to plates full of colorful roasted veggies for our herbivore friends.
Tags: Union Square, wine, Where to eat in Union Square, san francisco, lunch, beer, cocktails
You'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
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.
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.
Tags: packages, wine, san francisco, #chocolate, Ghirardelli, Family House
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tags: san francisco, parks, picnics
Today our Personality is a real life adventurer. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raised in Scotland, Keith Bellows has visited more than 98 countries all over the world and is a legend in his line of work. Appointed Editor in Chief of National Geographic Traveler Magazine in 1998, Mr. Bellows has won numerous awards and recognitions including 60 Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards.
This week Personality Hotels had the honor to have him as a guest at Hotel Diva, where he was signing his new book "100 Places That Will Change You Child's Life".
Let's see what Mr Keith Bellows can tell us about San Francisco and himself, time for Lounge Confessions:
KB: "Whenever I come to San Francisco I like to buy some good Brie cheese, French Bread, Salami and to go with that, a bottle of California Chardonnay." 
KB: "San Francisco is a great launching pad to explore the surrounding area. I like to discover or re-discovering Sausalito, Muir Woods, Bolinas and Stinson Beach, ride in a convertible to Big Sur or Point Reyes. If I was to pick one neighborhood in SF my favorite would be Pacific Heights."
KB: "I love to get lost so whatever street I end up on becomes my favorite."
KB: "San Francisco is one of the most real cities. There is sort of a dychotomy between this city manufactured by Silicon Valley and the real San Francisco which is about the people."
KB: "My favorite occupation in this city is people watching. There is so much going on in the streets of San Francisco; you learn a lot about a city, watching it's inhabitants."
KB: "A day at the beach with my kids."
KB: "I would have liked to be the right hand man of Winston Churchill during the war."
KB: "Flying, that would save me so much time."
KB: "I am happy."
KB:"Carpe Diem."
Tags: san francisco, travels, traveling with kids, National Geographics
This coming week-end San Francisco will be celebrating Saint Patrick's Day with a wide variety of events and parties.
The Irish Spirit is visiting us: get ready for lots of green, lots of beer and lots of fun.
As it is well known Patrick is the Saint patron of Ireland, what you might not know is that he has been celebrated in Europe as early as the 9th and 10th century on March 17th. This day was made an official feast day in the 17th century, which meant you could break any lent rules you have and feast. At the beginning Saint Patrick’s day was a commemoration of the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Originally a religious celebration it as become a secular celebration and an essential part of Irish culture.
Even though St Patrick's Day is not a legal Holiday in the United States, it is widely celebrated across the country and of course San Francisco has a lot to offer on this week-end, here is a selection of what the city has in store for you:
What would be a festival without a joyful parade? This year the parade is scheduled on Saturday, March 16th, a day before Saint Patrick’s Day.
Rain or shine it will start at 11:30 am, the parade route will begin at 2nd and Market and go all the way to Civic Center Plaza, next to the City Hall.
Proudly marching up Market Street will be numbers of groups from the Irish community; schools, cultural groups and of course the Police and Fire department of San Francisco.
This event is free to attend.
If you want to learn a little more about Ireland’s history and enjoy some traditional Irish music and dancing, this is the place.
The Festival will take place at the Joe Allioto Performing Art Plaza (south-east of the City Hall) from 11am to 5pm. Of course you are more than welcome to have a beer and try some Irish food while enjoying the moment. There will be exhibits for the whole family to enjoy, do not hesitate to go with the little ones. This year the festival will honor the Celtic women, one of them, this year’s Grand Marshall: Joanne Hayes-White; SFFD Chief. If you want to avoid crowds, going in the morning is probably a safer option as more and more people are expected to come to celebrate as the day goes by.
This event is free to attend.
A Saint Patrick’s day celebration would not be complete without a little bar hoping, so for those more interested in beer tasting than in leprechaun hunting, get a ticket for the 3 Day Pub Crawl. They have events planned for you on the 15th, 16th and 17th of March. You can choose to only attend one day, or for the bravest get the full 3 day pass. Last year the event gathered more than 3000 people so there are a lot of chances that you will make friends and good memories.
3 simple rules: wear green, be 21+ to participate and Do Not Drive. If you are staying with us get in touch with our concierges, they will be more than happy to arrange transportation with our town car company, Delovely Limo.
Pricing Varies.
Of course Pub Crawling is not the only option out there, if you want to keep it simple, why not take a quick walk from any of our hotels and have a beer at John Foley’s Irish Pub, located steps from Hotel Diva, Kensington Park and Hotel Union Square at 243 O'Farell St.
If you're not a beer fan and dont like large crowds, but still want to feel the green vibe, check out our Perrier Lounge at Hotel Diva.
*Have a good week-end.
Tags: san francisco, beer, saint patrick's Day, parade, festival, pub crawl, Irish music, Irish culture, leprechaun, march 17th, green
Got a special “Christian” or “Anastasia” in your life? Pondering a sensuous getaway in your own private pleasure suite? We’ve got what it takes to fire up that passion!
Inspired by the boundary-breaking best-seller, “Fifty Shades of Grey”, we invite you and a partner to indulge in a sultry “Fifty Shades of Women” escape at the female-owned Personality Hotels, San Francisco's original boutique hotel company. Together, we've created a package of pure pleasure to enhance your luxurious stay
The “Fifty Shades of Women” experience includes deluxe accommodations in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, at a choice of Hotel Diva, Hotel Union Square, or Kensington Park Hotel. Lead your partner into the room, and you’ll find an exquisite intimacy kit custom-designed by Minna Life. Pull the pink feather, open the black satin wrapping, and the adventure begins.
The kit contains everything a diva needs to tickle her fancy:
Sound intriguing? Get all the details by visiting Personality Hotels to find the perfect setting for your unique romantic escape.
Tags: hotel union square, Parties, Hotel Diva, Holiday Packages, packages, Kensington Park, san francisco, events, bachelorette paty
San Francisco's boutique hotel chain, Personality Hotels are known for gaping the distance between residence and hotel: providing guests the best of home life in the most desirable environment away from home. And now thanks to YelpSF, last night Personality Hotels was able to let its hair down and showcase a different side of its "Personality."
So what is all the Yelping about?
(Following the vendors' photos from left to right)
Picayune Cellars-- Picayune is pronounced {pi-ka-’yun}. Where Picayune comes from is Spain. It is a Spanish coin worth half of the value of a “real” one.
Mission Minis-- Big things, come in small packages! No wonder Mission Minis made it to the television show "Cupcake Wars!"
T-We--T-We Tea's motto is ‘we are tea,’ they strive to create an all-encompassing community of tea drinkers.
Hey Cookie-- is a Yelp 5-star bakery located in the Castro. What's more famous than their cookies is Christa's Personality!
Blue Moon-- Blue Moon was established in 1995 at "The Sandlot" in Dever, Colorado. It didn't take long before Blue Moon won the World's Beer Championship 3 years in a row for their Belgian White.
San Franola-- It's all about the granola with these guys. They put the 'goodness' back into granola.
Rosenblumcellars-- Rosenblum Cellars is all about the Zin. Rosenblum Cellars is home of some of the highest rated, most-awarded Zins from California’s most highly regarded vineyards.
5th Stitch Collective-- is a men's and women's clothing store located in the Castro. Ask about their Terrariums!
REMRIDG Wines-- is owned by the husband and wife team Jeff and Karen Roberts and a few long-time friends, REMRIDG Wines is a vineyard-driven wine brand. REMRIDG Wines sources 100% of its grapes from FARM Napa Valley clients.
Farm+Cellar-- is grown organically from the media powerhouse that is Third Street Works, Farm+Cellar represents the combination of several proven talents from the advertising, filmmaking, education, food, wine and hospitality industries.
Sudwerks Brewing-- Since it was established in 1989, Ron Broward, Dean Unger and Brewmaster Jay Prahl have been producing award winning lager.
Maria S. said, "You don't need to be a Diva to go here, but you'll feel like one afterwards."
Moua L. said, "Thank you to the YELP team for making these events memorable and Hotel Diva staff for treating us like royalty."
Noel M. said, "I walk past Hotel Diva daily but never gave it a second thought beyond the burlesque-esk window shades. Inside the vibe continues, this isn't your everyday hotel. For instance, the themed room packages are unique and if you put a techno beat in the elevators, you've got a party."
Special thanks to photographers, Jorge Nova and Jeremiah. Thank you to DJ SonnyPhono for all the Diva Classics!
This all was made possible because of Yelp's finest: Jennifer, Nique and Ruggy!
Last but not least, thank you to our partners Perrier for supplying the sparkling water to all of the Yelp Elite writers!
Like what you've read then "Like Us" on Facebook, "Follow us" on Twitter or simply spend the night at one of our hotels to see what all the Yelping is really about!
Tags: hotel union square, Hotel Diva, Personality Hotels, Kensington Park, san francisco, Hospitality, Boutique hotels, Yelp, Sudwerks, Picayune Cellars, REMRIDG Cellars, Mission Minis, Rosenblum Cellars, Hey Cookie!, Blue Moon, Farm+Cellar, San Franola, 5th Stitch Collective, T-We
Hotel Unions Square's DUGOUT SUITE is featured in this months 805 Living Magazine
7x7 Magazine names Flamingo Resort & Spa one of the best places to recline in Sonoma!
