ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: On a recent West Coast trip I stopped in Los Angeles for meetings and then picked up wine intended for an annual Wines on the Wing competition that the airline had been unable to ship. I checked two shipments: a sturdy wine travel case that held 12 bottles and another set of bottles boxed for checking. At SFO the travel case arrived intact, but after a long wait the remaining luggage belt produced only a gray plastic tub wrapped in a mangled black trash bag. It was the remaining eight bottles, and one had clearly broken—the bag was dripping white wine.
I carried the tub and bag to the taxi stand and made my way to The St. Regis. The doorman, Jason, immediately assessed the damaged parcel and, after a smooth check-in, escorted me to my suite. He helped discard the broken glass and returned with fresh boxes, packing materials and tape so I could securely repackage the bottles for my return flight. His prompt, practical assistance set the tone for an excellent stay, and I settled into a truly beautiful suite in San Francisco.
© St. Regis San Francisco
GUEST QUARTERS: Suite 2011 delivered sweeping views of the city that were particularly striking on a clear evening. Immediately to the right as I entered was a desk and work area where I set up to handle emails and prepare the remaining wine for travel. To the left, a spacious living room with mid-century styling featured a sectional sofa and floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the skyline and created a serene, private atmosphere.
Beyond the living room there was a generous walk-in closet and garment area, with the bathroom to the left and the bedroom to the right. The bedroom, with a king-sized bed, felt inviting after turndown service. The large bathroom included a double marble-topped sink, a separate shower and a bathtub. Large flat-screen TVs in both the living room and bedroom completed the comfortable, well-appointed suite.
© St. Regis San Francisco
SERVICES/AMENITIES: I called on my butler, Robson, to have a suit pressed and shoes shined. He left a thoughtful note confirming the services were completed and even replenished the ice bucket. The staff throughout the hotel were exceptionally attentive. I enjoyed an evening at The St. Regis Bar and breakfast the next morning at Astra. During my first evening the hotel hosted a Champagne sabrage ceremony, a dramatic ritual said to trace back to Napoleon, who reputedly opened Champagne by running a saber across the bottle’s neck.
The hotel also offers a well-equipped fitness center, a rejuvenating spa and one of the most beautiful indoor pools in San Francisco—each adding to the sense of a restorative urban retreat.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- In the midst of work and travel, small moments of kindness—like Jason’s help with the wine—make all the difference.
- Having staff ready to assist with practical needs, from repackaging fragile items to pressing garments, enhances the travel experience.
- The wine I transported went on to be recognized in the Wines on the Wing competition, and the hotel team’s help contributed to that success.
- The St. Regis’ location makes it easy to walk to notable San Francisco restaurants, including long-standing favorites like Boulevard.
- Suite 2011 offers such comfort and views that it becomes hard to imagine wanting to leave.
THE ST. REGIS SAN FRANCISCO
125 Third St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
tel 415 284 4000