Hotel Snapshot
Though the entrance is easy to walk past, the Harbor Court Hotel is housed in a stunning Army-Navy residence built in 1926. Integrating urban sophistication with historic charm, the boutique hotel is perfectly situated on the waterfront. You are only steps away from San Francisco’s iconic Embarcadero and the Ferry Building Marketplace (and only a slightly longer walk to Fisherman’s Wharf, which will greet you with a massive and delightful Sea Lion colony). A perfect location for business and pleasure travel alike, and the hotel also offers plenty of amenities, including access to the nearby YMCA, a bustling lounge with snacks and refreshments, an indoor pool, family suites, Soundfreaq alarm radio systems, 42-inch HDTVs, and free Wi-Fi access.
Design & Character
When you walk into the spacious dual-level lobby from one of the two entrances, you immediately feel relaxed with its large vintage photo prints, beautiful coffee table books, and chic assortment of chairs and rustic leather couches. There is also a large table inviting you to pull up with your laptop and make a deal with a tech bro (you are next to Silicon Valley after all). Hotel guests often congregate there for Wine Hour from 5 to 6 PM daily or just to grab a snack before they head out, maybe on one of the hotel’s bicycles. The lounge also has breakfast in the morning.
The Rooms
A $10-million revamp in 2018 redesigned all 131 rooms, resulting in chic rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows giving guests panoramic views of the bay and the Bay Bridge (don’t worry, there are curtains and shades). The rooms aren’t as large as some, but make up for it with amenities including flat-screen TVs and iHome sound systems. The bathrooms feature Malin & Goetz products, which are available for purchase. The hotel also offers concierge service, luggage storage, and express check-in/out for added convenience.
The Food & Drink Situation
The hotel offers a continental breakfast in the lobby, which includes pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, and, of course, plenty of coffee. You can come back for happy hour every night for a free glass of wine. Though there is no on-site restaurant, Harbor Court has a deal with the upscale Japanese restaurant, Ozumo, directly next door. A mainstay of the Financial District, Ozumo
boasts one of North America’s largest saké lists, and offers room service to the hotel. You can also enjoy inspired cocktails from Ozumo at The Rendezvous, the hotel’s lower lobby, to give you a little taste of their offerings.
Amenities
In addition to the lobby happy hour and breakfast as well as valley parking, guests get access to the neighboring Embarcadero YMCA (for an insider rate), which has a three-floor gymnasium, complete with basketball courts, a 25-meter lap pool, and group exercise studios for yoga, pilates, spin, and more. Plus, the hotel is dog-friendly for offers four-legged travelers of all sizes. Guests who opt out of housekeeping can feel good knowing that a portion of revenue from their stay will be donated to Muttville, a local senior dog rescue.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
The hotel truly puts you in the middle of all the action. You are a five to 10-minute walk from the Ferry Building Marketplace, with a variety of artisanal food stalls, boutiques, and the very popular Saturday farmers market. Being right on the water also gives you the perfect place to jog in the morning if the gym isn’t your thing. A short walk lands you at Oracle Park to catch a Giants game, or you can hop on a ferry for a day trip to Alcatraz. And don’t forget Fisherman’s Wharf with great rides for the kids and the hilarious sea lions, as well as more restaurants. You also aren’t too far from SoMa, which offers a bevy of bars, restaurants, and galleries. Hip neighborhoods North Beach and the Mission are also worth checking out if you have some time. And for fashion fans, check out the nearby Levi’s campus and the Gap Inc. and Old Navy headquarters.
Fast Facts
Location: 165 Steuart Street, San Francisco, CA
Vibe: Waterfront boutique with urban polish
Rating: Five-star
Room Count: 131
Pricing: Starting at $272 per night
Our Favorite thing about the hotel: The waterfront views and proximity to the Bay Bridge.
Dining: Ozumo, Boulevard, Sisterita, Penelope’s Coffee and Tea
Amenities: Free happy hour in lobby, neighboring restaurants, access to nearby YMCA with pool, free bikes
Nearby Attractions: Fisherman’s Wharf, Rincon Park, The Ferry Building, Alcatraz, Bay Bridge, Ozone Park
Airport:17 minutes from San Francisco International Airport
