Hotel Emblem San Francisco
San Francisco, California
Union Square
Vibe
Manual typewriters sit behind check-in, while the book-lined Writer’s Alcove brings San Francisco’s Beat literature obsession into the lobby.
“Beat literature den”
Book-lined Writer’s Alcove and cobalt-blue armoires bring imagined 1950s writers’ apartments to life.
The 1907 building holds protected Category II status under its Hotel Regent name.
Obscenity Bar pairs literary cocktails with counter stools and lounge seating.
By Union Square, with Theatre District venues, cocktail bars and Powell Street cable cars nearby.
“In addition to a Writer’s Alcove in the lobby, there’s a Meditation Hour hosted by San Francisco–based Anchor Meditation every Saturday...”
Rooms
Cobalt-blue armoires evoke imagined 1950s writers’ apartments, while writing desks with inspiration boards invite you to put something on paper.
Backstory
Obscenity Bar takes its name from the trial surrounding Allen Ginsberg’s Howl, carrying a chapter of literary censorship into cocktail hour.
Eat & drink
Obscenity Bar & Lounge serves literary cocktails and popcorn, while independently operated Bluestone Lane in the lobby pours espresso and serves avocado toast.
The neighborhood
At Sutter and Mason, you’re near Union Square and the foot of Nob Hill, with theaters, cocktail bars and Powell Street cable cars nearby.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.