HotelChatter

The 180 degree views from the circular suites are alone worth the price of admission. The fact that these views are controlled by James Bondian drapes, which allow you to open and close all drapes simultaneously with the push of a button, add to the excitement.

Our favorite in-room feature has to be the Bose SoundDock System.  You can stick your iPod in the dock, grab the remote, flop on the couch, and listen to your own tunes on a sick system, just like you are home.  Er, well that is if we had a system this good at home, which we don't.

If you don't have an iPod, don't sweat it. The room also comes with a classic Bose sound system, on which you can listen to the radio.

Other room highlights include a spacious bathroom, a main room bathtub that looks out over the bay, and really comfortable beds--after all at the end of the day you want a good nights sleep--right?

Despite all the good, there are a couple of warnings we should give you.

First, don't park at the hotel unless you want to pay $30-$40 a night and even more once tips and fees are calculated. During the weekends there should be plenty of metered street spots nearby, go that route. Second, the Philips flat screen television is in a bit of an odd place. The plasma screen is awkwardly positioned on the desk, at a ninety degree angle from the bed, which can cause a bit of neck strain when viewing the television from bed.  

Next, don't expect WiFi access.  Though the hotel claims it is planning on installing WiFi, it is not available yet.  However, the lack of WiFi is only a problem in the lobby, as the rooms come with FREE ethernet access for every guest.  If you are going to be tethered to your machine, being chained up while taking in the decadent Bay Bridge view isn't a bad way to go.

Overall, we think this is the high class downtown boutique hotel San Francisco desperately needed.  The location is second to none, and for the first time in a long time you can stay in style in SF without having to put up with the riff raff South of Market, or the tourist traps of Union Square.  

Hotel Vitale was nice enough to give us a media discount on the rate for our visit.  

View from room #316 below.

Related Stories:
·   Hotel Vitale Failed [SF Gate]
·   Circular Suite At Hotel Vitale [HotelChatter]
·   Hotel Vitale Reviews [TripAdvisor]

Tags: Hotel Heaven

by markj