Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
94
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Although it's a huge corporate hotel wher e your
children are likely to get lost if they head to y our room without a detailed map, the Hyatt
Regency's terrific location at the foot of M arket Street makes up for ev ery failing. G uests
can enjoy the delightful Ferry Building across the street, and several shops, restaurants, and
cinemas are at hand thr oughout the E mbarcadero Center. Rooms are well equipped and
very spacious, and many have bay views. Given the size of the rooms, the Hyatt Regency is
the cost-efficient choice for families wanting to stay in the neighborhood. I n addition,
you'll find two restaurants, sundries, and an on-site fitness center. I remember staying here
when I was a kid, and being enthralled with the indoor glass elev ators that trav el up the
massive, 17-story indoor atrium, which were featured in the Mel Brooks film
High Anxiety.
Kids today still find those elev ators an entertainment center in and of themselv es.
5 Embarcadero Center (at Market St.), San Francisco, CA 94111.
&
800/233-1234
or 415/788-1234. Fax
415/398-2567. www.sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com. 803 units , including 39 suit es. $159-$350 double .
$25 3rd adult in r oom. Rollaways and cribs fr ee. Kids under 18 sta y free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC,
MC, V. Valet parking $56.
Amenities:
2 r estaurants; bar; exercise room; concierge; business c enter; gift
shop; room service (6am-midnight); babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning; executive-level rooms.
In
room:
A/C, TV, high-speed Internet access, minibar, fridge (on request), coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, iPod
dock in suites.
5
NOB HILL
The hillcr est wher e S an Francisco's early millionair es built their mansions is home to
some of the city's most elegant hotels. Views from guest rooms here are among the best
in town, and the ar ea feels r esidential even though it 's just a fe w blocks fr om the city
center. Kids will enjo y the nearby park and playground. The downside for little ones is
the steep walk uphill fr om Union Square, but you can always catch the California cable
car line, which r uns close by. Room rates here are very high, but if y our timing is right
you may get a good deal.
4
VERY EXPENSIVE
Fairmont Hotel
Children of any age will be impr essed arriving at this land-
mark 1907 hotel, which adorns one side of Nob Hill with its imposing facade and color-
ful flags. Inside, the expansive lobby's high ceilings, marble columns, and chandeliers will
leave little girls expecting Cinderella to turn up. Despite the splendor, the overall feeling
is relaxed and friendly. Guest rooms in the historic building are spacious by any standard,
and the closets are so large that many will comfortably fit a crib or even a rollaway! If you
prefer separate showers and tubs—and a stellar vie w—select a room in the tower build-
ing. Numerous combinations of suites and r ooms, with king-size beds, queens, or dou-
ble-doubles, are available.
Be sure to mention that you're traveling with kids when you call in-house reservations.
The hotel has age-appropriate amenities such as milk and cookies at check-in, knapsacks,
and maps, plus, 8- to 11-y ear-olds qualify to act as “doorman for a day.” Now, don't get
excited: No one's putting your kids to wor k while you take off for S aks. But kids get to
wear a hat, blow a whistle, and have a photo taken with the doorman—all at no charge.
The gorgeous Laur el Court dining r oom serves afternoon tea with a choice of menus,
including one for children. The kitschy Tonga Room provides a tropical rainstorm dur-
ing happy hour (with inexpensive hors d'oeuvres). If your kids are
Eloise
fans, or just have
excellent taste, they'll love this hotel.
