The Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, San Francisco – Summer Tier Points
In this… epic.
- When will I learn to jump on a fare?
- Wednesday Afternoon.. off to the airport
- EI273 Birmingham to Dublin Airport
- Into Dublin for some Donuts. And Pokemon
- The Travelodge in Swords, Dublin Airport
- Pre-Clearance fun at Dublin airport, 51st and Green Lounge
- AA291 Dublin to New York JFK – Business Class
- A Manhattan Char Siu Adventure
- Back in the Secure Area, Flagship Lounge and AAdmirals Club
- AA2652 New York JFK to San Francisco International – Transcontinental Business Class
- The Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport
- Do the BART into San Francisco, The Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, San Francisco
- Sausalito: Which ferry to take?
- Halfway across the Golden Gate Bridge
- Fooding around San Francisco
- The Crowne Plaza, San Francisco Airport
- Early start at San Francisco airport
- AA164 San Francisco International to New York JFK – Transcontinental Business Class
- The joy of terminal swaps, BA Pre-departure dining
- BA174 New York JFK to London Heathrow – Club World (Business Class)
- An Early Morning Change at Heathrow
- BA828 London Heathrow T5 to Dublin Airport – Club Europe
- Doughnuts and coffee shops – Exploring Dublin
- Once more with feeling at Dublin Airport
- FR666 Dublin Airport to Birmingham Airport
- 600 TP: Done
With me out of the Hyatt, I boarded the Shuttle bus back to SFO
The shuttle bus did its thing, and I sneaked off the bus at the International Terminal – which is the most convenient for the BART
Qantas Boeing 747-400 – Also in its last week of operation at San Francisco
EVA Air Boeing 777-300ER and a Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330 tail sticking out
Oh yes. I caught one of these too…
From there, it’s an easy walk to the BART station.
BART as we all know does ticketing a little more differently than other transit systems in the US. Therefore, to alleviate the pain somewhat, I got Clipper card with $17 on it. Not bad, but a damn sight more easier than those annoying transit cards that New York has.
From there I boarded the waiting BART train – which I suppose could be best described as “Retro Future Classic”.
Let’s agree to call this future retro classic and be done with it..
San Francisco and Antioch. I wonder if they sell the holy grenades there…?
Suffice to say – it got busier
Yes, I love the design of them.
At least the speed of the services have improved, with it taking around 30 minutes to hit Powell street station.
Exiting at Powell Street, I picked up my Muni Pass for the next three days. It’s easier than finding change, or constantly reloading the clipper card (by a margin). In addition, the hotel was on a cable car route – so this would help.
A ride down Market street to Embarcadero, and the first of many cable car rides this trip – I reached my hotel for downtown San Francisco – The Intercontinental Mark Hopkins.
Intercontinental Mark Hopkins
Rate: IC Ambassador 2-4-1.Price paid $263.
I was welcomed into the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, and headed for check in. The process was rather quick, with the benefits explained to me. In addition, I completed and handed over my 2-4-1 voucher (thus making the second night free).
I was upgraded to a high floor view room from the room booked. In addition, my request for a 4pm checkout was granted (another wonderful Ambassador benefit).
Additional welcome points were also offered – and taken – because little did I know how I would need them in the coming month.
With the keys issued, I headed up to the 15th Floor
The room itself is pretty damn big. Plenty of room for me and my trash, with a decent work area and massive bed.
That chair was wayyyy too comfy.
Paid water and coffee machine.
Although these could be swapped out. I think we’re past the point of 30 pin connectors any more…
And the views – not bad at all
I like these things.
The bed is very comfortable and that side chair? So comfortable I dozed off for an hour on it.
The Complimentary Wi-Fi did its job with around 5mbs performance. Not enough to win awards, but enough to remain securely connected.
A welcome gift arrived whilst I was out the first night – with some fruit always welcome.
The bathroom was well equipped, with a decent sized bath, and a classic finish – as well as the standard Intercontinental amenities.
ink
Smellies.
Each night I was there, the room was prepared for the night with the bed turned down, and chocolates too. A lovely touch.
Another wonderful thing about the Ambassador is apart from the free film or the bottled water in the fridge – is the 4pm check-out. Which, for me when I’m on a break is a wonderful thing. It gives me time to freshen up before heading out.
The staff is the highlight at this hotel – everyone is on point and willing to help. And that a wonderful thing to see in hotels when sometimes, you’re left on your own to figure things out.
Check out was a smooth process, and I was processed quickly to be sent on my way.
Overall: One of the jewels of the Intercontinental portfolio still. It’s a friendly property that has just a touch of style to it. Combined with a decent 2-4-1 rate and a late check out, and it rapid becomes my go-to property in San Francisco.
Next: Sausalito: Which ferry to take?
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