Travel The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco. A Five Star. The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco Exterior

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1 Travel The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco A Five Star The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco Exterior 18

2 Property in San Francisco By Jon Bogart There are many distinguished Five Star properties throughout the world, and any hotel that is granted the coveted 5th Star must first pass a rigorous set of requirements and then maintain those standards. This is not an easy task. It requires a hands-on approach to customer service, amenities, cleanliness, and extra touches that truly distinguish the property as something very special. That 5th Star is so difficult to get, and maintain, that there are some states in the US that do not have even one Five Star hotel. In the City of San Francisco The Ritz-Carlton is such a reference standard Five Star property, that one could even consider adding a special category of Six Stars the hotel is that good. The Ritz-Carlton, is a palatial experience in the heart of San Francisco, offering distinctive amenities and superior service that turns an overnight stay into a delightful escape. Situated on the eastern slope of Nob Hill at the corner of California and Stockton Streets, The Ritz-Carlton is a hotel that was once the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Western Headquarters. This early Temple of Commerce represented the farthest westward expansion of the City s Financial District. Then, in 1973 the building was acquired by Cogswell College and became a center of learning. In 1984, Ritz-Carlton purchased the property and undertook the task of hotel transforming the building into a hotel. It officially opened as The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco on April 8th Ironically, a distinguishing feature of the building is the ionic columns, and lion s heads that are inherent to the building. Is it coincidence that the logo/crest of Ritz-Carlton are lions? Or, was it just meant-to-be. Our experience at The Ritz-Carlton was so over-the-top that is almost defies description. Prior to our visit, we planned a short trip to the wine region of Napa Valley. We brought back a pair of ultra fine crystal bourdeaux goblets from a winery in Yountville. Upon check-in, the attendant noticed that the stems had broken as a result of poor handling. The breakage was not caused by Ritz-Carlton personnel, however, they took it upon themselves to call the winery and arrange for a duplicate set of these goblets to be delivered to our address in Los Angeles. They were there upon our return and there no cost to us. That is ultimate customer care. At The Ritz-Carlton, service is the routine of the day. Whatever your request, whatever your need, it is available to you. The Spa is well stocked with personal grooming products, and is open to all guests. Our suite had two bathrooms, a welcome touch, as madame was delighted to have her own quarters all to herself. There is a treasure chest of coffees, teas and complimentary bottled water, and it is refilled without having to be requested. The bathrobes are ultra plush, his n hers slippers are provided each day at turn down, and toiletries are the finest, in very generous sizes. The concierge is available to answer any and all requests. Do you need a dinner or show reservation no problem. A Limo, a tour of Alcatraz, shopping on Union Square. They are there to accommodate every wish. We inquired about a custom bagel shop in the Richmond district of the city, and found a bag with bagels delivered to our room the next day. No charge. They shine your shoes, they press your suits, they even replace loose buttons without being asked. The rooms are comfortable and appointed to exceed expected standards again, Five Stars. 19

3 Travel The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco Ritz-Carlton Suite The Best Club Floor In America Named Best in America by Andrew Harper s Hideaway Report, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco Club Level is for guests staying on the top floors of the hotel. Considered a hotel within a hotel, the Club Level provides dedicated concierge service in an elegant, comfortable lounge that has a large, crackling a wood-burning fireplace. Complimentary beverages, including premium wine, champagne, and top-shelf spirits, are available throughout the day, with a special happy hour with bartender service taking place daily. Gourmet food and incredible culinary delights are served throughout the day. A Business Lounge offers complimentary wireless Internet access, two work stations with printers and a high-definition, LCD flat-panel television for all business and lounging needs. The Club experience begins once a reservation is made. A guest relations manager ensures each guest preference is met, including airport transportation, Presidential Suite 20

