MY VIRTUAL VACATIONS
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Destinations
    • Alaska Inside Passage
    • Arizona: Scottsdale and Sedona
    • Mid-Atlantic Region >
      • Baltimore, MD
      • National Harbor, MD
      • Philadelphia, PA
      • Richmond, VA
      • Washington D.C.
    • Bay Area, California
    • Florida >
      • Boca Raton
      • Fort Lauderdale
      • Key West >
        • Key West Excursions
      • Miami
      • Orlando
    • Bermuda
    • Eastern Caribbean
    • Western Caribbean
    • Bahamas
  • Ships
    • Celebrity Cruises >
      • Celebrity Cruises Fleet
      • Celebrity Equinox
      • Celebrity Reflection
      • Celebrity Silhouette
      • Celebrity Solstice
      • Celebrity Summit
      • Celebrity Constellation
    • Crystal Cruises >
      • Crystal Cruises Fleet
    • Princess Cruises Fleet
    • Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet
    • River Cruises >
      • American Cruise Lines
      • Victory Cruise Lines
    • Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
  • Cabins
    • Celebrity Cabins >
      • Deluxe Staterooms
      • Sky Suite
      • Celebrity Suite
      • Royal Suite
      • Michael's Club
      • Celebrity Cruises Stateroom List
    • Crystal Cabins
    • Princess Cruises
    • Royal Caribbean Cabins
    • Holland America Cabins
  • Dining
    • Hotels and Restaurants
    • Celebrity Dining >
      • Celebrity Specialty Dining >
        • Luminae >
          • Luminae for Alaska on Celebrity Solstice
        • La Petite Chef
        • Ocean Liners/Murano
        • The Porch
        • Sushi on Five
        • Tuscan Grille
        • Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria
        • Lawn Club Grill
        • Blu
        • Edge Class Dining
      • Menus
      • Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages
      • Celebrity Cruises Room Service
    • Crystal Dining
    • MSC Menus
    • Oceania Menus
    • Princess Dining
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity Entertainment >
      • Celebrity Cruises Canyon Ranch Spa Services
      • The Alcoves
      • Celebrity Today's
      • Celebrity Cruises for Kids
      • Celebrity Cruises Exclusive Perks
    • Crystal Entertainment
    • Princess Entertainment
    • Royal Caribbean Entertainment
    • Holland America Entertainment
  • Quick Tips
    • FAQs
    • What to Pack for a Cruise
    • Which Cabin is Best for Me?
    • Favorite Travel Products
    • Excursions
    • Cruising with Groups
    • Celebrations
    • Tipping
    • Beauty Tips
    • Quiz
    • Celebrity Cruises Luggage Valet Service
    • Budgeting for Vacation
    • Travel Tip Tuesdays

Take Us Back to Kimpton!

8/9/2016

6 Comments

 
Sir Francis Drake Kimpton
​"San Francisco has only one drawback - 'tis hard to leave." - Rudyard Kipling. 
This is exactly how we felt when leaving San Francisco and the beautiful Sir Francis Drake, A Kimpton Hotel. This summer, my son was invited to a computer gaming conference in San Jose, California. Jumping at the opportunity, I quickly booked the trip for the two of us (unfortunately leaving a disappointed husband and youngest son home to fend for themselves!) Of course, a trip to the Bay Area would not be complete without visiting San Francisco. I knew exactly where we would stay and made our reservation at Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Located in Union Square, it's in a fantastic spot to easily explore the many different areas of San Francisco. ​
After a long trip across the country, we were greeted by a friendly Beefeater styled doorman at the entrance and then thrilled to find a delicious welcoming surprise waiting for us in our gorgeously appointed room. ​
When you are a frequent Kimpton Karma Rewards member, this is typical of the treats that await you. Additionally, all guests can enjoy a complimentary daily hosted evening wine hour at the bar. ​
For our stay, we chose a Grand King Room on the 15th floor. This style room is also available with two Queen beds. We had a King, but they easily brought in a rollaway for my son and there was still plenty of room. The furnishings were regal and luxurious, but still comfortable. When even a 16 year old boy is impressed, you know it must be good.
​And the view, what a VIEW...
Dinner was an easy decision since one of San Francisco's hot dining spots is located in the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Scala's Bistro was hopping when we arrived. After a warm greeting, we were presented with a amazing menu. Starting off with fresh bread and delicious olive oil, a glass of Napa Valley Rosé ​was a perfect accompaniment. ​
Then a light dinner with appetizers and first courses. ​Click or scroll over for detailed descriptions.
Heirloom Tomatoes: Watermelon, basil, pickled eggplant
Beef Carpaccio: Angus beef tenderloin, capers, lemon, arugula, olive oil, parmesan
Saffron Linguine Clams: Manila clams, garlic, roasted tomato, white wine
Ricotta Gnocchi: Roasted forest mushrooms, local corn, parmesan, fine herbs
​Since we had just arrived for our stay in the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, we were anxious to get settled in and didn't have a chance to try dessert. But the selections look wonderful and I've heard the pastry chef is fantastic. Just take a look at this menu! (I always love a cheese course, too.)
Scala's Bistro Menu
By our East Coast clocks it was already time for sleep, but we were still ready to explore. Taking advantage of the hotel's fantastic location, we walked just a few blocks away to the Chinatown district. ​
The next day, we couldn't wait to hop on a famous San Francisco cable car. The stop is conveniently in front of the hotel and took us on a scenic ride to Fisherman's Wharf. ​
​Here we explored Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39. What a fantastic area for visiting with kids! There are a variety of shops, a museum with relic video games, Aquarium of the Bay where you walk through underwater tunnels surrounded by various sea life, and all in a carnival-like atmosphere complete with street performers.
No trip to San Francisco is complete without a picture of Alcatraz and the frolicking sea lions.
There is a tremendous (seriously, unbelievable!) array of vendors, markets, and restaurants all with fresh fish, produce, and a variety of unique foods. ​
​This is where my opening quote comes in. Even after less than 24 hours, it was so hard to leave. Reluctantly we said goodbye to all of our new friends we made at the Sir Francis Drake. If you plan a stay, make sure to visit Leif at the concierge desk. He is amazing and will help you easily navigate San Francisco. We are already looking forward to another stay! 

