Hotel Vitale
8 Mission St.
San Francisco
415.278.3700

As San Francisco’s first luxury waterfront hotel, Hotel Vitale was already ahead of the game when it opened in the revitalized Embarcadero district in 2005. But when it introduced three terrace studios complete with adjoining rooftop decks last year, the property became the hotel of choice for discerning travelers. The 500-square-foot terraces offer guests stunning views of the Ferry Building, the Bay Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and downtown, transforming what would otherwise be a typical hotel studio into an elite gathering place. Locales and travelers alike flock to the Cocktail Lounge, thanks to the 180-degree panoramic views of the water and Bay Bridge. The boutique hotel, designed by Heller Manus Architects, is infused with natural elements, which compliment the stunning waterfront views, best taken in from the spa’s outdoor rooftop deep-soaking tubs. Should those not provide enough relaxation, the penthouse-level yoga studio may do the trick, or possibly you need to indulge in a glass of wine and appetizer at Americano, Chef Paul Arenstam’s delicious restaurant.

Rosewood Sand Hill
2825 Sand Hill Rd.
Menlo Park
650.561.1500

With the views of the Santa Cruz Mountains in the distance and the beauty of the private, blossoming gardens on the 16-acre site, this Menlo Park hotel is full of luxuriant amenities fit for resort-style living. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, the world-renowned, five-star hospitality brand, is managing Rosewood Sand Hill for Stanford University, the owner of the property. Palo Alto-based HKS Glazier Studio drew upon local architectural traditions for the low-rise design that is tiered on a hillside. BAMO, Inc., who is responsible for the interiors, looked to the natural landscape for the inspiration, resulting in a mix of European elegance and tradition with a casual indoor/outdoor verve. The rooms incorporate stunning characteristics such as large marble baths, private balconies, and Control4 automatic remote technology that allows guests to control each room’s temperature, lighting, and electronic devices with the touch of a button. The Presidential Suite is equipped with a fireplace, along with floor-to-ceiling windows offering picturesque views of the lush landscape. This striking hotel, which opened in April, is complete with 123 rooms, a 17,000-square-foot Sense spa, and an upscale, American cuisine-inspired restaurant, Madera.