San Francisco's ICONIC InterContinental: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
San Francisco's ICONIC InterContinental: My (Slightly Chaotic, Utterly Honest) Take!
Okay, so you're eyeing a San Francisco getaway? Good choice! And if you're looking for legendary… and I mean legendary… then the InterContinental is practically screaming your name. Forget the brochure BS, let's dive into the real deal, warts and all. And trust me, I've looked hard for the warts.
First things first: Accessibility. Because, you know, real life.
Listen, I'm not exactly a mobility expert, but I do pay attention. The InterContinental? Solid. They've got the whole shebang: wheelchair access, elevators, facilities for disabled guests… the works. You can tell they actually care. My grumpy uncle who's perpetually complaining about something would probably be quiet here (a miracle!).
Getting Connected: Internet, Glorious Internet!
Look, in this day and age, Wi-Fi is like oxygen. Crucial. And the InterContinental delivers. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Check! Wi-Fi in public areas? Double check! They even have… (deep breath) …Internet [LAN]… for those of you who still rock the old-school wired connection. I’m more of a “hop on whatever’s available” kind of gal. That said, I'm a big fan of good internet access, because, Instagram. But enough about me…
The Stuff You Actually Want To Do (and Maybe Some You Didn't Know You Needed!)
Okay, so, relaxation. Let's talk about it.
The Spa: My Escape Hatch. This is where things get… dreamy. The spa? It's not just a spa. It's a portal. A portal to zen. Imagine, finally, ditching the city stress, the emails, the… everything. I saw the listing of Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. It's all there. And it's good. Like, "I could live in here" good. The treatments? Divine. My therapist, bless her cotton socks, she worked magic. (I may have snored a little. Don't judge!). Pro tip: Schedule your massage before you hit the pool with a view. Pure bliss.
The Pool with a View: Skyline Glamour. The outdoor pool? Stunning. Breathtaking. Picture that San Francisco skyline glistening as you float. Seriously Instagrammable. I took like a million photos of it. But I felt a bit… awkward. Surrounded by all these perfectly tanned, effortlessly chic people. I felt like a slightly flustered flamingo. But hey, still worth it for the view, right?
Fitness Center: Guilt be Gone? Okay, let's be honest, I intended to go to the gym. The Fitness center. But the spa. The pool. The room service… I kind of forgot. My fault. But it looked well equipped. And the gym! I hear from real friends it's well equipped if you can get around to using it.
Eating, Drinking, and Snacking… Oh My! (My Stomach is Rumbling)
This is where the InterContinental truly shines. Seriously, foodies, prepare yourselves.
Restaurants, Restaurants, Restaurants! A la carte, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant… The options are, well, staggering. I spent a small fortune sampling everything. Oops.
Breakfast Bonanza: Asian breakfast, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Western breakfast, and even, gasp Breakfast in room?! Yes, please! I’m not a morning person, so that in-room option was a lifesaver. Imagine waking up, slowly, to a tray of deliciousness. No judgment here.
The Bar Scene: Happy Hour Heaven. Happy hour, a Poolside bar and a Bar – Need I say more? I did. A lot. The cocktails were expertly crafted, the atmosphere was buzzing, and the people-watching was top-notch. I made some friends. I may have spilled a drink. But it’s all part of the experience, right?
Snack attack: Coffee shop, snack bar… because sometimes you just NEED a quick fix.
Services and Conveniences: They've Thought of Everything (Almost!)
- The Basics: Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Room service [24-hour], Safety deposit boxes, and the all important - Wi-Fi for special events.
- Extra Perks: Cash withdrawal (essential!), Currency exchange, Food delivery (for when you've eaten all the snacks already…), Meeting/banquet facilities, and even a Gift/souvenir shop (perfect for last-minute presents… or souvenirs for yourself!).
- Business Buffs: Audio visual equipment for special events, and Business facilities, Meeting stationery, Projector/LED display, Xerox/fax in business center.
