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
Lets go bussing!
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.
Passing along
Zoom Zoom!
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.
Exterior
Through the revolving door
The other side..
The Foyer
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.
Decent sized desk.
Paid water and coffee machine.
Bedside table
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.
Sink
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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