So I just noticed that they finally finished construction on a building in the neighborhood where I work - and to my pleasant surprise, it's a hotel.

Hotel Vitale
http://www.hotelvitale.com/hotel/

What caught my eye is the first floor restaurant because it has an outdoor patio area that fronts the Embarcadero near the Ferry Building - and we have had so much wonderful weather here that patio dining is very appealing.

The new restaurant is called Americano and features Italian fusion fare - looks a bit pricey, but I haven't been yet.

Thought some Fodorites might want to check it out as they have some deals going since it just opened. It's part of the Joie de Vivre Hospitality chain.

Should be a nice alternative for people who want upscale outside of Union Square.

It's also close to the F-line and Subway - and, my favorite, right across the street from Boulevard (yummy!).

Hi SFImporter,
I've kept my eye on the construction at the Hotel Vitale too. I'm so glad it's over - makes lunch at Boulevard so much quieter! To date, Americano seems to still be working out its first-run glitches, but it holds promise and I agree with you, the location is first-rate. Another perk of the area - if you are a runner, you can do as so many locals do and take your morning/evening run on the Embarcadero pathway.

I know that Boulevard and Slanted Door steal all the thunder (for good reason) as visitors' dining choices, but in the same neighborhood is the fairly recently opened La Suite. French brasserie atmosphere, great food, jolly and bustling kind of place. Have you tried it?

Hi SFImporter, I just checked out Hotel Vitale yesterday. I love the lobby and the Americano looks great too. The soft relaxing colors and the various textures give a serene yet warm feeling in the public rooms. And from the brochure they gave us the rooms have the same feeling. Believe this hotel would be a nice oasis in busy SF. And the outdoor patio is attractive. I was there late afternoon so no customers but I really liked this hotel. And yes, the location is great. The hotel staff seemed very nice and yet professional also. I believe Hotel Vitale is a nice addition to SF. BTW, it was hot in SF yesteray!!

ALOOOHAAAAA,
We stopped by for a drink at the bar the weekend it opened.
Poured a stiff drink and had a very nice wine list.
Agree on the design, staff, menu... a bit noisey too.

We were on the dining list until we saw most diners were dressed to the 9s and we were a bit, ahem, California Causal, so we canceled and hopped a cab up to Capp's instead.

The Hotel is also a great location if you were going to a G'int's game at Should Be Called Pac Bell Park.

L'Italy....you think it was hot in SF yesterday?

Heeeeello Kal, I MEANT temp wise it was hot in SF yesterday!! Bad boy!
Ask Marilyn. She and I were very good (well most of the time)..... had to keep the Fodor's reputation pure, don't ya think?

So did I you naughty girl!!!
70/80s in SF is stifiling at times. I actually had to ask for an ice cube or 2 for my glass of Zin at The Wash Bag last year!

It was in the 90s up here. Perfect for a picnic but we were occupied elsewhere. O

Hmmm.it's always hot in SF by my standards

Here I thought I was being all cutting edge - and you guys have already been through the lobby and peeked inside at the restaurant!

I do have to add that I think it's odd that they chose to use a brick facade. Don't want to be caught out in front of that place when the big one hits!

I also recommend La Suite -- it is owned by the same people as Chez Papa on Potrereo Hill. There is a great view of the bay in the bar and they also have patio seating.

Pammer,
I'm always hot around any of the Original Wine-O Gangstah Dames".

Just noticed this thread, so I'll give my 2 cents. All the staff we encountered were extremely nice and welcoming (also young, male, and good-looking, by the way). I found the decor eclectic and interesting, low-key, casual, contemporary, and very tasteful. Great location.

Marilyn, and all this time I thought you were checking out the hotel/restaurant/lounge/patio area. But no, you were checking out the good looking fellows. Good for you

You mean you didn't notice that, LI?

Well Marilyn, yeeeees, actually I did notice he was quite uhm, sexy looking. Didn't you notice, I was the one that accepted the brochure he offered. Next time we will have to hang around there more!

Hi SFImporter, aren't you sorry you started this thread? I can just see you sitting in front of your screen, shaking your head.