Arrival/Check-In: I drove from Los Angeles to San Francisco on a weekend; the weather and traffic were just fine. But the InterContinental sits on a busy one-way street in the heart of the city right next to the convention center, and congested traffic is the norm. The hotel driveway was backed up so I waited about five minutes before turning my car over to the valet. The lobby is a nice mix of white marble and dark wood alongside gem-colored chairs and lounge space. The registration desk sits off to the right. A friendly staff member helped me check in and escorted me to the elevators midway through the lobby. On my way, I scoped out the location of the bar and the Michelin-rated restaurant, Luce, situated farther into the first-floor space.
Guest Quarters: My guestroom, a king corner room, presented amazing panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline. As I first stepped into the room, I noticed it was uncomfortably warm. In this “green” hotel, a room card needs to be inserted for the air-conditioner to turn on. Luckily, the room cooled down in less than 15 minutes. Near the main entrance of the room were a small closet and an adjacent full-length mirror, and to the right, a large bathroom. A marbled single-sink counter was brightly lit and offered plenty of room and drawers for personal items. The shower/tub combination was a decent size and provided good water pressure along with clean-scented amenities.
Around the corner, the room opened up, with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing natural light into the room and giving views of urban San Francisco. The king-sized bed faced the windows and sat across from a long, dark wood dresser holding a flat-screen TV and minibar items. A good-sized desk with outlets for my laptop faced the other window and offered a great place to do some work. However, I spent most of my time working and reading on the chaise lounge next to it.
Services/Amenities: The inviting Club, located on the fourth floor, consists of a lounge area and plenty of seating to enjoy breakfast. I had a mimosa on Sunday morning and grabbed some excellent snacks before dinner meetings. A large patio area provides a pleasant area to relax in good weather. The fitness center is a great space filled with cardio equipment and free weights along with an indoor lap pool, perfect for the chilly weather that hits the city.
Luce, the Michelin-starred and only restaurant on site, is a great place to dine with friends in the evening and is quiet enough during the day for a business meeting.
The Experience: The hotel is located in the heart of the SoMa (South of Market) district, next to the Moscone Center and within walking distance of Union Square for great shopping and restaurants. My stay felt familiar and easy, essential for business travelers. The only thing you need to look out for is high-priced ($53) overnight parking rate.
GT CHECKLIST
[checklist]
[item check=yes]Doorman/valet[/item]
[item]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item]Separate tub and shower[/item]
[item check=yes]Large vanity[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality towels[/item]
[item check=yes]Powerful, unattached hair dryer[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality bed linens[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, flat-screen television[/item]
[item check=yes]Large desk with convenient outlets[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, complimentary laptop safe[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-room WiFi[/item]
[item]Complimentary bottled water[/item]
[item check=yes]Stocked minibar[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample lighting[/item]
[item check=yes]In-room coffeemaker[/item]
[item check=yes]Iron and ironing board[/item]
[item check=yes]On-site restaurant[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour room service[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[/checklist]
InterContinental San Francisco
888 Howard St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
tel 415 616 6500
ihg.com
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 17, 2025UN Tourism Announces Best Tourism Villages in 2024
From Caviahue-Copahue in Argentina to Tra Que Vegetable Village in Vietnam, travelers can now discover the 55 newest Best Tourism Villages of 2024 as researched by UN Tourism. These are not overcrowded, mass-tourism villages, but instead very rural destinations that have consolidated their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
March 2025
Mar 17, 2025Buenos Aires Embraces Life with Art, Music, Sports and Fine Food
The fascinating city of Buenos Aires has managed to maintain its appeal for travelers despite Argentina’s roller coaster economic history.
Daily
Mar 17, 2025Welcome the Arrival of Tulip Season in Amsterdam with Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
Every spring, Amsterdam’s parks and fields erupt into an array of colors with the arrival of tulip season. To help travelers have the ultimate experience, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam offers three curated experiences celebrating the iconic flower through historical insights, natural immersion and gourmet food.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
Slideshow
Mar 17, 20256 Reasons to Put Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Santa Fe, New Mexico, with us.
Norwegian Debuts Late Disembarkation Option
March 2025
Mar 15, 2025Glamorous Flamingo Las Vegas Gets Pool Makeover
Daily
Mar 14, 2025Daily
Mar 13, 2025Sedona, Arizona, Hotel Promises Perfect Nature-Centric Stay
Immerse yourself in nature with a stay at L’Auberge de Sedona. This luxury property in Sedona, Arizona, invites travelers to reconnect with nature through its accommodations and outdoor experiences.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
Daily
Mar 13, 2025Ancient Baths Brand Opens Second Location in New York City
AIRE Ancient Baths officially opened the doors of its second New York City location March 1, bringing even more wellness to New Yorkers and visitors. Following the success of its location in Tribeca, AIRE New York Upper East Side debuts, blending ancient traditions from Roman, Greek and Ottoman civilizations.
ShareThis