4 Deluxe Guestroom Double Beds car rentals, dinner reservations or massage treatments. Upon checkin, guests may retreat, via keyed elevator access, to their Club Room. The Lounge is home to a dedicated concierge to anticipate every need. The complimentary food and beverage presentations are varied and changed every day. Breakfast; Light Snacks; Hors d oeuvres; Evening Desserts Whole Fruit, Freshly Baked Cookies, Champagne, and made-to order cocktails. French-pressed coffee, and made-to-order espressos. Did you miss something? Just ask, and they will get it for you. The Suites offer panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Coit Tower and the downtown skyline. Wet bar, whirlpool bath; spacious foyer with guest bathroom, Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker, surround-sound system, high-definition televisions with dual speakers, LCD flat-screen televisions in both the bedroom and bath), and choice of 100 percent linen or 1,000- thread-count jacquard cotton Frette sheets all part of the package. Oh, and did anyone mention the fabulous views that are available from all ends of the Club Lounge. The Club Lounge is such an outstanding amenity that it suppresses any desire to leave the building. According to Tatler magazine, A Ritz-Carlton trump card is the club floors, especially suitable for any one whose appetite is in a different time zone. Harpers & Queen rates Club Level service as Wimbledon standard. Bath in Presidential Suite Bar and Lounge 21

5 Travel The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco Presidential Suite Communal Bar and Lounge Tables Bar and Lounge Parallel 37 restaurant 20

6 Presidential Suite balcony The New Restaurant Parallel 37 Is Now Open On Monday, December 12 at 11:30 am, Parallel 37, the newly-designed neighborhood restaurant on Nob Hill opened. Two well known talents in San Francisco s food and restaurant scene are collaborating for the first time, Ron Siegel in the kitchen creating simple, contemporary American cuisine that is not over-manipulated and Camber Lay at the bar creating an all new mixology program for the destination restaurant. The restaurant s menu seeks inspiration along the geographic latitude Parallel 37 Parallel 37 restaurant with food and wine celebrating the many cultures in the San Francisco Bay Area. Working with great chefs and living in San Francisco, Chef Siegel came to realise his passion for fruits and vegetables and the abundance of farms in the Bay Area. Without the farms you would not be as connected to the food. There is something perfectly imperfect about nature and nothing like handpicking the ingredients you serve, he said. People want to eat something recognisable at the height of seasonality and freshness. The menu at Parallel 37 is approachable with simple, yet delicious preparations. He continued. Camber Lay is one of San Francisco s most prolific and influential mixology consultants with over a decade of experience creating cocktails. His approach to cocktails really complements Ron s approach to food. They both like to handpick seasonal ingredients. Her handcrafted cocktails are made with the freshest seasonal ingredients, fruits, herbs, vegetables, spices and specialty ices. Local and artisanal spirits are the core of her innovative program designed for Parallel 37. She delivers a cocktail menu with a combination of classic and unique cocktails to pair with the bar and dining menu. Parallel 37 brings an urban edge to The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. The architects merged the formerly sequestered bar and dining spaces to create a relaxed and lively social experience. The design links Northern California s culinary countryside with the dynamic, neighborhood food culture and style of San Francisco. Clean architectural lines and modern, glass wall treatments combine with natural materials to create an informal sense of tailored sophistication. Behind the host, a glowing glass graphic panel of California oaks imparts an immediate sense of place. The intimate dining spaces celebrate the artful character of the cuisine with elements such as freeedge wood tables and plaid-embossed leather seating. In addition to dinner in the main room, guests may opt for cocktails and shared-plates at the bar or in the lounge that opens into the main restaurant. The restaurant seeks inspiration from the geographic latitude Parallel 37 with food and wine that celebrates the diverse cultural influences of the San Francisco Bay area. A San Francisco Must-Do Close to everything that identifies San Francisco, it s a short walk to Union Square, Chinatown, Little Italy, the Financial District, and the Embarcadero. For those wishing adventure, the Cable Cars are a half block from the front entrance and these moving museums offer the ultimate in fun transport. Market Street is home to the K-Line which runs from the Castro to Fisherman s Wharf. While other cities tore out their street cars, San Francisco built a new line that features cars from around the world that are restored to their original condition. The public transportation system is excellent with MUNI busses and trolleys running continuously to take you where you want to go. The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco is the ultimate destination property for the discerning traveler. It is a beacon of tranquility and welcomes the international traveler with open arms and then enhances the experience by being there for everything and anything. It is not to be missed. For more information visit ritzcarlton.com and choose San Francisco from the location menu. 21