StarwoodGuy: September 2015

Just on my way back from a quick weekend in San Francisco. We stayed at the Park Central (formerly the Westin on Market) for a birthday trip with a few friends and my cute boyfriend.

On the way out of Seatac heading down to San Francisco I had a quick stop at the American Express Centurion Studio at the airport. It is a small space compared to the larger but dated Alaska Airline's Board Room, and the new Centurion Studio sadly only offers wine and beer, but the table service, food, and staff were excellent (as was the wine but no cocktail here). The furniture and decor were also stylish and modern (hopefully the upcoming Alaska N gates lounge will have this as well).

The Alaska flight was easy with great service on an updated plane (737-900) and the ride on the BART was simple to reach the hotel. The hotel's location on Market St. and the SOMA area is convenient for Union Square and access to shopping, museums, and much of what San Fransisco has to offer.

I used 2 Suite Upgrades to confirm a large suite which did come through and we were given a large room with living room and bar area, and the separate bathroom and bedroom area with great views out over the Bay and the neighboring Luxury Collection Palace Hotel.

The restaurant MaSo is dark and great for drinks and dinner, and while the buffet breakfast was good it is a little dimly lit in the morning hours.

I failed at all attempts to use the gym which was larger then I had expected for a city hotel and surprisingly busy on a weekend.

As for the weekend in San Francisco, there was plenty of walking along the water, a trip to the Presidio, the Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, an amazing lunch at the Rontunda Room, dinner with friends, drinks in the Castro (repeatedly) and an overall amazing time.

The trip out involved a quick stop at the American Express Centurion Lounge in the United Terminal at SFO, an amazing but packed space, before heading to the Cathy Pacific Lounge at the International Terminal (empty!) which for the next few years Alaska Airlines Board Room can take advantage of until the airport renovations are complete and the new terminal and Board Room are complete. If you fly out of SFO on Alaska it is well worth getting a membership while the deal lasts. The staff is lovely, the modern furniture and calm space is great, there is a shower suite is needed, excellent wine, but the food offerings dip when their is no Cathay Pacific flight departing, at times closer to their flights a noodle bar and more British offerings such as cucumber sandwiches are on offer.

A great SPG trip, thanks to Alaska Airlines, The Park Central, the American Express Lounge staff at SEATAC and SFO and the Cathay Pacific Lounge, Mat, Josh, Travis, and Jake S. and Sean for holding down the fort!