StayCation Autumn in San Francisco – Stroll the Streets!

In between my global Journeys, my Gypsy soul is satisfied by petite escapes to the city. Staycations, mini escapes – Location, Location Location.

Autumn in San Francisco is the best time of year, warm crisp days, little of the summer fog.

Add to your vocabulary and practice repeating: portmanteau of “stay” and “vacation”  holistay (a portmanteau of “holiday” and “stay”

How to make the best of a mini escape? Many of my business meetings are in San Francisco – it’s a way for me to map out a little brain break and stay in the city for these events. After an evening soirée, I take the elevator upstairs to bed!

Taj Campton Place

Two properties are my home away from home. Taj Campton Place in Union Square. Still small, still charming and a central location for interesting walkabouts. Taj Campton Place is one of San Francisco’s most prominent landmarks. The hotel was built over a century ago and is at the most prime location in San Francisco. Which other city hotel has an outdoor gym on a rooftop level? Union Square has been cleaned up, it’s safe.

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The chic Bistro Bar has reopened, the tuna tartar is still scrumptious! I enjoyed a preview dinner for the new Taj dining room, stay tuned for opening date- it’s going to be a stunner!  I’ve stayed at Taj Campton Place a few times and have always loved this petite cozy property; chic style combined with the convenience of Union Square – Campton Place makes a perfect mini escape. Love the attentive staff at the hotel, I once had a client stay here for over seven months – she was so comfortable!

Bistro Bar, Taj Campton Place

My routine: Sneak down to the little complimentary coffee and muffin bar, mosey back up the elevator- nosh and find your walking shoes. Nine isn’t too late to walk through uncrowded streets of Chinatown,

It is also the oldest and largest of the four notable Chinese enclaves within San Francisco. Since its establishment in 1848, it has been important and influential in the history and culture of ethnic Chinese immigrants in North America. Vegetables and fresh fish are being unloaded from vendor trucks. Continue toward Broadway and nestled between Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown is a neighborhood known as North Beach.

The neighborhood is San Francisco’s “Little Italy,” packed with legendary pizzerias, cafes, and gelato shops. You’ll know it’s the right neighborhood when you see light poles painted with the Italian flag! The legendary City Lights bookstore opens pretty early.

My other go to hotel is the newer Four Seasons Embarcadero. The views are to die for, my favorite rooms face the bay, with bridge-to-bridge views from your bathtub.

If there is a secret coffee bar here, I haven’t discovered it, but a short walk down hill to the Ferry Building will yield Java. Siting at the base of the financial district, an added al fresco exercise attraction, include an early morning climb up those steep hills and secret stairways, it’s the perfect antidote to a late night out. 

The property occupies the top 11 floors of a 48-floor high-rise, Bridge to Bridge sweeping views, the 40th floor has an outdoor platform if you dare lean over the railing, Mosey safely to prime epicurean palaces, hidden stairways and the scenic Embarcadero promenade is blocks away. Discover San Francisco without crowds and embrace the city; there are many hidden stairway walks to explore.

Why do you need a staycation? We all need a break from our work and mundane routines.  Leave the realities of daily life behind. Quality time is the focus, no interruptions and no to do list.

How to best plan for an escape. The phrase Location Location is critical.

A few suggestions: Take a nap, bring a book, explore a new neighborhood, get outside, and walk or bike, add a spa treatment to the list.

Museum day – make it museum moments and focus on one exhibit, not the entire museum. Current SF MOMA

Yayoi Kusama: Infinite Love

Yayoi Kusama’s first solo presentation in Northern California featuring two Infinity Mirror Rooms is now open on Floor 6.

A long list of restaurants serving lunch in this area which requires a meandering walk down the Embarcadero. Miles and miles of flat walking – you can add hills by veering off up to Coit Tower- steps through North Beach.

Take a ferry to Sausalito for a few hours.

When was the last time you visited the Exploratorium?

We can satisfy your Wanderlust with secure properties – walk the quiet alleys, climb the secret garden hillsides, sip and nosh in small courtyard restaurants or cozy bistros.

StayCation Taj Campton Place

A two day schedule of meetings, lunches, dinners and a decadent afternoon escape to SFMOMA oh, and the Noah’s Ark Monsoon rains last week, inspired me to stay in the city overnight. Brilliant solution for peninsula dwellers.

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Intimate Campton Place Bistro Bar

I’ve stayed at Taj Campton Place a few times and have always loved this petite cozy property, chic style combined with the convenience of Union Square – Campton Place makes a perfect mini escape. Much of the square construction has been completed – so do consider making the hotel your base to explore this desirable shopping and dining mecca.

Campton Place Presidential Suite Bedroom

Easy valet arrival despite the drenching downpour, met a friend in the Campton Place Bistro Bar before we moseyed to MOMA in a drizzly mist. I highly recommend the tasty tuna tartar – the sizzling hamburger is always divine, however, I was headed to Perbacco that evening, thus just a delectable bite. Union Square is an excellent location for walking – easy access to MOMA, sitting at the base of Nob Hill, an added al fresco exercise attraction, include an early morning climb up those steep hills and secret stairways, it’s the perfect antidote to an Italian dinner before lunch meetings! Taj Campton Place has always been a favorite and this brief escape was just what I needed to recharge, adding this destination to my Travel Mantra list.

I loved my perch on the 17th floor in the Presidential Suite – oh my, I should have never left and just ensconced myself for the weekend! My friend came upstairs for a peek and we discovered my kitchen and office that I missed on my quick luggage drop. The Presidential Suite is absolutely lovely and would enhance a family or small group StayCation in the city. Think theatre, museums, fine dining, combined with a comfy home away from home.

Campton Place Presidential Suite Living Room

Campton Place Presidential Suite Dining Room

Campton Place Presidential Suite Office

Love the attentive staff at the hotel and adore the two Michelin star Campton Place restaurant, French classical cooking techniques, seasonal ingredients and flavors from South Asia are integrated into several different prix fixe menus, by Chef Srijith Gopinathan.

After wandering MOMA for three blissful hours, we found ourselves back in the snug Bistro Bar at the end of the day to enjoy a hearty splash of Malbec. Cozy bar, perfect for lingering over intimate conversations and delightful dalliances!

Our clients are spoiled by Taj. Recharge-Rest- StayCation Taj Campton Place.