Hotel Vitale, a Joie de Vivre hotel

Description:

• Perched at the foot of the Embarcadero with outstanding waterfront and Bay Bridge views from east-facing rooms, this 199-unit hotel opened in early 2005 to instant popularity. In addition to its prime location across from the Ferry Building Marketplace, Hotel Vitale looks pretty darned chic, from the clean-lined lobby, lounge, and decent but not destination-worthy Americano restaurant (with a hopping after-work bar scene), to the modern and masculine rooms awash in earth tones and armed with contemporary perks like flatscreen TVs, CD players with groovy compilations, gourmet minibars and for-sale bath products, huge bathrooms with walk-in showers, and nature-themed pop art. Despite excellent service from the well-trained staff, there are a few subtleties that separate Vitale from true luxury hotel status: For example, my fancy flatscreen TV didn't face the bed or the couch and wasn't on hinges that allowed it to be adjusted -- very annoying -- and the fitness room is flat-out lame with three cardio machines and a few weights. However, they're now offering complimentary access to the nearby YMCA health club, which has all the workout essentials. So, if you can live with a few quirks, it's a very attractive place to stay -- my NYC friend loves this hotel -- especially if you book one of the suites with 270-degree San Francisco views.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Travel + Leisure 500

•  Best Hotel 2009

CitySearch

•  Weekend Getaway Hotel 2007 – Editorial Winner

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2009
•  Highly Recommended 2010