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Following a four-year overhaul of a listed 1926 hotel building in San Francisco’s resurgent Mid-Market neighbourhood, Proper’s flagship opens later this northern summer with captivating interiors by design star Kelly Wearstler and a chic rooftop bar.
A striking triangular “flatiron” building — near the corner of 7th and Market Streets on the cusp of the Tenderloin, a block from a train stop, a few steps from the trolley car and a short walk to Union Square — San Francisco Proper Hotel joins tech companies, restaurateurs and arts organisations revitalising an area with a rich architectural heritage and lively history.
The hotel’s 131 guestrooms and suites come in a range of configurations from “bunk rooms” to premier suites. All offer great views and have a romantic, eclectic feel with contemporary and vintage pieces, pretty wallpaper and layered textures in soft, soothing colours. Finishes and accessories are top notch and include Aesop bath products, funky Vifa speakers, Bellino fine linens, a minibar stocked with local goodies and in-room tablet to access the Proper Concierge.
Premier suites are in the “point” of the building so feature large picture windows on three sides. To preserve the hotel’s original elements, a team of local artisans was employed to restore the lobby, which includes a cubist-inspired salon and restaurant.
Don’t miss: Make time for a tipple at the rooftop bar and garden terrace where the hip drinks list is pulled together by “cocktail consultants” Josh Harris and Morgan Schick of BVHospitality.
Dining in: Executive chef Jason Franey oversees Villon, an all-day dining restaurant serving contemporary American fare, and La Bande, a stylish cafe offering house-made pastries, salads and locally roasted coffee.
Dining out: Japanese is on trend in this neck of the woods. Check out Hinata (810 Van Ness Avenue) for omakase; and Onsen (on Eddy in the Tenderloin), a bathhouse with hot soaking pool and treatment rooms alongside a restaurant and tearoom with sake wine on tap. Or borrow one of the hotel’s Shinola bicycles and take a spin down Market to Embarcadero where the old ferry building is home to providores and casual eateries including an oyster bar and the fab Cowgirl Creamery (try the superior cheese toastie). There’s also a farmer’s market every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Ask the concierge: Get a real taste of this lively precinct by signing up to a walking tour at the tiny Tenderloin Museum; it’s a wonderful insight into 31 remarkable city blocks, once the entertainment and vice centre of San Francisco.
Checking in: From $US400 ($500) a night.
Also try: The Robey, Chicago; The Warehouse Hotel, Singapore; Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour, Sydney.
ACCOMMODATION BUZZ
• Singapore-based Alila moves into North America later this year with the reopening of a 59-room resort in California’s Big Sur following a multi-million-dollar makeover; the Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort will feature a signature day spa, ocean view restaurant and a new luxury camping experience, the Redwood Canyon Glampsites.
• The newly opened beachfront Amari Galle resort in Sri Lanka offers direct sea views from private balconies in all 172 rooms and suites and plenty of family friendly services including a children’s club and dedicated pool; opening rates from $US115 ($144) a night.
• Hilton is to open the first internationally branded hotel in Timor-Leste; the 150-room Hilton Dili Palm Springs debuts in late 2018 with an outdoor pool, fitness centre, rooftop bar and signature restaurant.
• MGallery by Sofitel has signed two hotels in Auckland; Hotel Grand Windsor will join the collection this October, and Eden Crescent Hotel Auckland follows late next year after its refurbishment.
• Hotel Esencia has expanded its footprint on the beautiful Xpu Ha Beach on Mexico’s Riviera Maya and in October it will unveil 11 new luxury suites, six opening directly on to the sand, and a restaurant from acclaimed chef Dimitris Katrivesis.
Sоurсе: theaustralian.com.au