​Why Stay At A Kimpton Hotel?
  • PERKS ​Who doesn't love perks? Just sign up on-line to become a member of Kimpton Karma Rewards and you're in! Complimentary WiFi, hosted evening wine hours, and a personalized welcome. Don't forget the morning coffee bar...with toppings, syrups and condiments, you can make your coffee just like a barista. 
  • SERVICE Exemplifying the true meaning of a boutique hotel, Kimpton's service is individualized and focused on each of their guests (including your kids.) Whether you looking for information about the city, forget to bring an item, or have special requests for your stay, don't hesitate to ask and they are happy to help.
  • DINING Always featuring a fantastic restaurant, Kimpton's chefs are known for creative and fresh fare. You'll even be impressed by their mini-bar offerings.
  • ACCOMMODATIONS Unique decor is what makes them special. And the robes and yoga mats in the rooms don't hurt either!
6 Comments
Leif
8/16/2016 11:46:25 pm

What a beautiful, informative and flattering portrayal of what we have to share with guests to The City. I am so proud to be a part of your memories, and I am so honored to be entrusted with being "your go to guy" for all of your readers. Please know you will always have a friend here in San Francisco, and to all, you will have your own personal concierge!

Reply
Alyson (MyVirtualVacations) link
8/18/2016 04:29:53 pm

Thank you so much, Leif. You and Sir Francis Drake Hotel will always be memorable for us. We hope to see you again soon!

Reply
Ange Loughran link
8/18/2016 10:18:32 am

We are there right now and couldn't agree more!

Reply
Alyson (MyVirtualVacations) link
8/18/2016 04:33:03 pm

Oh, so nice! I'd love to be there now myself. Have a great time!

Reply
Harmony, Momma To Go link
5/5/2017 12:12:28 pm

Love san fran and LOVE LOVE LOVE Kimptons! We hope to get out that way this summer, will keep the Drake in mind!

Reply
Alyson (MyVirtualVacations)
5/5/2017 01:23:31 pm

Thanks so much for reading, Harmony! I'd love to hear if you end up visiting San Francisco and the Drake Hotel this summer!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Reviews on family cruises and vacations

    My Virtual Vacations Blog

    MyVirtualVacations

    About the Author

    ​Thanks for cruising by! ​ Along with creating this website and blog, I work in an office full-time and as a mom to two energetic young men. With our family's busy work and school schedule, we look forward to traveling during holidays. Although it seems that our family can never agree on anything, we do when it comes to vacations. We typically travel on cruises or stay at luxury hotels while enjoying upscale dining, beautiful decor, excellent service, and spacious accommodations. However, we still need family friendly and comfortable! When we are not traveling, I enjoy dining out locally, as well as cooking and baking in my own kitchen.
    ​Virtually escape and start planning your next luxurious cruise vacation on land or sea with My Virtual Vacations. ​Contact me for any specific questions or recommendations. And don't forget to keep checking back for the latest blog posts and information. There are always more family vacations in our future!
    You'll also find me on Cruise Critic boards as​ SunnyAJ.  Let's connect! ​
    JNachman Photography

    About the Photos

    Our beautiful photographs are creatively captured by my talented freelance husband/photographer located in Baltimore, MD. Click here to explore more of his work.

    Free Download!

    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Alaska
    Arizona
    Bay Area Calfornia
    Bermuda
    Caribbean And Bahamas
    Celebrity Cruises
    Cruise And Travel Tips
    Crystal Cruises
    Europe
    Fairmont Hotels
    Florida
    For Foodies
    Gaylord National Harbor
    Hilton
    Holland America
    Hyatt Hotels
    Iceland
    Kid Friendly Travel
    Kimpton
    Lago Mar Resort And Club
    Lord Baltimore Hotel
    Marriott Hotels
    Maryland
    Pennsylvania
    Princess Cruises
    Ritz Carlton Properties
    River Cruises
    Salamander Resort & Spa
    Scandinavia/Russia
    Seattle
    Sonesta
    Virginia
    Walt Disney World
    Washington D.C.
    Wedding
    Wine & Spirits

    Up Next...

    There is no stopping us! We immensely enjoyed our first Aqua Class experience on Celebrity Equinox this past spring. 
    I'm THRILLED to announce that we have booked a luxury Disney World vacation coming up! We are doing it in style at the Disney Yacht Club and visiting EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, plus attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. I can't wait to virtually share our upcoming Disney vacation with you! 
    ​​If you have suggestions of places My Virtual Vacations would love, reach out to us on our Submission Form. We are always looking for new spots to feature!​

    RSS Feed

    My Virtual Vacations - Blog Directory OnToplist.com

Explore With Us

Our Blog
​
Destinations
​
Cruise Ships
​
Cruise Cabins
​Cruise Dining
Cruise Entertainment
​Quick Tips​​
​Let's Talk Cruising!
​Our Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

Connect With Us

Work With Us

Picture
Learn more!
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Destinations
    • Alaska Inside Passage
    • Arizona: Scottsdale and Sedona
    • Mid-Atlantic Region >
      • Baltimore, MD
      • National Harbor, MD
      • Philadelphia, PA
      • Richmond, VA
      • Washington D.C.
    • Bay Area, California
    • Florida >
      • Boca Raton
      • Fort Lauderdale
      • Key West >
        • Key West Excursions
      • Miami
      • Orlando
    • Bermuda
    • Eastern Caribbean
    • Western Caribbean
    • Bahamas
  • Ships
    • Celebrity Cruises >
      • Celebrity Cruises Fleet
      • Celebrity Equinox
      • Celebrity Reflection
      • Celebrity Silhouette
      • Celebrity Solstice
      • Celebrity Summit
      • Celebrity Constellation
    • Crystal Cruises >
      • Crystal Cruises Fleet
    • Princess Cruises Fleet
    • Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet
    • River Cruises >
      • American Cruise Lines
      • Victory Cruise Lines
    • Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
  • Cabins
    • Celebrity Cabins >
      • Deluxe Staterooms
      • Sky Suite
      • Celebrity Suite
      • Royal Suite
      • Michael's Club
      • Celebrity Cruises Stateroom List
    • Crystal Cabins
    • Princess Cruises
    • Royal Caribbean Cabins
    • Holland America Cabins
  • Dining
    • Hotels and Restaurants
    • Celebrity Dining >
      • Celebrity Specialty Dining >
        • Luminae >
          • Luminae for Alaska on Celebrity Solstice
        • La Petite Chef
        • Ocean Liners/Murano
        • The Porch
        • Sushi on Five
        • Tuscan Grille
        • Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria
        • Lawn Club Grill
        • Blu
        • Edge Class Dining
      • Menus
      • Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages
      • Celebrity Cruises Room Service
    • Crystal Dining
    • MSC Menus
    • Oceania Menus
    • Princess Dining
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity Entertainment >
      • Celebrity Cruises Canyon Ranch Spa Services
      • The Alcoves
      • Celebrity Today's
      • Celebrity Cruises for Kids
      • Celebrity Cruises Exclusive Perks
    • Crystal Entertainment
    • Princess Entertainment
    • Royal Caribbean Entertainment
    • Holland America Entertainment
  • Quick Tips
    • FAQs
    • What to Pack for a Cruise
    • Which Cabin is Best for Me?
    • Favorite Travel Products
    • Excursions
    • Cruising with Groups
    • Celebrations
    • Tipping
    • Beauty Tips
    • Quiz
    • Celebrity Cruises Luggage Valet Service
    • Budgeting for Vacation
    • Travel Tip Tuesdays