Description:
Location, location, location - this hotel's got it. Right on Powell, between Sutter and Post, on the cable car line and Union Square, and across from the Sir Francis Drake.
In the morning, the Chancellor guest can have a bite to eat in the Chancellor Cafe downstairs (they make excellent, after a few attempts, crisp, dry bacon), or go next door to Sears, home of little pancakes, or have a continental breakfast buffet in the lobby's little bar/lounge, or have some complimentary foo-foo brand coffee, tea and designer cookies while sitting in the little lobby looking out the bright, front windows or while chatting with a tour agent at the little tour booth, also there in the lobby.
At night, after going to one of the kabillion places within walking distance there around Union Square, to eat or do whatever, as last call approaches, if you still want to imbibe, just step 50 ft. across the street to the sidewalk in front of the Sir Francis Drake. Not at all to be confused with the stuffy Westin St. Francis (which is also in the neighborhood). Outgoing, late-night partiers can expect to find limo after limo arriving and departing, most filled with alcohol and other night owls of like mind.
But how does one sleep with all the hubbub going on out front? This was my favorite part. Sound-proof windows combined with thick, heavy black out curtains gave complete lack of stimulation. It was like sleeping in the womb. Trust me, it's not often I say, after sleeping in a hotel room, that I slept like a rock.
The rooms themselves were not the lap of luxury, but they were nice and clean, for the most part. I add that because in the hallway of our room, the carpet wasn't finished (like the edged carpet on an airplane) or tucked under a baseboard, but just cut and sitting there for us to view. Am I being too picky, cause that was it for bad stuff.
The rooms aren't that big, but what do you want for a boutique hotel fashioned from a renovated 1914 property. In fact, our room had two twin beds. I felt like a teenager on the Brady Bunch - it was cool.
Lastly, I have to mention the enormous closet and the amenities which were rather unique and thoughtful: an umbrella, iron and board, Chancellor Hotel rubber ducky (like the Conrad has), Q-tips and user-friendly alarm clock.
I was very, very happy I stayed at this hotel.
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