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If you’re looking for the city that was featured in classic films like Vertigo and The Maltese Falcon, you’ll find it here. Thanks to a praiseworthy recent renovation by the local designer Ken Fulk, The Huntington Hotel is a dream of San Francisco at its most elegant, refined and mysterious. Here’s what I thought of it.
What are the rooms like at The Huntington?
The hotel’s light-filled rooms pair the building’s traditional, Georgian architecture with modern art and furniture to create an aesthetic of understated luxury. There is a residential quality throughout the hotel that would lend itself well to long-term stays.
I stayed in a suite with a dressing area, living space, plush king bed, marble bathroom and a beautiful view of Grace Cathedral and Huntington Park, and thanks to Nob Hill’s high elevation, you may also get some jaw-dropping views out over the city and down to the bay. Meanwhile, the rooms’ abstract art and more contemporary fixtures help keep the rooms from feeling too traditional.
What are the restaurants and bars like at The Hungtington?
Tucked just off the lobby, the intimate cocktail bar Arabella’s is thoroughly unique. Taking inspiration from Arabella Huntington, the railroad tycoon’s second wife, the drinking den is an interesting combination of a bar and a biography (a barography, perhaps?).
Visually, the small space is dominated by a custom mural that wraps around the room, telling the story of Arabella’s life from poor waitress to wealthy rich widow. That fascinating tale also unfurls via the drink menu with each expertly crafted cocktail inspired by a different aspect of Arabella’s life or personality. (Crucially, the cocktails are also very well-executed.)
The other end of the lobby leads to The Big Four, an iconic San Francisco restaurant that has also received a flattering recent facelift. Steaks and Chicken Pot Pies are served throughout the elegant dining room surrounded by dark woods, vivid greens and rich, detailed woodwork.
What is the spa and gym like at The Huntington?
The Nob Hill Spa is one of San Francisco’s most luxurious wellness destinations. After descending a dramatic staircase, you’ll find an airy indoor pool and an outdoor terrace with insane views of the city. (Heads up: hotel guests have to book a treatment in order to use the pool.) An 1,800-square-foot fitness center on a separate floor is an impressively stocked hotel gym with cardio equipment, free weights and plentiful weight machines.
What’s the area like around The Huntington?
Nob Hill is located in the center of San Francisco but isn’t the liveliest nightlife destination. The kitschy Tonga Room and rooftop Top of the Mark are two unique nearby bars worth checking out if you’ve never been. The hotel is directly across the street from The Masonic which often books big name acts and Grace Cathedral puts on immersive light shows and other events. It’s a bit of a stroll, but it’s worth walking down to Juniper one morning for the mouthwatering Cubano croissant as well as many other winning pastries and great coffee.
DETAILS
Address: 1075 California St., San Francisco, CA 94108
Price per night: Prices start at $799 per night.
Closest transport: The California St & Powell Street cable car stop is a 3 minute walk away.
Book now: Booking.com
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