San Francisco, California

I have to say that San Francisco is definitely my favorite city from the United States I have visited so far. Yes, sorry NY and Chicago you are now bottom of my list. As I have mentioned to you guys before San Francisco was one of my cities on my bucket list since last year but for some reason at the last minute this SF trip happen for Easter.

San Francisco is a very relax, easy city with many attractions and activities to see and do. Is a very rich city in gastronomy, culture, hot guys, great shopping, most amazing bakeries, excellent restaurants and bars. Like really SF have everything from the beach, mountains and vineyards 2 hours away, and you can even go skiing and snowboarding = Yes the perfect city to live. I think that people that live there never get bored. During my visit in SF I realize Lake Tahoe is about 3 hours away in car. If I would have known this before believe me I will make a visit to Lake Tahoe for sure but when I realized it was too late. So its another excuse to comeback 🙂

Every time I travel theres 4 things I look in choosing a hotel: location, breakfast ( my favourite meal of the day, so breakfast have to be good), WiF (Duh!) and design. Yes, lately I have really been into architecture, design, decoration. Like really everywhere I go I take my time to analyze the interior spaces.

So I end up staying at The Palace Hotel not only for his location which is centrally located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, walking distance to Union Square, cable cars, the Embarcadero, Ferry Building Marketplace, Chinatown, AT&T Park, boutique and center shopping, cultural museums and theaters. Also because the breathtaking installations and lastly what really convince me more was the Ghirardelli ice-cream shop at the hotel.

Just to tell you a little bit about the hotel it was born of the dreams of William Chapman Ralston and William Sharon. On October 2, 1875. The Palace remained a world renowned hotel until it was destroyed by the fires of the 1906 earthquake and 3 years after On December 15, 1909, the new Palace opened its doors revealing a hotel that was more beautiful than ever before.

As part of the new Palace Hotel there is the breathtaking Garden Court crowned by a 7-million-dollar stained-glass ceiling and flanked by a double row of massive Italian marble Ionic columns, The Garden Court is legendary adorned with original chandeliers made of the finest Austrian crystal. The Garden Court is a San Francisco monument and the crown jewel of the Palace Hotel. An important part of both Palace and San Francisco history.

Another attraction of the hotel is The Pied Piper painting from Maxfield Parrish made for the hotel’s reopening in 1909. Parrish was paid $6,000 to create his masterpiece. Inspired by the legendary tale, the painting depicts the Pied Piper leading citizens out of the town of Hamelin, Germany. The art features 27 expressive faces including those of his wife, mistress, two sons and Parrish himself as the Pied Piper. The painting has remained in the Palace Hotel bar for over a century

As for the rooms I was impressed for the height of these that you can rarely see hotels like this worldwide. Room with 11 foot ceilings highlighting original details and elements. The fresh design approach captures timeless warmth and elegance beautifully married with chic, contemporary elements. Dark wood furnishings, mixed metals and artistic lighting are complemented by textured upholstered furnishings and signature Palace details. The artwork, topographical inspired carpeting, retro trunks, and suitcase handles creatively incorporated into fixtures and furnishings pay tribute to time and travel. The focal point of the bedroom is a contemporary, tufted headboard with classic nail head trim. Every item in the room has been created exclusively for the Palace.

Marble baths are lined with sleek, beveled edged, subway tiles and include vanity storage, large back lit mirrors and luxury amenities. In true landmark style. Taking luxury to another level all suites are appointed with upgraded specialty lighting and Toto Washlets.

The carefully selected, curated elements give the Palace guest rooms a chic, city residence feel. It is as if one has stepped into a private luxury apartment in the beautiful city of San Francisco.

Lastly when you begin the attractions visits make sure to know the schedules and get prepare to make long lines. Yes, believe or not San Francisco is about long lines so make sure to get up early. Some of the places I recommend are:

Alacatraz/ The Rock: for some reason I thought this was going to be very boring but I really really enjoyed. You take a 30 min ferry ride (which by the way haven amazing views from the city) and you will get to the old military prison converted in a federal prison after. Its really shocking to see how prisoners used to lived, their rooms, etc. Sometimes trips like this are necessary to bring you to reality.

LongboardStreet: I was not able to take pics of this famous street but definitely you guys must visit. Make sure to go on a taxi or uber and ask them to wait for you. Believe me walking those hills are not easy (said by a 28-year active girl Lol) Finding a taxi is that area is not easy neither.

The painted ladies: The famous Victorian houses of San Francisco is a must.

Fisherman’s Wharf / Pier39: This is very close from the Alcatraz meeting point so they day you go there you can definitely do Pier 39 and make sure to see my sea lion friends.

Golden Gate: there’s so much great spots to see the Golden gate but I definitely recommend in renting a bike, and ride to the beach the park until you get inside the bridge.

Chinatown: we visited the fortune cookie fabric where you can make your own cookie message. Make sure not to buy any Go Pro or “better than a Go Pro” in Chinatown. My friend and me were scamp for a “Go pro” and the sad thing about this was that we end up paying more than a Go Pro original price Lol … I’m laughing now but I was really pissed when it happens… but well situations like this is what make your trip more fun right?

Cable Cars: you cannot live SF without a ride or a pic on the cable cars

Holmes: one of the most famous bakery’s in SF. They are very famous for their amazing and delicious cruffins and the pink sign “ I got baked in SF”. I did an hour line for this delicious cruffins and it was completely worth it. Make sure to go early so you don’t do long lines.

Market Place: all the best gastronomy in one place. Make sure to go with an empty stomach.

Castro District: The neighborhood of any girl’s best friend” the gays”. There’s a lot of coffee shops, restaurants and Little shops. Make sure to take a pic in the Castro landmark which is the Street with a rainbow.