There’s a new addition to the already long list of hotels to choose from in San Francisco. Designed for both visitors and locals, BEI San Francisco is hoping to woo fans by offering more than just a place to sleep. From inspirational speakers to fitness classes, this mid-market property is taking a different approach to hospitality.
BEI San Francisco features 396 rooms and suites spread across 14 floors. Located in a space once occupied by a Holiday Inn, a multi-phase renovation has dramatically changed the look and feel of the property.
Available in both Double and King configurations, rooms are spacious by city standards. In addition to easily accessible USB ports and electrical outlets, rooms feature exercise balls and yoga mats. Décor is modern; instead of desks, all rooms have a table and two chairs. Dressers are replaced with long shelves that hold a Keurig coffee maker and ice bucket.
Bathrooms feature tub/shower combinations and vanities with a single sink. Lather toiletries are provided in eco-friendly, refillable bottles.
BEI San Francisco also offers what it calls Stay, Work, Play rooms. Similar in feel and design to its Superior and Executive rooms, ten rooms have Murphy Beds that easily fold away, allowing guest room space to do double duty as meeting space. Stay, Work, Play rooms are located on the 4th floor and all lead to the property’s outdoor terrace.
Although all rooms were renovated, the heating and cooling systems were not replaced; light sleepers may find the noise notable.
With its sights set on becoming a hub for the community, the ground floor lobby is home to a generous amount of trendy, coworking space. Speaker series are held every Friday. Yoga classes take place every Monday and Tuesday evening. Zumba is offered on Wednesdays. A nightly amenity fee covers the cost of classes for guests; local residents can sign up online for a fee.
There are two onsite dining options. Ren café offers freshly brewed coffee and tea, along with a variety of grab and go options including pastries, yogurt, and snack bars. SUM serves breakfast and dinner. In the morning dishes range from pancakes and breakfast burritos, to bagels with smoked salmon and toast topped with fig and ricotta. Dinner selections range from flatbreads and hummus, to pork loin and grilled cheese. Happy Hour happens daily from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Located just off Market Street, the hotel is within easy walking distance to the Orpheum Theatre, and the Asian Art Museum, but there is a considerable homeless population in the area. The neighborhood isn’t one that is highly frequented by tourists.
Public transportation is nearby, (including BART, Caltrain, Muni) but if you’re the type that likes to explore on foot, some of San Francisco’s more popular tourist attractions, like Union Square and the Ferry Building Marketplace are about a half-hour walk.
Room rates start at $250. You can make your reservation at Expedia, Hotels.com or other online booking sites. There is also a $25 per night amenity fee. It covers Wi-Fi, bottled water, fitness classes, passes to a nearby fitness center, and a voucher for a drink at SUM Bar.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by BEI San Francisco, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
