MODEL CITY:  SAN FRANCISCO, CA

By Francesca Merced

Sure, you know about the bridges – the Bay Bridge and, of course, the Golden Gate. You know about those gleaming red and gold cable cars and the championship sports teams – the 49ers and the MLB Giants. But what you may not know about San Francisco is, no matter what your personal style may be, there is literally something for everyone to enjoy!

San Francisco is one of the world’s most recognizable cities, and its eclectic architecture, landscaping and streets that seemingly ascend into the clouds, have made it a favorite setting among film and television producers for decades. (Remember the old Streets of San Francisco, television series?  Or Nick Cage and Sean Connery in The Rock?  How about funnyman Eddie Murphy in Metro, to name just few?)

While you can easily find pleasure in simply walking the streets, you should know that San Francisco is also a diner’s, shopper’s,  and traveler’s paradise!

For exclusive accommodations, you’ll want to stay at the world-famous Hotel Nikko San Francisco.   You’ll be pampered from head to toe – beginning with the Subarashee Yume pillow-top beds, and you won’t want to miss the breath-taking views of the city which you can enjoy from the Imperial Club.

On those days when you actually venture outside your luxurious hotel, you’ll love the fact that Hotel Nikko is located within walking distance to Union Square and the Museum of Modern Art – placing you just steps away from the heart of the city’s shopping and art scenes.  You may also take time out to enjoy the quiet, finer things in life by idling the moments away in the soft grass of Golden Gate Park or strolling in the shadow of the exquisite Palace of Fine Arts Rotunda.

For your shopping pleasure, I humbly offer you Westfield San Francisco Centre – which is also just a hop away from the hotel.   The circular escalators are a seemingly endless stairway to shopping heaven where you’ll take flight to premium retail destinations like Bloomingdales, Betsey Johnson, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Nordstrom, and more.

No trip to San Francisco would be complete without a trip to North Beach. On a warm, sunny afternoon, you’ll delight in watching the wind-surfers glide over the choppy Pacific waters. And lunch, dinner or drinks at the world-renowned Cliff House Restaurant is an absolute must.

The Cliff House has been nestled atop its perch on the rocky bluff overlooking the shore since 1863 and is one of San Francisco’s oldest restaurants.  The complex actually comprises two restaurants in one – the stylishly elegant Sutro’s – which is perfect for upscale dining (I highly recommend lunching there on one of San Francisco’s rare fabulously sunny days) – and the Bistro – which offers a more casual dining experience complete with cheeseburgers, clam chowder and a definitely-more-than-worth-it Happy Hour!  On your way to the ladies room, be sure to check out the historic menus that adorn the walls.  They show the Cliff House’s food choices from days long gone by – when $2.35 could actually buy you a hearty lunch, instead of half a gallon of gas!

From historic to eclectic to modern and chic, San Francisco is a city that has it all.  So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip today and prepare yourself for a fabulous time!

To learn more and check out the Cliff House menu, please visit:  www.cliffhouse.com

To book your luxury stay, please visit:  www.hotelnikkosf.com