Arrival/Check-In: I lived in San Francisco during college, so returning to see how the city has evolved made for an enjoyable getaway. Hotel Zeppelin sits in an area that once felt a bit rough around the edges but has been revitalized with new hotels, restaurants and a lively atmosphere. We arrived at noon on a Friday and were warmly greeted at the front desk. Staff accommodated an early check-in quickly and efficiently. The lobby captures the hotel’s playful name with a hip, cozy ambiance: a roaring fire, comfortable sofas and chairs in the lounge, and distinctive wall art, statues and lighting that highlight the property’s personality.
Guest Quarters: Our premier room exceeded expectations. The entryway led to a small bar area with an espresso machine, a mini-fridge and complimentary bottled water, positioned opposite a generous full-length mirror. Heather-gray walls and a high ceiling made the space feel open, and natural light filtered through the full wall of windows despite the fire escape just outside. Two full beds were separated by a large side table with a chic green lamp and a double-sided outlet for charging devices. The adjacent lounge featured full-sized couches and vibrant tie-dyed pillows beside a 55-inch wall-mounted TV.
A roomy John Boos desk provided ample workspace and multiple outlets. I appreciated the thoughtful welcome items — a small bottle of Pinot Noir and Circus Animal cookies placed on the desk. A highlight of the room was an overhead light fixture that projected a peace sign and the word “love” onto the ceiling when switched on, adding a playful touch.
The bathroom used slate tile and wallpaper printed with names of classic bands such as The Doors and Santana, creating a retro-modern vibe. A single raised black bowl sink sat on a white counter with generous surface area for toiletries and beauty products. Three hanging bulbs framed a large mirror and offered flattering lighting. Roil bath products, including body wash and lotion, were provided and were enjoyable to use. The glass-enclosed, stand-alone shower was spacious and delivered excellent water pressure.
As someone particular about robes, I found the Zeppelin’s jersey hooded robes to be comfortable, soft and well-fitting rather than overly large.
Services/Amenities: While room service is available, I recommend dining at Rambler Bar & Restaurant, the hotel’s on-site eatery. On Friday and Saturday nights Rambler has the energy of a typical San Francisco restaurant with lively music and a mix of younger and older guests. The wood-fired pizzas are cooked in a stone oven, and the pumpkin soup is a cozy choice on a chilly evening.
The fitness center occupies an upper floor, offering views of the San Francisco skyline while you use modern cardio machines and free weights — a nice option for rainy or windy days. For a more active excursion, take a walk up Powell Street through Nob Hill and Russian Hill following the cable car route; the incline makes for a good challenge and great views.
Top Takeaways:
◆ Hotel Zeppelin blends boutique cool with approachable comfort, making it a great choice for a weekend with friends.
◆ Rambler Bar & Restaurant offers satisfying small plates, stone-oven pizzas and a selection of local craft cocktails.
◆ The hotel’s central location near Union Square makes it convenient to walk to Chinatown, North Beach and other nearby attractions.
HOTEL ZEPPELIN SAN FRANCISCO
545 Post St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
tel 415 563 0303
viceroyhotelsandresorts.com