Hotel: Hotel Carlton
Location: 1075 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA (South Nob Hill)
Type of hotel: Boutique hotel
We stipulated: For Maria's birthday, I originally planned on taking her and Evan to Monterey or Carmel. But finding a nice but economical (even under $200 a night) hotel was proving impossible. At that moment, I received two separate emails that must have come from the travel gods. American was flying round trip to San Francisco for a little more than $80 round trip (with taxes, about $113 each). At the same time, Expedia sent out word that the Hotel Carlton was offering up rooms in early May for 50% off -- about $79. I was sold. We'd leave the car at home and fly to the Bay Area.
They stipulated: For $10 more, we could upgrade to a king-sized bed, which we did, in order to get a slightly bigger room. The deal also required that we agree not to cancel -- so it was SF or bust.
High point: The service was fantastic. When we arrived with Evan in tow, they immediately upgraded us (at no cost) for a bigger room with two beds. (Granted, they were doubles, and Maria and I barely fit.) We also took advantage of the nightly free wine gatherings (5:30 p.m., for half an hour) and enjoyed the lobby -- spacious by boutique hotel standards.
Low point: The hotel says its adjacent to Union Square -- but that's a stretch. The walk to Union Square is kinda exhausting, especially while pushing a stroller up and down the hills. Also, what's up with the tiny TVs?
Overall impression: Best hotel service I've had in a long time. I also liked the hotel's global travel theme and overall environment.
Chance we will go back: At $89 a night, if we can get that bargain again, absolutely. Even if we can't, the Hotel Carlton is definitely a contender for best hotel in SF.
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