Reception Hot-spots in the San Francisco Bay Area
Don’t leave your heart in San Francisco: Make it double its size at one of the City by the Bay’s glorious reception spots. Impossibly beautiful, San Francisco is synonymous with love, and no matter which spot you choose, your heart’s liable to burst with Northern California amore.
The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
Okay, it’s the Ritz-Carlton, which means they could plop one down in the middle of the Amazon and the service would still be impeccable. The San Franciscan version allows for indoor/outdoor receptions—never fear: there’s heating for those Frisco cold spells. You can either use the hotel’s food services, or hire your own. (An outside caterer will need to be supervised by the on-site chef; cake-cutting fees apply should you use an outside baker.) The hotel is located in the heart of downtown, near Telegraph Hill and Lombard Street. Ask the concierge for the most romantic place to go for a nightcap, then spend the next hour choosing among the thousands of locals he suggests. Call 415-296-7466 for more details.
The Fairmont
Tony Bennett first sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” in the Fairmont’s Venetian Room, and it’s no wonder. The landmark hotel, located atop Nob Hill—the only spot in the city where both cable-car lines meet—is still a treasure, and a recently remodeled one. The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar is the place to throw a party should you want Asian cuisine, and one fabulous mai tai—all set in a tropical rainforest. Traditionalists may want to check out the Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar, which offers a dine-and-wine mix and match. This being California, your grape buds will not be disappointed. Whatever route you take, make sure you ride the glass elevator to the top; it’s a sight as beautiful and mesmerizing as your new love. Call 415-772-5000 or e-mail sanfrancisco@fairmont.com for more details.
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Already feeling dizzy? Throw a party in the 13 Views Bar—yes, you’ll get that many views of San Francisco’s famed Embarcadero. Don’t fret for food: The hotel also offers the Eclipse Café, which, living up to its name, allows you the privacy of staring at no one else, should you be in the mood. This waterfront area of San Francisco is one of the most romantic and exotic; walkways abound, and the area nightspots are straight out of the fairy-tale guidebook. The Hyatt has a famous indoor elevator—it had a starring role in Mel Brooks’ “High Anxiety”—and it’s a beautiful way to look at the gorgeous flora and pools of water that have made this hotel a forever must. Call 415-788-1234 for more details.
The Westin St. Francis
The locals call it a legend, and after taking a quick glance you’ll no doubt agree. Ornate balconies, marble columns, a centuries’ old clock, and a cable-car stop at the front door! While the award-winning Michael Mina restaurant is the perfect place for your affair, your location on Union Square is walking distance from the theater district, and some of the finest shops in town. The St. Francis has several rooms available for receptions, with one of them, the Grand Ballroom, big enough to seat more than 1,000 guests. The on-site staff will customize a menu just for the two of you. No, it doesn’t get much better than this! Call 866-462-8505 for more information.