- Some Stuff I Could Take or Leave: Shrine (I might have wandered in there by accident), and a Smoking area (because, well, I don't smoke).
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know… The World.
This is HUGE. The InterContinental takes this seriously, and that’s a massive comfort.
- Hygiene Heroes: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter and Staff trained in safety protocol. Huge kudos to the team for this. They even have Room sanitization opt-out available, and Safe dining setup.
For the Kids… and the Kid in You
- Family Friendly: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal… They’ve thought of it all. I can't personally attest to it, but I saw a few families having an absolute blast, which says a lot.
The Rooms: Where the Magic Happens (and You Sleep!)
Okay, let's talk about the actual rooms. They're… wow. Just wow.
- The Essentials: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water… the list goes on.
- The Tech: I loved the High floor, In-room safe box, On-demand movies, Internet access – LAN, and Internet access – wireless, Satellite/cable channels and a Telephone.
- The Luxuries: Additional toilet, Bathrobes, Hair dryer, Linens, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service… Ahhh, the Slippers!
Getting Around: From Airport to Adventure
- Easy Access: Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking.
- Getting Around: Bicycle parking
Safety and Security
- Everything: Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Proposal spot, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms. and Soundproof rooms.
The Imperfections? (Because Nothing's Perfect!)
Okay, here's the (very) slight downside: The InterContinental is popular. That means there's a bit of a buzz… But honestly, it's part of what makes it so vibrant. And the price? It's not budget. This is splurge territory. But hey, you're worth it, right?
The Verdict? Book it. Now.
Look, if you're looking for an "experience," not just a hotel… this is it. The InterContinental San Francisco is an absolute win. It's luxurious, it's comfortable, it's well-located, and it’s genuinely memorable. Whether you're a pampered princess like me or just someone who appreciates the finer things in life, you won't be disappointed. This is not just a place to stay; it's a destination. Consider me sold!
Compelling Offer: San Francisco's ICONIC InterContinental - Your Ultimate Escape Awaits!
Tired of the Ordinary? Crave Unforgettable Luxury?
Then escape to the heart of San Francisco and experience the InterContinental – an icon where every detail is crafted to elevate your stay.
Here's what awaits:
- Unwind & Indulge: Dive into pure bliss at our world-class spa, or take a dip in our breathtaking outdoor pool with stunning views of the San Francisco skyline.
- Feast Without Limits: Prepare your tastebuds for an adventure! From Michelin-starred restaurants to casual bites, our diverse dining options will satisfy every craving.
- Seamless Comfort: Revel in spacious
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary! This is the InterContinental San Francisco, and this is MY take on trying to navigate a weekend in the city by the bay. Spoiler alert: it's gonna be a wild ride.
Day 1: "Lost in Translation (and Fog)"
8:00 AM: Alarm clock yells at me. I grumble, slam the snooze button a couple of times, and finally drag myself out of bed. The room at the InterContinental is… nice. I guess. It's all beige and understated luxury which is the opposite of how I feel. The window overlooks…something. Probably a building, but the fog is so thick, it's like staring into a giant, fluffy cotton ball. San Francisco, you sneaky devil.
8:30 AM: Breakfast. The breakfast buffet at the InterContinental… well, let's just say I've seen better continental breakfast. I am a big fan of the omelet station, I ask for a veggie omelet, but the chef has an idea, and this omelet has way too much cheese. I mean, it's good, and I'm starving so I eat it anyway. In a weird way, I like it.
9:30 AM: I'm finally ready to do something. First plan: go to the Golden Gate Bridge. "Easy peasy," I thought. Famous last words. Finding an Uber is a nightmare. Ten minutes of tapping my phone, and the app spits out: "Surge pricing." Of course. This is San Francisco. I finally get a ride, and the bridge is BEAUTIFUL. Foggy, but beautiful. And, holy crap, it's longer than it looks in pictures. I'm trying to get across the bridge and I'm not sure how far I can go
11:00 AM: Gotta see Fisherman's Wharf. Everyone wants to have their picture taken with the sea lions, and I'm no different. I take a picture of the sea lions, and then get a stomach ache from the smell. Maybe it's the sea lions? Maybe it's the deep-fried everything being peddled on every corner. Oh, and I walk to Pier 39 and get a picture with the sea lions. I mean, you have to. They're boisterous little blubbers, and honestly, kind of adorable.
