My friend Dominique came out last weekend for a girls getaway, so I did what I do best — plan us a weekend full of fun activities, starting with San Francisco. Because Dominique is a total fashionista, I made sure we hit up the Haight-Ashbury district for some thrift stores, and then some late dinner in Hayes Valley. But not before some brunch {and early dessert} at the Waterbar.
When our tour bus never showed up at Union Square {sad}, we made the best of it. The trolley line was too long, so we spent a good hour or so at H&M and then jetted off to Alamo Square to see the famous Painted Ladies, as seen on Full House. I’ve been wanting to see these houses FOREVER. It’s a beautiful park where people lounge around and picnic, walk their dogs and throw the frisbee. Such a great “find” – I highly recommend! We stopped at a local corner ice-cream / pie shop to feed our sweet tooth, and then headed home to meet the boys back in the Cruz. That blue sky is to die for, and so are all the houses in this neighborhood!
Miss Heather and I headed to San Francisco this past weekend for a cheesy bus tour of the city, and drove up the night before to stay with her aunt & uncle – even drove down Lombard Street {they live a block away!}. Their house is the epitome of houses you only imagine exist in San Francisco. Views of the bay, multi-floor, hidden rooms and a wall of book shelves. Their home belongs in a movie. I woke up to a beautiful, blue morning. We made some coffee, watched some funny videos on You Tube {have you guys seen Kai?} and then hit up Pier 32 for monster breakfast sandwiches. It was so wonderful waking up in San Francisco:)
Since it was my sister’s first time in San Francisco, I wanted to find a hotel that was in the heart of everything. So, using hotels.com I went searching for the most central, cost-effective and unique hotel I could find. The Hotel des Arts was exactly that!
I love that it showcases the work of local artists and serves both as an art gallery and hotel. The art was electrifying throughout and the staff was just the right amount of friendly and bubbly I love. The art in every hallway, stairway and room really made the hotel come to life and the experience rather unforgettable!
I am definitely going back to this hotel! Plus, they have free continental breakfast. It made my world.