Review: Hotel Rex in San Francisco

Stepping out of the hustle-and-bustle of the San Francisco theater district and into the lobby of the Hotel Rex is literally trans-formative. Not only does it enclose you like a protective cultural cocoon from the cacophony rising from the street outside, it transports you back to a bohemian world of salons, stiff drinks and irony. In a good way.

This boutique property of the Joie de Vivre group has achieved a seemingly impossible task: a genuinely comfortable and luxurious theme hotel. Drawing upon the famed Algonquin for inspiration, the hotel pays tasteful homage to the Salon movement with paintings of famous writers on the walls, poetry readings and jazz sessions in the library bar, and complimentary wine every day at 5:00.

Seriously, the wine hour. Now I'm not a bed-and-breakfast kinda guy, specifically because I don't feel any obligation to get to know my fellow travelers. But I couldn't pass this opportunity up. In all seriousness, I felt like I was stepping into a game of Clue, and honestly wouldn't have been surprised if Colonel Mustard had entered holding a candlestick. What I'm trying to say is that even if this kind of thing isn't your bag, it will be for that one hour of suspended reality.

Most guests chatted with their companions, but a few ventured out to make friends. And in that atmosphere, I really didn't mind. It elevated me -- albeit temporarily -- to a more refined level of conversation. I found myself exchanging pleasantries with an older couple for Australia for a good 15 minutes, something I'd normally avoid at all costs. What can I say? I was inspired.  (Since I'm being honest here, I have to say that there was something so calming, peaceful and...friendly about that one magical wine bar hour, I find myself thinking back on it more than is probably normal. Am I looking for comfort in these hard times? Yikes...)

But if it's really not your scene, all you have to do is step back outside and into Union Square. The destinations from there are endless, many within walking distance. From shopping (Sak's, Gumps, John Varvatos, Barney's) to spas/salons (Elizabeth Arden, Cowboys and Angels), from galleries (Martin Lawrence, George Krevsky) to SF landmarks (Harry Denton's Starlight Room, Blondie's Pizza, the Oak Room) and the theater (ACT) - nothing is but an adventurous walk away. And the Castro is just a 10 minutes on Muni.

The rooms at Hotel Rex tend to be on the smallish side, but I can't imagine one being surprised by this. I was lucky enough to get the Gertrude Stein suite (where else in the world...?) for a great rate, and loved the quirkily-decorated antique furniture.  But charm does not come at the expense of amenities: all rooms have internet access, iPod docking stations and CD player and TV's. 

The hotel restaurant, Cafe Andree, is a sweet little spot, specializing in fresh San Fran-fusion-style cuisine. It's a nice-to-have place, perfect for grabbing breakfast/brunch, but with so many fabulous restaurants in the vicinity -- well, it's hard to stay in.

And as with other Joie de Vivre hotels, the service is impeccable. It's absolutely critical in a place like the Hotel Rex that the staff be responsive and maintain the "magic" of the environment. One wrong move, and a guest could easily become disenchanted with the entire experience, as opposed to the abuse we are all used to putting up with a large, chain hotels. Everyone I encountered seemed genuinely invested in making sure my stay was comfortable and my needs were taken care of. 

I've been telling my San Francisco friends about the Hotel Rex - it's the perfect spot for a stay-cation. With rates as low as $120/night (some even lower for consecutive-night stays) and nothing higher than $200/night, the trip that Hotel Rex will take you on - if you're willing - is priceless.

Visit the Hotel Rex for rates, etc.

(Images courtesy of Hotel Rex)

Comments

[Michael Kelly]

I just stayed last week two nights at Hotel Rex for a business meeting. The hotel was nice - quite chic. Very gay friendly. I found the hotel on Fabugo gay travel web site. I looked around and they had the best price. I would use the hotel again.

[GayArgentina]

Me and my boyfriend stayed at Rex in San Francisco! It was one of the most gay friendly places we have ever visited!

[Brian Metcalf]

I tried Fabugo and had a different experience. Bad site. Bad customer service. High price. My fault, I should have looked around more. I will never book Fabugo again.

[Peter]

We enjoyed our stay at Cane Island. The condo was large, bright, clean, well-stocked with very nice furnishings with an excellent layout perfect for extended families. The balcony overlooked the lake and pool area with morning sun. Cane Island locatin has good restaurants within walking distances and easy accesss to Disney area. We would certainly return and have recommended this unit to our friends. Certainly, next time we go to Florida we will contact you. Visit http://www.easychoicepropertymanagement.com for more information and instant booking.