1:00 PM: Lunch. Dragged myself away from the sea lions to eat. The place I choose is a total tourist trap. But hey, the clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl is actually pretty good. I make a mess.
2:00 PM: Cable car time! Lines are long. I'm impatient. Finally, a cable car. The bell clangs. I cling on for dear life because these things are MOVING. Seriously, kudos to the drivers who do this all day. It's exhilarating and terrifying all at once. Best view: the streets on a crazy incline.
4:00 PM: Chinatown. Oh, Chinatown. A sensory explosion! Incense, herbs, crowded markets… I got lost, which was the best part. I sample tea, dodge street vendors, and basically soak up the atmosphere.
6:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a shower. I needed it. My feet are killing me. San Francisco is a walking city, and I'm clearly not prepared for the hills.
7:30 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. I was supposed to make dinner reservation, but I didn't. The food is nice, and the ambience is even nicer
9:30 PM: Back to the hotel. I'm exhausted. Room service? Totally. A double cheeseburger and a bottle of wine, please. Don't judge. I've earned it.
Day 2: "More Fog! And, Uh… Happiness?"
9:00 AM: Wake up, repeat breakfast.
10:00 AM: Got my act together for the day and go to the Painted Ladies. Those houses are picture-perfect, like something out of a movie. The park around them is nice, but I can't help but feel like I'm just another tourist snapping photos.
11:30 AM: Coffee break at a quirky little cafe I stumble upon. It's all mismatched furniture and local art. This neighborhood feels different, less…touristy. There is a cat!
1:00 PM: Decided to go to the Golden Gate Park. It's HUGE. I think I just want to sit down, so I find a quiet spot near a pond and just… breathe.
3:00 PM: I was supposed to go to the Palace of Fine Arts. I got sidetracked. I find a used bookstore and get lost in the stacks for an hour.
4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I consider a spa treatment. But then I remember my credit card bill. A long, hot bath will have to do.
6:00 PM: Dinner. I'm feeling fancy, so I decide to try a fancy restaurant. I make a reservation this time! The food is incredible, and the presentation is mind-blowing.
9:00 PM: One last drink at the hotel bar. San Francisco's lights sparkle through the fog. The city suddenly feels a little less overwhelming and a whole lot more magical.
10:00 PM: Sleep. Then home.
San Francisco's InterContinental Hotel: Ask Me Anything (and I *Will* Tell You)
Is the InterContinental really *that* fancy? Like, do I need a monocle and a trust fund to fit in?
Okay, let's be real. It's *fancy*. Think less "monocle and top hat" and more… a perfectly tailored blazer. I've seen people in jeans, and I've seen people dripping in diamonds. The beauty of it is, they *mostly* leave each other alone. You're there to enjoy, not be judged. But seriously, maybe leave the ripped jeans and band tee at home. Unless you’re going for irony, which, hey, San Francisco, you do you. The *feeling*? Walking in is like stepping into a particularly well-appointed jewel box. That lobby! It makes you want to… well, at least try to look sophisticated. I mean the lighting... ah, that lighting can redeem even the most casually dressed person!
Okay, so the rooms. Are they worth the hype (and the price)?
Alright, the rooms… Here’s the thing. I’ve stayed in a few. One time, I got upgraded (bless that front desk angel!). It was breathtaking. Seriously, the view alone made me want to cry a little. Like, Golden Gate Bride, Alcatraz (in the distance, but still!), the whole shebang. It was a splurge, but damn, it was worth it. Another time? My fault, I booked late. A city view room. Smaller. Perfectly fine, but not the "Oh my god, I'm living a fantasy" experience. My tiny mistake: not requesting higher floor. Note to self: ALWAYS request higher floor! Pro Tip: if you can swing it, get a corner room. More space, better views usually. And the beds? Cloud-like. You’ll probably oversleep. Guaranteed. I did, once. Missed a meeting. Oops!
