InterContinental San Francisco Mark Hopkins Master Thread - after January 01, 2008
Jan 1, 2022, 5:46 am
#226
Fontaine d'honneur du Flyertalk
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Morbihan, France
Programs: Reine des Muccis de Pucci; Foreign Elitist (according to others)
Posts: 19,177
If being stuck in a pretty much inaccessible position in an iconic but awkwardly out-dated hotel is your idea of a blissful 22 hours, then you have a room with your name on the door at the Mark Hopkins. Just keep your fingers crossed it's a renovated room.
On the other hand, you have the IC San Francisco. My exposure to US Intercontinentals isn't exhaustive, but so far this is the only one I'd look forward to returning to. As an RA I'd turn down the boxy suite they gave me (maybe it was one reserved for upgrades), and swap it for one of the large, bright and airy "executive" rooms; as a humble A I find i can get upgraded to that same room, so I'm happy.
On lounges, my MH stay was some time back, but the lounge seemed to be an odd afterthought: though of course the hotel has a pretty well-known bar....
The IC SF lounge was better in every aspect. Though I don't think lounge access come built-in to any room unless so designated. I could be wrong!
On the other hand, you have the IC San Francisco. My exposure to US Intercontinentals isn't exhaustive, but so far this is the only one I'd look forward to returning to. As an RA I'd turn down the boxy suite they gave me (maybe it was one reserved for upgrades), and swap it for one of the large, bright and airy "executive" rooms; as a humble A I find i can get upgraded to that same room, so I'm happy.
On lounges, my MH stay was some time back, but the lounge seemed to be an odd afterthought: though of course the hotel has a pretty well-known bar....
The IC SF lounge was better in every aspect. Though I don't think lounge access come built-in to any room unless so designated. I could be wrong!
Mar 9, 2022, 3:13 pm
#227
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: HH Diamond, Kimpton IC, Marriott Plat, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 549
Not sure if anyone has stayed here recently, but wanted to note that they have restarted their resort fee:
Effective February 22, 2022, Nob Hill Destination Fee of $29 plus tax, per night, will be added to all applicable reservations. The fee includes a $10 daily dining credit in the Nob Hill Club restaurant, Top of the Mark preferred seating, local retail and dining savings, and complimentary electric car charging,
Does anyone know if the credit can be used at Top of the Mark, I already have a club room (paid $$ for it). Also don't have an electric car (or any car)...
Thanks
Effective February 22, 2022, Nob Hill Destination Fee of $29 plus tax, per night, will be added to all applicable reservations. The fee includes a $10 daily dining credit in the Nob Hill Club restaurant, Top of the Mark preferred seating, local retail and dining savings, and complimentary electric car charging,
Does anyone know if the credit can be used at Top of the Mark, I already have a club room (paid $$ for it). Also don't have an electric car (or any car)...
Thanks
Mar 9, 2022, 3:39 pm
#228
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,848
Mar 30, 2022, 7:34 pm
#230
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: New York, NY
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 456
Just had another great 3-night stay here. We love the history and charm of the hotel. I will not deny that it needs refurbishment. Nevertheless, it is a great use of points, especially since points bookings are not levied the destination fee (at least we weren't for March 26-29, 2022).
Regardless of the room type booked, ask for a cathedral view room on a high floor at check-in. You might luck out with a view of the bay, GG Bridge, Alcatraz and, Grace Cathedral. Rooms are not large. Water pressure from the shower is excellent, but not from the sink.
Some other things to note: the Top of the Mark was closed on Sundays and Mondays when we were there and there was no room service. We didn't eat in the restaurants, but had drink coupons (as IHG Platinum) to burn, so we went to the restaurant (lounge?) just past reception. During previous stays, there was a red and white wine designated for the drink coupon. This time, the waiter said we could pick anything from the menu that was below $20. I don't know if he was extra flexible or this is the unwritten policy. FYI, there were no cocktails/liquor, only wine and beer on the drink menu, although he said he would make us something simple like a gin and tonic. YMMV.
FYI, Trader Joe's - where you can buy snacks, wine, liquor, etc - is a short walk down/up the hill on California S. Around the corner from TJ's is Bob's Donuts (the apple fritter is delicious).
Regardless of the room type booked, ask for a cathedral view room on a high floor at check-in. You might luck out with a view of the bay, GG Bridge, Alcatraz and, Grace Cathedral. Rooms are not large. Water pressure from the shower is excellent, but not from the sink.
