In the middle of San Francisco’s iconic Embarcadero, constantly filled with the hums of people hustling and bustling through the city’s financial district, you’ll find Harbor Court Hotel. The newly reopened boutique space gives guests a modern-day hotel stay experience while glorifying the city’s rich roots.
The hotel, housed inside of the former Army-Navy YMCA residence building built in 1926, became Harbor Court in 1991. Though the original YMCA facilities, like a basement pool, have since been replaced, the history inside the building is very much alive and beautifully presented to guests.
Upon entering the newly-renovated lobby, you’ll see an eclectic collection of modern and sophisticated photos, drawings and art pieces showcasing San Francisco and former military members who stayed. All artwork is specifically curated for the hotel, complementing it’s charcoal and chestnut color palette, which is an ode to it’s historic building’s first purpose. The renovations, all done during Harbor Court’s closure in the midst of the pandemic, share the message of “we’re here to stay, and we hope you are too.”
Harbor Court Hotel opened its doors for the first time in a year after the effects of the pandemic on April 1. Staff, as thrilled as guests to be back at their posts and regaining normalcy, rejoice over the ability to serve guests from around the world yet again.
The Views:
When staying in an Embarcadero-facing room, you’ll wake up to the sunrise illuminating through the pillars holding up the Bay Bridge, the same fixtures showcasing glittering lights moving in a syntocrative pattern glistening through your window as you fall asleep. A view so clear, you won’t want to leave the room.
The Rooms:
Like most all buildings in San Francisco, the Harbor Court Hotel utilizes every square foot of space in the high-rise, leaving no real estate abandoned or unused. But, don’t let the room’s seemingly modest square footage deter you, assuming there won’t be much space. Take it from this writer who brought her 75-lb. dog to stay with her–there was plenty of space.
The rooms feature a work desk and chair, a wardrobe for personal belongings and clothes, and high-tech electronics including a 42-in. HDTV and Soundfreaq radio alarm system, a minibar refrigerator, Malin + Goetz bath products, yoga mats, Frette linens, a salon-quality hair dryer, a large illuminated makeup mirror and designer blackout roller shades – if for some reason you didn’t want to see the spectacular view out your window.
The Neighborhood:
The neighborhood is one of the most easily accessible areas of the city, only two turns off of the Bay Bridge exits. The building, between Steuart Street and The Embarcadero, aligns directly between The Bay Bridge and The Ferry Building. Both San Francisco landmarks are only yards from either entrance of the hotel.
Home of the San Francisco Giants, Oracle Park is just about a mile’s walk or bike ride away. The location is an athlete’s or explorer’s dream – the perfect place for joggers, walkers and runners to explore for miles. You won’t be the only one out there; from sunrise to sunset, you’ll see people exploring outside along the water using the ocean’s aroma as a natural energy boost.
For an unforgettable dining experience during your stay, Ozumo sits at the base of Harbor Court Hotel. Reserve a spot to take in an upscale meal of sushi, saké and other Japanese eats.
The Staff:
The kind and enthusiastic attention from the staff notably makes this hotel differ from other boutique, even larger hotel concepts. It’s quite evident from arrival and through your stay that the hotel staff has exceptional customer service.
Whether it’s calling each guest by their name, or asking if they have any needs, or being quick to answer and questions, you truly feel seen and welcomed as someone staying within the hotel.
Energetic and enthusiastic, you can tell the staff maintains a familylike bond, and their relationships openly reflect a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who walks through the doors.
Insider Tips:
Bikes: The hotel has bikes for guests to use during their stay, for no added cost. They hang on the walls of the lobby behind the front desk. Take one out for a spin around the block, under the bridge or to the ballpark. It’s a beautiful way to experience the beauty of San Francisco.
Pet Friendly: From the lobby, to the halls, to each room, the entire hotel doesn’t only allow our K-9 friends, but openly encourages each guest to bring their best friend.
Veuve with a View: If you’re celebrating, or if you are just wanting a nice treat-your-self type of stay, ask for it.
To book your stay at Harbor Court Hotel in San Francicso, visit https://www.harborcourthotel.com.