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RECORD Recommends: Hotels and Shops
Architects looking for inspiring lodging in San Francisco have plenty of well-designed options available, and our panel has weighed in with a few favorite hotels. One of the front runners is the Huntington Hotel in Nob Hill, which Jay Sweet praises for its “San Francisco history, the unbelievable spa, and the kindness of the staff and owners.” Mark Harbick concurs, adding, “The restaurant [The Big Four] is still the place to see and be seen amongst blue bloods.”
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Built in 1875, the Palace Hotel is still one of the city’s most recognizable buildings, and it is within walking distance from Union Square, Chinatown, the Financial District, and the Moscone Convention Center. A 1909 Maxfield Parish mural distinguishes the hotel bar, and Douglas Tom suggests checking out the Palace’s Garden Court.
For those interested more contemporary sleeping arrangements, Harbick recommends the Clift Hotel on 495 Geary Street. “If you like the Ian Schrager, Philippe Stark scene this is the place to be,” he says.
Other hotels of note include the Orchard Garden at 466 Bush, which boasts the title of San Francisco’s First LEED-certified hotel; the Stanyan Park Hotel in the Upper Haight, just across from the Golden Gate Park; the San Remo Hotel in North Beach for a more relaxed atmosphere in a 1906 building; and the new St. Regis Hotel by SOM located on Third Street and Mission.
Our panel also weighed in with a few of their favorite local businesses. David Baker recommends the laid-back Box Dog Bikes, and he suggests a trip to the high-end Bi-Rite Market in the Mission for groceries and prepared food. Jay Sweet enjoys the stores in the Ferry Building, particularly the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant, McEvoy Ranch Olive Oil, and Far West Fungi [(415) 989-9090] mushroom shop.
Marsha Maytum suggests AIA attendees check out Arch, a favorite architectural and drafting supply store packed with materials. Owen Kennerly directs convention-goers to Cicada [(415) 398-4000], a boutique featuring local designers, and Amoeba Music, the renowned California record store.
For bookstores, John King exalts William Stout Books, an architectural bookstore in the Jackson Square District. “Plan to spend at least an hour, and expect to buy at least one book that you didn’t even know existed,” he says. “And if you see an affable bearded man in the basement at his desk, that’s Bill.”
Mark Harbick suggests Propeller Modern or Architectural Elements for furniture, and Flight 001 for Travel Gear. Douglas Tom likes Zinc Details for furniture and housewares, Metier for clothing, and Period George for gifts and antiques.
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