222 Mason St., San Francisco, CA 94102, 415-394-1111, 800-248-3308,
Rates: Standard rooms start at $229 for king or two double beds. Check for online deals, especially the “Subarashee Drive” rate, which includes overnight parking starting at $260 per night. Parking costs $45 per night.
Stay here if you: appreciate the Japanese arts of minimalist design and gracious hospitality.
It’s close to: Union Square, a block away.
The rooms are: simple, streamlined and appealing. Separate shower and tub, WC and bath spaces, with yet another separate area with a mirror for primping and coffee bar and mini-fridge. The room layout, while not overly large, has been well thought-through.
They put all of the money into: the indoor pool and fitness center, the vast lobby and inserting wall TVs behind glass everywhere, so that at nearly every corner in the hotel you can be up-to-date on the news.
The bottom line: This is a good option for business travelers (free Internet!) and tourists who plan to really get around the city, especially if you’re looking to do a lot of shopping. Cabs line up outside the front door 24-7. The snazzy, on-site sushi restaurant Anzu is expensive but worthwhile, and there’s a hopping Starbucks connected. The employees try hard to be helpful, and when they misstep, they go overboard — when our products weren’t fully replenished during a multi-day stay, I left a note asking for more lotion. That afternoon, seven bottles awaited.
Kyle Wagner
