by Cynthia Cruz
| April, 6, 2024
Tucked away in swanky Pacific Heights in San Francisco is Hotel Drisco. The hotel’s quiet elegance is perfectly suited among the subdued mansions in this upscale neighborhood. In fact, you could easily mistake it for one of the genteel homes that grace Pacific Avenue. We nearly drove past it when we noticed the rather covert sign lettered elegantly onto the corners of the stately building.
There is no parking lot at Hotel Drisco. Guests are allowed to park on the quiet tree-lined street across from the hotel, apparently without bother. We arrived on a Friday evening and parked our car for the night, choosing to take Lyft or Uber during our stay. No need to worry about parking tickets or tow trucks, nor have any concern for the safety of our automobile. The neighborhood is very safe and secure which can sometimes be of concern in other neighborhoods in San Francisco.
Once inside, we were greeted warmly by the front desk and we admired the tasteful traditional decor as we were being checked in – dark wood buffets and side tables, crystal lighting fixtures, a soothing color palette, fresh orchids thriving in elegant pots – we felt like the very important guests of a rich auntie with impeccable taste. Soon enough, we were handed a charming old-fashioned brass key. Ah, I love the details.
We arrived just in time for the evening wine reception in the hotel’s dining area. Local California wines are served with an excellent and delicious selection of hors d’oeuvres including deviled eggs adorned with slivers of bacon, cucumber slices topped with smoked salmon and dill, warm empanadas with a spicy sauce, along with fresh crudité, fancy crackers and cheeses, and even honey from the hotel’s own bees– all fresh and delicious. The deviled eggs were irresistible, but the child in me was most impressed with the dessert tray which held small juice glasses filled with gummy bears, chunks of chocolate, and a variety of other sweets.It was truly a generous and thoughtful variety of snacks, enough to hold us over until our late dinner. We did go to the sitting room near the lobby to enjoy a cup of tea and a coffee with a biscuit at the well stocked refreshment bar before heading out.
The hotel is well-placed within the city, and it took no longer than 15 minutes to get anywhere from the hotel. We were in town to attend the premiere showing of the San Francisco Ballet’s Mere Mortals which was showing at the War Memorial Opera House, and we ordered a Lyft which got us there in about 10 minutes. At the end of the evening, once we finished our outing, it was refreshing to be able to take refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city in our secluded spot at Hotel Drisco. It was truly peaceful, and we were not bothered by any external noise, which can sometimes happen at other hotels in San Francisco.
We settled into our cozy standard room furnished with a desk, comfortable armchair, a dresser, an incredibly comfy bed, and a surprisingly large bathroom. Thoughtful details like refillable glass water bottles are a nice touch and show Hotel Drisco’s efforts toward sustainability.
The hotel also offers two and three bedroom suites, many with bay windows affording beautiful views of the city. The larger suites include a sitting area (some with a nice bar perfect for preparing a night cap) and multiple bathrooms – almost like a petite apartment – perfect for those traveling with friends or family.
Hotel Drisco also offers a meeting space for small gatherings. The hotel would be an excellent venue for a small executive retreat or ideal as headquarters for a small wedding party.
If walking around the city isn’t enough exercise for you, the Hotel Drisco has a small 24-hour gym complete with weights, a treadmill, a Peloton bike,cardio equipment, and more.
Before departing the following day, we enjoyed the complimentary breakfast offered by the hotel. Breakfast included eggs and omelets prepared as ordered, as well as fresh fruit, pastries, toast, bagels with all the fixings, oatmeal, pancakes, fresh juices, coffee and tea. When we returned to our room to gather our things, there was a farewell gift hanging on our door knob containing a thank-you note, chocolates, and a miniature tin of Altoids.
The subtle elegance, attention to detail, and the special touches put Hotel Drisco at the top of our list of favorite luxury hotels. If you want to feel pampered, comfortable, and relaxed, there isn’t a better place in San Francisco than the Hotel Drisco.
Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights
2901 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94115
hoteldrisco.com