Whether you are a California native or visiting San Francisco from out of town, there’s something special about staying in a swank hotel overlooking the water. Add on sparkling bay views and dancing lights of the Bay Bridge and you’ve got yourself a party in your own hotel room. That’s the feeling you’ll get when you walk into Hotel Vitale on San Francisco’s waterfront. The atmosphere is fun and festive.
On my visit, this Joie de Vivre hotel was gearing up for San Francisco’s transformation to Super Bowl City. The chef at the on-property Americano Restaurant & Bar was having fun with the menu while still delivering his culinary expertise based on local Northern California produce, meats and sustainable seafood. Grab a friend and head to the circular cocktail lounge or outdoor patio. It’s covered in the winter, adorned with twinkling white lights, but still offers the water views, so you’ll get the vibe of the waterfront no matter what time of year you plan your stay.
After a brisk walk on the Embarcadero, steps from your hotel, you can relax in one of several rooftop soaking tubs, (for an additional fee.) The city view from the rooftop patio is free of charge, as is the complimentary coffee and tea offered in the lobby, but grab your sweater or the robe in your hotel room, as San Francisco nights on the patio can be a bit nippy. Speaking of nippy, I’m sure you know by now that all Joie de Vivre hotels are pet friendly? Feel free to bring your dog with you on your travels.
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The 200 room Hotel Vitale offers different room categories. I was fortunate to score a room in the circular suite with killer views and a wonderful soaking tub. All rooms include limestone bathrooms, concierge service, laundry and dry cleaning services, complimentary shoe shine, luggage storage and newspaper. Valet parking is an additional fee, but the hotel is accessible from BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and yes, there is a a daily resort fee – they call it an urban retreat fee – but no matter the name, there is still a daily fee. The urban retreat fee covers a daily 10 minute mini massage, tier 1 wi-fi access, access to the Bay Club or YMCA & fancy pillow options. Rates start at $209 per night. Join Joie de Vivre’s Joy of Life Club frequent stay program to get free air miles, as well as hotel and spa rewards on future stays. Book online with the hotel or make reservations through Hotelopia.
Hotel review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area-based food, wine and travel writer Nancy D. Brown. Hotel Vitale hosted my stay for review purposes, however all opinions are my own.
