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!
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.
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!
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
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.
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