San Franciso's New Heights After a stratospheric rise and precipitous tumble, the City by the Bay is reclaiming its glory days with bold design, innovative chefs, stylish boutiques, and burgeoning neighborhoods fit for hippies and hipsters alike. After two nights in the dimly light recesses of the Ian Schrager-owner, Philippe Starck-designed Clift hotel, where I spend my off-hours curled up on a mammoth ivory divan under a faux-mink throw, I move to the Hotel Vitale, a brand-new property on the Embarcadero. If the Clift is about smoldering glamour, the Vitale is about health and sunshine and relaxation: there are complimentary yoga classes and soaking tubs on the roof, the concierge can arrange a Rolfing session upon request, and a video of migrating birds plays in the elevator. Hotel Vitale also has startling 180-degree views that take in the Bay Bridge and the Ferry Building, a landmark so beloved that the legendary Chronicle columnist Herb Caen once observed, “The waterfront without the Ferry Tower would be like a birthday cake without a candle.” |
