Is it my gypsy soul or an over active exploring gene implanted in my disposition? After a long Journey, I adore landing home to my garden cottage to perfectly plump pillows, down feather bed, dinner plate dahlias and the picture-perfect summer garden…but after a few weeks at home, Nomad Fever infects! The pandemic has kept me from flying, so I am currently escaping to drive to locations.

Counting the days until I can board a plane and get away on an inspiring Journey, until then, I have been moseying around the bay area and farther afield with a few Staycation experiences, these petite escapes slightly satisfy my yearnings.

The Four Seasons San Francisco at Embarcadero quietly opened a month ago. Formerly the Loews Regency which was once the Mandarin Oriental, the completely refurbished edition is in the midst of the quiet financial district. 

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, I’m content with bed views! Spectacular panoramic skyline vistas, a 24-hour fitness center with floor to ceiling windows, (closed during Covid), and a superbly hushed setting for a city hotel, the quiet is exquisite!

Many S.F. neighborhoods have succumbed to a blight of litter, you won’t find that here on Sansome Street. It’s safe, unsoiled and an utterly cozy sky nest! I highly recommend a corner suite; the views are swoon worthy, particularly from the 48th Floor! Comfy beds, spacious living room, a desk for working, and for me, the ubiquitous soaking tub! The fresh furnishings with wood floors feel like a smart studio apartment, the subtle hues emulate the Golden Gate Bridge, the soft grey SF fog, the carpet design suggests the framework of nearby city skyscrapers…the décor is emblematic of the beautiful city. Enjoy stunning views of all the most famous landmarks, including Coit Tower, the Transamerica Pyramid, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, it is breathtaking!

My most recent suite, room 4814, may have to have my name embedded on the door, the corner setting includes up close and personal views of the new Salesforce Tower with its animated tower capsule truly intriguing images: hovering clouds and foamy ocean surf, ballet figures pirouette and float across the upper six floors of the illuminated crown. At night, daily footage culled from video cameras placed throughout the city (at Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park, Market Street, Embarcadero, maybe even the dump,) encircle the tower and project softly into the night. From my cozy bed, it was like my own private movie projection or drive in theatre!

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. Have you seen the city from the dazzling Sky Star Ferris Wheel? 2020 marks the 150th birthday of Golden Gate Park, and America’s largest traveling observation wheel is in the park to celebrate! Standing 150 feet in Golden Gate Park’s Music Concourse, the SkyStar Observation Wheel features 36 fully-enclosed, temperature-controlled gondolas, boasting unparalleled views from downtown San Francisco to the Pacific Ocean.

My stay a few weeks ago was so inspiring, I plan to return soon. Sadly, the city streets are deserted, but some may look at this as having the city to themselves! Imagine walking down the Embarcadero without dodging scooters, runners and bikes, it’s quite pleasant. Many nearby restaurants have outdoor parklets, some quite expansive with heaters and blankets for warmth. Walk to iconic Zuni Café for a sidewalk lunch or supper, sip bubbly and nosh on the famed wood fired brick oven roasted chicken for two and frites, certainly worth the walk from the financial district! My recent lunch was serenaded by the swoon-able Zuni accordionist, I felt I was in Paris! Take charge of the city and call it your own until we return to the other side.

From our client requests, it feels like some domestic travel will be the mainstay for many, until we have a broader and more accurate sense of clarity or, better still, a vaccine.

Four Seasons San Francisco at Embarcadero, highly recommend for birds eye views, a good nights sleep and a stylish chic environment. Take advantage of perching in a safe environment. We can satisfy your Wanderlust with secure properties. Let me know when you are ready to tuck in for a delightful Staycation! Our Preferred Partner relationship guarantees you will be extra spoiled and cared for by our inside teams!

Imagine waking up to this view from your corner suite!