San Francisco, the city by the bay, is located about an hour flight north of Los Angeles or a six hour drive from the city of angels. A convenient area of San Fran in which to call home base when traveling is the financial district.The area is marked by the cluster of high-rise towers that lies between Grant Avenue east of the Union Square shopping district, Sacramento Street and Columbus Street, south of Chinatown and North Beach, and the Embarcadero that rings the waterfront. So, while you are only a few walking blocks away from al the hoopla and tourists, you kind of have your open little piece and quite, especially if visiting during the weekend. And if you are visiting during the weekend, do not miss the Saturday Farmer’s Market down on the water at the Ferry Building. journeyPod was in town for the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball tourney–where we saw Olympic Gold Medalists Misty May Treanor, Kerri Walsh, Phil Dalhausser, Todd Rodgers perform on a man-made sand court.
For a real “American” breakfast, our Swiss friends enjoyed Dottie’s True Blue Cafe. While the wait is long–at least 45 minutes–it’s well worth it! The place only has 10 tables. Plenty of locals frequent this place for the homemade foods and flavors. Some other hot spots for breakfast include Sears Fine Foods. It’s always packed with visitors from the US and abroad. journeyPod recommends the famous Swedish pancakes.
The one thing to remember about San Fran is that while it may be 80 and sunny down in Los Angeles on any given August day, it’s probably not the case here. Your journalist has still not learned her lesson. She packed like she was still in LA, and hence added yet another “waterproof SF touristy fleece” to her collection….five in all now. One for each trip to this city by the bay….
The financial district of San Francisco is also home to the city’s tallest buildings, including 555 California Street and the Transamerica Pyramid, with the third tallest building located at 222 Sansome Street–home to the luxury hotel, Mandarin Oriental.
The top eleven floors of this third tallest building in the city are literally rooms in “the clouds.” Every guest room as an amazing view of either the city or the bay. journeyPod stayed in a “Golden Gate King Room” so named because we had views of both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge and everything in between…including Alcatraz! Guests will find a pair of binoculars in every room…and since all the beds have been raised, you can sit in a bed and use the binoculars to see the incredible views! How’s that for some fun trivia!
The Mandarin Oriental San Francisco is the recipient of many awards including, Travel & Leisure US 2008 World’s Best 500, Mobil Guide Four Star 2008 for Hotel and Restaurant, and Conde Naste Gold List 2008.
journeyPod sat down with Michelle Loane, Director of Sales& Marketing, for some inside scoop. Let’s take a listen…