Unlike most other boutique hotels in the area, which sometimes occupy century-old buildings, the Orchard was built in 2000. The 104-room hotel embraces state-of-the-art technology—from CD and DVD players in each room to Wi-Fi access available through the building—managing to mix Silicon Valley chic with classic European touches. The hotel's marble lobby, where the bronze-cast statue "Spring Awakening" greets visitors, helps set the dramatic and elegant tone that continues throughout the hotel (arched openings, vaulted ceilings, stone floorings, etc.) With just 12 rooms per floor, the hotel also manages to feel quite intimate, which has led some to remark that they feel as if they're staying in a cozy (and very upscale) mountain inn. The rooms are fairly sizable by boutique hotel standards in this area and use a soft palate of restful colors on the walls and fabrics to help soothe shoppers returning from a busy day in Union Square. The hotel's restaurant, Vignette, serves inspired American cuisine with strong Italian and French influences.
Reviewed by BillJ from California on 1/11/09
In lieu of the major hotels in the Union Square area, we picked this one for the price and comments from those who have stayed here. We were not disappointed. We stayed here three nights, Fri Sat Sun following New Years, 2009. Though the tourist crowds were thick, this hotel, about 20 yards off Powell, was quiet and sereen. A little noise from the alley on Monday morning was a tolerable annoyance. The bed was very comfortable.
My wife was particularly impressed by the size and cleanliness of the bathroom, and the hair dryer got TWO thumbs up, a rarity. Cordell, the doorman/valet, was extremely helpful, though as frequent SF visitors, we know our way around. Proximity to the Powell street cable car and Union Square is a definate plus.
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