Being a tourist in San Francisco’s humming financial center — also known as Wall Street of the West — can make a person feel a bit out of place. Fortunately, on a recent visit, Loews Regency San Francisco Hotel provided a comfortable yet luxurious sanctuary from the business vibe just outside its doors.
Formerly a Mandarin Oriental, the property became a Loews in April of last year. The 155-room hotel has maintained the upscale feel of the Mandarin, but it definitely also features the unpretentious luxury and friendly service the Loews brand is known for.
The building is actually the third tallest in San Francisco, and with guestrooms on the 36th through 48th floors, Loews can say that it has the highest guestrooms in California — a fact that is easy to believe when you check out the view. The hotel makes the most of its location by hosting Saturday morning yoga classes on the 40th-floor, outdoor Skydeck, as well as wine receptions on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Skydeck is also available for small events and has recently become a popular spot for proposals.
The guestrooms, which were renovated in 2012, are spacious and welcoming. In particular, my bathroom was very large. Rooms have all the expected amenities and modern conveniences, including free Wi-Fi access. They also come with complimentary binoculars for better appreciating the bird’s-eye view of the city.
While there is no pool at the hotel, guests can work off their jet lag at the state-of-the-art fitness center or by relaxing at the hotel’s luxurious spa. Each treatment room in the spa has its own bathroom, so guests looking for privacy are able to avoid using a public locker room.
Brasserie S&P is the hotel’s lobby restaurant, but with so many great spots in the city, there are plenty of other options nearby. Fortunately, Loews offers complimentary rides within a few miles of the hotel. With the hotel’s central location, that can mean dinner in North Beach, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square or elsewhere.
The hotel’s location is ideal for taking in many of the city’s attractions, as well. On my visit, I decided to check out the recent renovation of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, which is a short walk from the hotel. In a few years, the city’s new major transportation hub, which is just a few blocks from the hotel, will be completed — making Loews even more convenient for regional visitors.
With its combination of luxury, comfort, unique architecture and location, the Loews Regency San Francisco offers visitors a peaceful perch high above the madding crowds.
The Details
Loews Regency San Francisco Hotelwww.loewshotels.com