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually convenient?
Absolutely. The InterContinental is smack-dab in the middle of things. Think Union Square, Westfield San Francisco Centre (hello, shopping!), easy access to public transport. I'm talking cable cars, BART, the whole shebang. You’re basically a hop, skip, and a jump from anywhere you want to be. However… and this is a HUGE "however".... San Francisco traffic is its own beast. So, if you’re driving, be prepared for potential parking shenanigans (valet is available, but pricey! Consider public transport, seriously). Once, I tried to hail a ride during rush hour, it took… a while. Patience is a virtue, folks. And wear comfy shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking, even if it's just to look at the fantastic architecture around the hotel.
Food and drinks: Worth it? Or should I venture out?
The hotel’s restaurants and bars? Okay, so, the Michelin-starred Luce restaurant is a big deal. Fancy, expensive, and the reviews are consistently glowing. I've only peeked in the window (the Michelin prices are a touch out of my league, to be brutally honest). The other dining options are good, too. I had a fantastic burger in the bar once - and a truly *amazing* cocktail. But... and this is personal preference here... I do like to venture out. San Francisco's food scene is incredible! You’re surrounded by amazing restaurants! So, while the InterContinental offers convenience, I usually pop out for a bit of local flavor. It depends on your mood and budget. The breakfast buffet? Overpriced, but has everything. I mean, *everything*. But the avocado toast? Okay, that was excellent. I confess.
The Spa – is it as relaxing as it sounds?
Oh, the spa. Yes. Oh, yes. It’s a sanctuary. A haven. A place where you can actually forget about the city's hustle for a while. I've had a massage there, and it was… well, it was so good I almost fell asleep mid-treatment. Which is a compliment! The therapists are skilled; the atmosphere is serene and calming. Pricey, of course. But you know what? Sometimes, you just need to treat yourself. And honestly, if you've had a crazy day of sightseeing, or even just a long business meeting, it’s worth the splurge. Warning: you may never want to leave. I almost didn’t. I seriously considered living in the steam room and just emerging occasionally for a quick massage. (That wouldn't have worked, I now realize, but the thought was tempting...)
Any hidden gems or quirky experiences I should know about?
Okay, here's a secret. I'm not sure if it's *officially* a "hidden gem," but… the view from the upper floors, looking *east* at night? Absolutely magical. Especially when the fog rolls in. The way the city lights twinkle, and the bay glimmers… it's pure San Francisco. Also, keep an eye out for little details. They have a really cool art collection throughout the hotel. Take the time. Browse the artwork. I actually *loved* one specific piece! Sadly, can't remember the name! Ah, memory. And the staff? Generally fabulous. They're helpful, friendly, and always seem to be one step ahead. If you get the chance, chat with the concierge. They know *everything*. And if you see a bellman named... oh, let's call him "Carlos"... tip him very, VERY well. He's a legend. He saved my suitcase from a rogue cobblestone, and I'll forever be in his debt! Really, tell Carlos I said thanks - if you see him. He deserves it.
What are the biggest downsides? The things I should be prepared for?
Okay, let's get real. No place is perfect. The biggest downside? The price tag. It’s not a cheap stay. You’re paying for the location, the luxury, the experience. Secondly, and this applies to *all* of San Francisco but especially in the hotel, noise. City noise. Sirens. Cable cars. The occasional… well, let's just say San Francisco has its own unique soundscape. Pack earplugs or use the hotel's white noise machine if you're a light sleeper. Parking is a pain and can be expensive. And finally? You might not want to leave. Seriously. Plan for that. It’s a problem I’ve definitely encountered. I've ended up canceling plans and just ordering room service and staring out the window, watching the city lights dance. It's tempting. Very tempting. Just a warning. You've been warned.
