What will we notice when we arrive? Peep into the Hotel Emblem’s front window, and it’s impossible to miss the books. A whole stack of them, with spines in every color, stretching from floor to ceiling. Step inside, and it becomes suddenly clear: Those paperbacks and hardcovers merely form the outer edge of an entire wall built out of carefully-stacked tomes. This reverence for literature—and, more specifically, Beat literature–carries throughout the space, from the manual typewriters behind the check-in desk to the gleaming black-and-gold Obscenity Bar, its name a nod to the famous trial resulting from the publication of Allen Ginsberg’s poem Howl.
What's the backstory? This 1907 building has lived many lives over the past century. Most recently, it housed the Hotel Rex—another literary-themed property. Viceroy Hotels & Resorts took over in 2018 and, after a multimillion-dollar renovation of the rooms and public spaces, opened the Emblem in February 2019. It's a new hotel with an old soul, and currently operated by Parable Hospitality.
Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? I stayed in the Premiere King. While it wasn’t huge, it’s designed in a way that maximizes the space. And with warm lighting, wood furnishings, and a relaxing palette, the whole place felt cozy and inviting. Like the other rooms here, it's meant to evoke a 1950s writer’s apartment, complete with a cobalt-blue armoire, a midcentury sofa, and a desk that’s said to be modeled after Allen Ginsberg’s. A typewriter is even available upon request.
Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? The Wi-Fi is complimentary, and the quality is good.
Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? The speakeasy-inspired Obscenity Bar features writer-themed craft cocktails such as the Ink Spill and Writer’s Block, as well as light bar bites. Located adjacent to the lobby is Bluestone Lane Coffee Shop, the Australian-inspired café with dishes such as the Sunshine Burrito and the Clean & Lean Protein Bowl.
And the service? The staff here really love what they do, and it shows! They go above and beyond to ensure guests have all that they need, whether that’s a smoothly working typewriter or a selfie in front of the wall of books.
What type of travelers will you find here? With their tight jeans, black leather jackets, sparkly shirts, and statement glasses, the guests here really embody that creative, downtown vibe.
What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? Hotel Emblem is just two blocks off of touristy Union Square, but on the residential side: Sutter Street. The hotel also happens to sit next door to one of SF’s great bars, Pacific Cocktail Haven, a swanky tiki bar that hosts a popular holiday pop-up.
Any other hotel features worth noting? Every hotel says they want you to relax; the Emblem goes out of its way to provide the tools to do so. On request, the front desk staff can furnish you with all manner of goodies: tarot cards, adult coloring books, a meditation bowl, and even a record player.
Bottom line: Worth it? Why? Absolutely! It’s a playful, cozy spot in a great location at a very reasonable price.
562 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California 94102
United States
https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/emblem
(415) 433-4434