On recent trip to San Francisco, I had the opportunity to stay at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel in the heart of the Nob Hill neighborhood. This was my second time to stay at this luxury property, so I knew that it would be perfect for my special getaway “race-cation” for the San Francisco Marathon. If you are planning a trip to San Francisco, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins should be on your radar.
Why?
Here are the top for reasons for making this hotel your home away from home in San Francisco:
- Location, Location, Location! The InterContinental Mark Hopkins sits at the very top of Nob Hill, so you can expect some nice views of the city from your guestroom. In addition to the views, the hotel is just blocks away from San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown and the bustling Financial District which has the stunning Transamerica Pyramid. Staying at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins will also give you the chance to see the famous cable cars, and you are only a short walk from the fascinating Cable Car Museum, which is free to visit! Keep going a few more blocks, and you will find yourself walking along Fisherman’s Wharf where you can refuel after climbing and descending those infamous hilly streets with some delicious seafood. By the way, many of the other attractions in the city are only a short drive from the hotel.
- If history is your thing, this hotel has certainly got it! The hotel first opened in 1926 and is named for the founder of the Southern Pacific Railroad, Mark Hopkins. The land that the hotel is on was once the site of Hopkins’ 40-room mansion. In its years, the hotel has hosted many important events, such as meetings to establish the United Nations, and important guests, including five U.S. presidents and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. Today, as the InterContinental Mark Hopkins, this San Francisco landmark is listed on the Historic Hotels of America Trust and houses a mini-museum in the lobby area.
- Cocktails at the Top of Mark are a must! At the top of InterContinental Mark Hopkins, you will find a glass-walled cocktail lounge with the most stunning 360-degree views of the city. You do not have to be a guest to enjoy this treat, but it is much easier to get to the 19th floor when you only have to take an elevator ride to the top. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail and a delicious bite from the tapas menu while you take in the views of San Francisco Bay. On most nights the Top of the Mark offers live music and an opportunity to use the lounge’s dance floor to make the evening complete. Don’t be shy with your camera either! This is one of the city’s best spots for a panoramic picture or your best skyline selfie.
- Being an InterContinental Ambassador is a big perk! If you travel regularly, you probably know that many hotel chains have different VIP-style programs. For the InterContinental hotel group, you can join their ambassador program for special travel perks when you stay at any of their hotels worldwide. Being a member of the InterContinental Ambassador program made my stay at the Mark Hopkins even more special by providing me with a room upgrade to a king-size with stunning views. In addition, as an ambassador, I received free WiFi, daily bottles of mineral water, and a nightly turn-down service which included delicious Ghirardelli chocolates. Because I was there to run the San Francisco Marathon, I also had an amenity platter of fresh fruits and healthy snacks waiting for me when I arrived. I don’t know about you, but I love a little special treatment when I travel! The InterContinental Mark Hopkins definitely provided that experience for me.
Follow Jen on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/bridgerunnerjen
Please follow and like us:
