How did it strike you on arrival?
San Francisco's Hotel Kabuki is a chic mix of Japanese design and Western cool. In the lobby, potted plants and succulents mingle with geometric cane-back chairs and brightly patterned throw pillows. Open wood and metal pipe shelving holds a collection of books and art objects, and patterned rugs cover light wood floors. The hotel isn't opulent, but it is a cool brand of cozy, and the kind of place you go and wonder how you could up the design in your own living room. Open, 19-foot ceilings, rustic Douglas fir beams, and pendant lights lend just a bit of an industrial vibe.
What’s the crowd like?
Date night couples who appreciate a well-made mocktail or Japanese whisky flights at Kabuki Bar before dinner at Nari. Japanophiles and families.
The good stuff: Tell us about your room.
There's nothing sterile about the rooms at the Hotel Kabuki. Dramatic, dark gray walls are hung with traditional and modern Japanese art and calligraphy that's far more interesting than your typical hotel painting of Alcatraz. Pops of color in the artwork and on the headboards brighten things up, and the furniture is Scandinavian-inspired.
Thanks to oversized windows, there's plenty of natural light, and many rooms have balconies. These are comfortable, well-decorated spaces, but some are pretty tiny; the smallest rooms at the hotel clock in at 215 square feet.
We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?
The hotel's mattresses are Serta Perfect Sleeper Concierge Suite II, and the linens are from TY Group – Percale Collection.
How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?
There is no mini-bar. Bluetooth-enabled alarm clocks are a handy touch.
Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
Large walk-in showers, porcelain tiles, and clean lines make for contemporary, updated bathrooms.
Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?
Basic Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
What should we know about the food and drink?
Daily breakfast in the lobby isn’t their strong suit (continental or full buffet of usual suspects: pastries, eggs, fruits, cereals, juice, coffee, and tea). For a better experience at the same price or less, walk a few blocks to Sweet Maple, whose menu is vast and includes eggs benedict, veggie omelets, deep-fried French toast, and their famous brown sugar-glazed ‘millionaire’s bacon.’ Where food and drinks shine is at Kabuki Bar, where you can try creative green-tea mocktails, hand-crafted cocktails, sake flights, and Japanese whisky. One Michelin-starred Nari is also a destination (book ahead), where colorful and flavor-filled Thai dishes woo diners at every course. Beware the spice! If you like it hot, you’ve come to the right place, but you can also ask for them to go easy on you too.
A small market will soon have Japanese snacks and ramen cups.
Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.
The hotel's 4,000-square-foot gym includes Peloton bikes, full boxing equipment, a rowing machine, free weights, a full-size barbell setup, a yoga room, and cardio machines. Its floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the hotel's tea garden, and there are group fitness classes two days a week.
What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?
If you're a Japanophile, the location can't be beat. The hotel is in the heart of Japantown, next to the AMC 8 Theater and the Japan Center Malls, a great place to stop in for ramen or explore boutiques. The hotel also has its own Japanese garden and koi pond.
Bottom line: worth it, and why?
Japantown is a bit of a trek from downtown or the tourist attractions of the Embarcadero, but it's also walking distance from coveted restaurants like State Bird Provisions, and its sister restaurant the Progress.
1625 Post St., San Francisco, California 94115
United States
https://www.sweetmaplesf.com/
(415) 922-3200