Guestblog: Hotel des Arts, San Francisco
On a recent trip to San Francisco I had the chance to experience two different hotels. One was the usual business hotel although with a nice, young and stylish twist but the other one was a true San Franciscan delight: Hotel des Arts at 447 Bush Street.
Curiously enough the website “warned” me that the Hotel des Arts does not offer the same level of comfort than other hotels in the chain. But it was one of 5 staff picks in the Lonely Planet guide and these guys usually know their business, right? On arrival a sign told me the reception is on the 2nd floor (which I found odd until I remembered that Americans called the ground floor the 1st floor. Strange country.) Once I found my way there I was immediately surrounded by interesting, modern art. The front desk staff was friendly and explained there would be free breakfast in the mornings in room 203.
At the Hotel des Arts all rooms are painted by different contemporary fine artists (if you’re interested in buying, all art on display is for sale and starts from about $400). Mine had a green and black comic style theme to it. I found it a bit childish but actually very appealing. All walls were painted even the bathroom featured one of these quirky comic characters. The bedroom had a decent size and was equipped with everything I needed: a large bed, a fridge, a microwave (did not need that, though), a bathroom with a bath and toilet. The only downside was that the basin was in the main room. To my surprise there was also free wireless internet. But then this is San Francisco, hub to the Silicon Valley, so I guess that’s kind of expected if you want to attract the Mac geek crowd.
After a good nights sleep in Hotel Jeremyville, as my room was called, I tried room 203 for breakfast. Really funny as it actually was a normal room, only the bed was missing. On one side of the room was a buffet with bagels and muffins, coffee, tee and orange juice. I guess to make life easier for the cleaners, there were carton cups and plates so after I had finished everything went into the bin. Not exactly the best Californian initiative to help reduce carbon emission.
But apart from the environmental nonsense, I really enjoyed the hotel. Having each room painted by a different artist is appealing even though you can’t really select the art you will be surrounded by. Also a plus: the room for just $100 a night at a great, downtown location. The Hotel des Arts should definitely be on your itinerary if you like art, are a bit adventurous and own a Mac.
More things to do in San Francisco:
- Check out the “Kreuzberg” of San Francisco: The Mission district
- Eat a burrito and drink aCorona (e.g. at La Taqueria, 2889 Mission St)
- ExperienceChinaTown with Chinatownalleywaytours each Saturday at 11 am
- Climb Telegraph Hill and enjoy the 360˚ view, including Alcatraz and the Golden GateBridge
Hotel des Arts
447 Bush Street
San Francisco, CA, USA