Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco
San Francisco, California
Lower Nob Hill
Vibe
Restored brick walls and blacklight poetry give the lobby a counterculture streak, with shared games downstairs in The Den.
“Blacklight rock playground”
Blacklight reveals lobby poetry beneath an overhead cage lined with gin bottles.
The Den offers shared games, while PLS on Post serves cocktails and boozy milkshakes.
Psychedelic bathroom wallpaper celebrates San Francisco bands, from Grateful Dead to Green Day.
On Post Street, two blocks from Union Square and within walking distance of Chinatown.
Rooms
Crushed velvet pillows and a rich, dark palette set the mood, while psychedelic bathroom wallpaper names San Francisco bands.
Wellness
The fitness center pairs free weights with a boxing dummy, and the front desk arranges bicycle rentals for exploring outside.
Backstory
The former Prescott hotel, in a building dating to 1913, underwent a full conversion into this counterculture tribute in 2016.
“the rooms, fresh off a thorough renovation, are decked out in an eclectic style, leaning heavily on mid-century inspirations, with a rich, dark color palette”
Eat & drink
PLS on Post serves smash burgers and boozy milkshakes alongside craft beers and cocktails, with daily brunch adding a daytime draw.
“The original curved stairs lead to the 1300-square-foot playroom downstairs, where you might challenge a fellow guest in a game of shuffleboard or quick-shot basketball.”
The neighborhood
You're on Post Street at the foot of Nob Hill, two blocks from Union Square and within walking distance of Chinatown.
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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.