June 15th commences a new chapter in my life–the big dirty 30! That’s right guys, I am now 30! It’s wild how fast the years have flown by. I felt this day came at a blink of an eye. Because this is a monumental chapter that I’m entering, I knew I had to celebrate BIG. And what better way to celebrate than with a luxury staycation? I was fortunate to celebrate my birthday with a staycation at the new Stanford Court in San Francisco. It has recently received a brand new look, and I was lucky enough to experience it first hand!
Stanford Court is perched on top of Nob Hill on California Street. It’s located next to three cable car lines. You can catch the trolley down to the shopping center on Powell Street, or up to Ghiradhelli Square in North Point. It is also walking distance to Union Square and Chinatown. If you prefer to enjoy the city by bike, Stanford Court has you covered. The hotel has numerous bikes parked in the front that you can borrow for the day.
As I checked in, I instantly recognized the modern and artistic vibes of the hotel. From the 20-foot illustration of a wolf at the walk-way, to the stop motion videos of San Francisco streaming on flat screens across the lobby, Stanford Court was delivering a new experience that I haven’t experienced in any other San Francisco hotel. The lobby is bubbling with creativity. The abstract art and the bright colors are reminiscent of my visits to the SF MOMA. You can’t help but to feel that this is a happy place.
Contrary to the new modern art seen around the hotel, there is an historic piece of art that can be found at the entrance. It is a 3-ton, 10-foot tall statue of a penguin that was created by Beniamino Bufano, an Italian artist who’s work can be found across San Francisco. The hotel was able to preserve it and place it where all guests can fully enjoy it.
When we checked in, I was impressed by the gorgeous view of the Transamerica Building from our bedroom. The room was spacious, modern and had a very luxe bathroom. After we unpacked, I had to go to the gym and check out their new Peloton bikes! Lately, I’ve been really into cycling, so I was super stoked that The Stanford Court has it accessible to their guests. If you don’t know what Pelotone bikes are, they are indoor exercise bikes that streams live cycling classes right in front of you!
When evening approached, we cleaned up and headed downstairs to enjoy some food and libations at their on-site restaurant and bar, Seven Stills. The restaurant has a full menu, cocktail list, and brews on tap. The place was alive with people and a live DJ. Our food was great, but I especially loved the fried finger foods that went with our beer flight. After dinner, we went out for the night. Fortunately, The Stanford Court is conveniently located near several restaurants and bars. A few of my favorite bars are located within a few blocks from the hotel.
After a night of obligatory birthday debauchery, I slept in my big queen bed until 10AM. It was fantastic. But that ended abruptly by a knock on my hotel door. I was perturbed at first, but that frown quickly turned upside down when I realized it was a man delivering balloons to my room. My amazing sister ordered a gold balloon bouquet with two gold foil balloons with the numbers 3 and 0 for my birthday. I was shocked and surprised! She’s seriously the best.
The following morning, we had the breakfast buffet which can be enjoyed for $28. It had an array of pastries, cereal, meat and cheese, and hot breakfast items. For a smaller fee of $22, you can enjoy the continental breakfast which offers cold breakfast items (i.e. pastries, fruit, juice).
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