InterContinental San Francisco

888 Howard St., San Francisco, California 94103, USA
Rien van Rijthoven

Why We Like It

A lap pool and spa, light-filled rooms, and fine service make this SoMa property worth the splurge.

The arctic-blue glass exterior and subdued, Zen-like lobby are a prelude to the spectacularly light, expansive, thoughtfully laid-out guest rooms. The hotel lies within shouting distance of Moscone Center, so its business is geared toward convention and corporate travelers, which, depending on occupancy, can make for lower rates on weekends. The award-winning restaurant, Luce, lures the locals.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Some travelers may find the neighborhood a bit rough, preferring to hop in an Uber to get around rather than walking.

room

Light-filled rooms feature ultramodern conveniences like plenty of outlets, work desks, and giant flat screen TVs. Weary travelers appreciate the comfy beds, topped with fine linens.

Splurge on the Club Lounge upgrade which includes breakfast, drinks, and snacks throughout the day.

Photo: Rien van Rijthoven
Photo: Rien van Rijthoven
Photo: Rien van Rijthoven
Photo: Rien van Rijthoven

bathroom

Wide marble sinks offer plenty of space to store toiletries. Tiled baths and powerful showers up the ante.

Photo: Rien van Rijthoven
Photo: Rien van Rijthoven

lobby

High windows add grandeur to the newly refreshed lobby. Plenty of power outlets allow business travelers to plug in and work in the communal space. The concierges offer plenty of advice about local attractions.

Photo: Rien van Rijthoven

pool

Hotel guests have access to the spa's pool, whirlpool, and steam rooms. The heated indoor lap pool offers a serene environment to soak.

gym

The onsite fitness center features state-of-the-art cardio machines and weights.

Photo: Rien van Rijthoven

dining

The award-winning Luce Restaurant, trimmed in iridescent black mosaic, serves modern Californian cuisine. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy dishes like local halibut poached in olive oil. The quiet Club Lounge offers hot breakfasts, tasty snacks, sandwiches, beverages, and desserts inside or on the pleasant outdoor terrace.

Photo: Rien van Rijthoven
Photo: Rien van Rijthoven

drinking

Bar 888 specializes in Grappa, boasting the largest selection in California. Business travelers relax on the padded bar stools to make deals after dark.

Photo: Rien van Rijthoven

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LOCATION

Getting Around

Parking rates at the hotel are quite expensive (hovering around $65 a night). Most travelers don't bother with a car and instead take advantage of San Francisco's great public transit system. Buses stop within a block from the property, and Powell Street Station (5-minute walk) offers access to Muni and BART trains. After dark the neighborhood's transient population might make using ride share apps to get around more convenient than walking.

Restaurants

Foodies gather under the whimsical mural at Zero Zero (6-minute walk) for thin-crust pies, heaping arugula salads and soft serve topped with olive oil and sea salt. The butter chicken at Amber (8-minute walk) is the talk of the town--don't miss out.

Bars

Brews, sports, and a bowling alley make Jillian's (4-minute walk) a promising location for fun. Atop the Marriott Marquis, order a martini and take in the city at The View (7-minute walk).

QUICK FACTS

Business
536 rooms, 14 suites
Breakfast Yes
Lunch Yes
Dinner Yes
Bar Yes
Cafe No
Room Service Yes
$$$$
Gym, Pool
Yes
Valet Parking
Yes

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 415-616–6500; 888-811-4273; 866-781–2364