Hotel Phoenix in San Francisco - Checking In
There's a place in San Francisco that mixes the edge of rock and roll and the comfort of home. Hotel Phoenix is no ordinary hotel. From the giant multi-colored frog that greets guests to the funky hanging wall decor in each room, there isn't a corner of the property that doesn't have personality. It's an oasis in the middle of a big city for creative people to relax, unwind and be inspired. I was lucky enough to stay at Hotel Phoenix during my recent stay in San Francisco for a discounted rate. It was surreal to stay in the same spot music legends have stayed but more on that later.
Checking In
The staff at Hotel Phoenix was upbeat and accommodating when I checked in (it was way before my scheduled time). They shared recommendations to grab a bite to eat, how to get around and a few things I must do while visiting the city especially being a first-timer. All the rooms face outward toward the pool area which is accessed via the lobby in the front of the property. This patio has tables and chairs for lounging, sipping your morning coffee or just hanging out and enjoying the bright California sun.
The rooms are spacious and minimalist to show off the funky decor. There's hanging wall art throughout the entire room, a coffee station for your morning caffeine fix, a workspace area to set your computer and get work done, a giant flat screen TV and more. The bed was comfortable, like sinking into a cloud. There are plugs everywhere if you're a bit technology-dependent (like me) and nightstands are conveniently on either side of the bed. One of my favorite things about the room was the wall to ceiling window. I didn't capture that well in my photos since I kept the drapes shut (it's a northern City girl thing) but I loved how it made the room feel more open.
The Vibe
I hinted earlier that Hotel Phoenix has an interesting history with a rocking clientele. Some of the best bands in the business have stayed at this hip joint like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Killers and Pearl Jam. It's known for being the place of choice for creative types with its funky vibe and laid back atmosphere. Everything from the pool to the room decor has a fun edge making this far from your typical hotel. The colors and atmosphere inspire creativity and thinking out of the box.
Welcome to the Tenderloin District
Hotel Phoenix is located in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. Tenderloin is by no means the most desired neighborhood with it's rough edges but it does have character. It's also an up and coming neighborhood that locals are currently bringing back to life.
Local Eats
Hotel Phoenix has a restaurant right on the property called Chambers Eat + Drink. The restaurant extends onto the patio at night where it can get a bit loud but they close up at a decent time to avoid disturbing hotel guests. Chambers features a seasonal menu with French, Mediterranean and Japanese inspired dishes. Their food is incredible and the staff friendly. Besides Chambers on the property, there are a ton of great coffee shops and restaurants withing walking distance. Brenda's French Soul Food serves up New Orleans style cuisine. Farm:Table is a rustic restaurant serving American cuisine from local farmers. Grab a cappuccino at Jane's on Larkin, Philz Coffee or MyMy Coffee Shop.
Perks, Perks, Perks!
One thing San Francisco is known for is its beautiful weather. If you hail from Chicago, 60 degrees is a beautiful day for a t-shirt and jeans. Apparently in California that's cold. Regardless if it's 60 or 86 degrees, Hotel Phoenix has a heated pool for guests to enjoy regardless of the temperature. An amenity that holds a ton of weight for me personally is free wi-fi. Hotel Phoenix offers this to all their guests and it works well. It's not slow and it doesn't lag. Finally, guests receive complimentary passes for Kabuki Springs & Spa, a Japanese communal bathing center that offers massages and other healing services. I did not personally have time to take advantage of the pass but Kabuki has fantastic reviews and ratings online.