Some other things to note: the Top of the Mark was closed on Sundays and Mondays when we were there and there was no room service. We didn't eat in the restaurants, but had drink coupons (as IHG Platinum) to burn, so we went to the restaurant (lounge?) just past reception. During previous stays, there was a red and white wine designated for the drink coupon. This time, the waiter said we could pick anything from the menu that was below $20. I don't know if he was extra flexible or this is the unwritten policy. FYI, there were no cocktails/liquor, only wine and beer on the drink menu, although he said he would make us something simple like a gin and tonic. YMMV.
FYI, Trader Joe's - where you can buy snacks, wine, liquor, etc - is a short walk down/up the hill on California S. Around the corner from TJ's is Bob's Donuts (the apple fritter is delicious).
Mar 30, 2022, 7:39 pm
#231
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
Makes sense. Don't want to discriminate against people in SF. Why treat the losers who drive around in electric car wasting energy better than those who walk and take public transit?
Mar 31, 2022, 8:36 am
#232
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2021
Programs: UA1k
Posts: 60
Not sure if anyone has stayed here recently, but wanted to note that they have restarted their resort fee:
Effective February 22, 2022, Nob Hill Destination Fee of $29 plus tax, per night, will be added to all applicable reservations. The fee includes a $10 daily dining credit in the Nob Hill Club restaurant, Top of the Mark preferred seating, local retail and dining savings, and complimentary electric car charging,
Does anyone know if the credit can be used at Top of the Mark, I already have a club room (paid $$ for it). Also don't have an electric car (or any car)...
Thanks
Effective February 22, 2022, Nob Hill Destination Fee of $29 plus tax, per night, will be added to all applicable reservations. The fee includes a $10 daily dining credit in the Nob Hill Club restaurant, Top of the Mark preferred seating, local retail and dining savings, and complimentary electric car charging,
Does anyone know if the credit can be used at Top of the Mark, I already have a club room (paid $$ for it). Also don't have an electric car (or any car)...
Thanks
Feb 27, 2023, 4:39 pm
#235
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,848
Apr 7, 2023, 7:24 pm
#236
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: New York, NY
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 456
Just finished a 3-night stay. As always, the service here is very good. From the evening front desk to the friendly waitress at Top of the Rock to the housecleaning staff (especially Jenny). It's hard to beat the history, setting and charm of this hotel. It's a bit past its prime, but always a great place to return to. As Platinum, we received drink vouchers that we were able to redeem for martini's. Trader Joe's, Bob's Donuts and Swan Oyster Depot are all just a few blocks away.
Apr 7, 2023, 10:40 pm
#237
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMS+IAH
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 3,504
Trader Joe's is an institution in itself !
I was just a carefree bachelor/student in SF back then and never got the hint of the ALDI-link
For those unfamiliar or NON-US: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trader_Joe%27s
And the old (s)nob hill joke ....
I was just a carefree bachelor/student in SF back then and never got the hint of the ALDI-link
For those unfamiliar or NON-US: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trader_Joe%27s
And the old (s)nob hill joke ....
Apr 19, 2023, 10:04 am
#239
Formerly known as fsa_ea
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS/1MM,AS 75k,NK GLD,AA 2MM,DL 2MM,LH FT,AY PLT,IC RA,FMT LT PLT,HYT GLB,HLT DIA,MRT GLD,HRTZ PC
Posts: 2,229
On our last stay at IC Mark Hopkins, March 14-15, breakfast was served a la carte in louge (6:30-10:00 or 11:00 AM), small evening spread/free booze in lounge (5:00-7:00 PM), awesome service as always! Last I checked the lounge at the IC San Francisco at 888 Howard St is still closed, so there is nothing to compare right now.
Apr 20, 2023, 3:42 am
#240
Formerly known as newbie elite
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: YUL
Programs: IHG Diamond Ambassador, Accor Platinum, AC50K
Posts: 2,927
On our last stay at IC Mark Hopkins, March 14-15, breakfast was served a la carte in louge (6:30-10:00 or 11:00 AM), small evening spread/free booze in lounge (5:00-7:00 PM), awesome service as always! Last I checked the lounge at the IC San Francisco at 888 Howard St is still closed, so there is nothing to compare right now.
EDIT: Unless you mean the club has been closed for renovations/work at some point since Dec 22
Last edited by Admiral Ackbar; Apr 20, 2023 at 4:26 pm