Time for another Snapshot, this time looking at the hotel experience at the Intercontinental San Francisco.
In case you’ve forgotten how we do travel write-ups on Economy Class and Beyond, we have two major travel writing styles:
- Trip Reports – These are full deep-dive reports taking you into the experience, the small things… as well as the big things!
- Snapshots – These are bite-sized reviews that show you the product in some gentle headlines (and normally, only images shot on the phone)
Booking
The room was booked directly via the Intercontinental site, to enable the Ambassador 2-4-1 voucher to be activated. The hotel was booked at $189 a night+taxes and fees, with the second night being covered via the voucher.
Location
There are two Intercontinaas in San Fransicso – one on top of the Nobb Hill (The Mark Hopkins)
The Intercontinental Mark Hopkins on the Nobb Hill
and the newer Intercontinental San Francisco, located on Howard Street.
The hotel is two blocks behind Market Street (allowing easy access from Powell Street Cable Cars, the Muni, The F Wharfs Line and the BART). It’s next to the Muscone West Conference Centre for those who are married to trade shows.
Check-in
I arrived a little early from the Crowne Plaza Burlingame, so I dropped off a bag to be stored with the bellman. This was retrieved in the afternoon when I checked in.
Upon check-in, the rate I was on was confirmed. I was welcomed as an IHG Platinum and Intercontinental Ambassador, with a 4 pm checkout offered, a $20 hotel credit and other features.
In addition, a bonus of 600 points or a drink at the bar was offered – I took the points.
Reception area
It was a pleasant enough area to meet, plan and scheme as needed.
The Room
The room was located on the 29th floor of the Hotel – with the room facing the city and the Bay area. The room has a washroom as you enter – with it featuring a shower, sink and toilet.
Amenities were provided as bulk style/pump action.
Going further into the room there’s. table on the left, spanning the length of the room as well as the TV. Underneath, the Coffee making facilities resided (Keurig K-Cup and maker) as well as the paid drinks fridge – which was empty.
Dominating the right side of the room is a King Bed, with it having one of that rare thing in a US hotel – a light duvet (or a comforter) – and not just sheets. As a European, this makes me happy.
Besides each side of the bed were individual lights – as well as mains and USB-A outlets.
There was also an armchair with a footstool.
This was comfortable when writing or watching the sun come up.
Internet connectivity was stable during the visit, with more than passable bandwidth for use.
The hotel also offered a turndown service each night, with a little card about a part of San Francisco, along with two TCHO chocolates.
Check Out
With a morning flight from San Francisco International Airport, I checked out at 8 am from the hotel. With the billing confirmed in both paper and electronic form, the correct charges and discounts were applied.
From there, I was able to hail an Uber back to the airport.
The full review of the Intercontinental San Francisco is coming soon… once I start putting the full trip report together.
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