Conde Nast Traveler: Hotel of the Week, Stanford Court San Francisco

In this week's Conde Nast Traveler newsletter, Elise Craig reviews Stanford Court's refresh.

"How did it strike you on arrival?
The Stanford Court Hotel started a huge renovation in 2017, updating to embrace both its historic location on Nob Hill, as well as San Francisco's role as a tech capital. The hotel still has the classic stained-glass dome and fountain in its port-cochere, but the lobby has a far more modern feel, with low, round leather benches, modular gray couches, white tiled floors, herringbone wood floors, and pops of color in upholstery, artwork and throw pillows. And it's going all in on tech. Instead of a standard check-in process at a front desk, arriving guests can expect to check in on mobile, or snag a member of the staff to check in on a tablet, Apple store-style. The hotel tapped the design firm EDG to help with its refresh.

Nice. What’s the crowd like?
The updated Stanford Court is specifically targeting the tech-savvy traveler. The redesign includes 2,100 square feet of startup-style, communal working space.

The good stuff: Tell us about your room.
The $16 million "reboot" extends to all guest rooms, which will be completed in the first quarter of 2018. When they're finished, all 393 will have be done in stark whites, subtle grays, and bold blues accented by gold highlights.

We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?
Guests can choose from four different kinds of pillows, including down and hypoallergenic.

How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?
Blix electric and Albion bikes, which guests are welcome to borrow (just be careful going down Nob Hill). Each room also comes with complimentary water bottles that you can refill at FloWater stations.

Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
The updated bathrooms have details like rain showers, sustainable toilets, heated towel racks, and repurposed textiles.

Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?
High-speed Wi-Fi is complimentary, and there's unlimited in-room streaming. Binge away!

Room service: Worth it?
The new Stanford Court is skipping room service in favor of a new model, a grab-n-go style spot where you can self-pay for goods like espresso, juice, snacks, and sandwiches.

Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.
At 1,500 square feet, the revamped gym is enormous, and with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Bay. Guests can hop on Precor equipment, or access to Kinima.fit’s virtual training program.

What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?
The update is definitely a departure from the typical Nob Hill vibe, but not an unwelcome one.

Bottom line: worth it, and why?
If you go to Nob Hill looking for the historic details of an old-school hotel, Stanford Court isn't your best choice. It's a much better fit for the tech-savvy."

For more information visit Conde Nast Traveler.

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