At the junction of the revitalized Embarcadero waterfront and the Financial District in San Francisco, Hotel Vitale offers a one-of-a-kind eco-luxury experience. Hotel Vitale is a stylish boutique hotel – the perfect nesting sanctuary for travelers in need of an urban retreat. From the warm and inviting lobby to the sprigs of lavender that sprout from the guest room doors, Hotel Vitale is a delicate balance of natural elements and modern elegance.

Accommodations at Hotel Vitale are designed with nurturing in mind. Each of the 200 guestrooms feature spa-like amenities and décor such as limestone covered bathrooms, luxurious high-end sheets, and soft and subtle color scheme. Upon my stay in the Deluxe Waterfront Room, I was spoiled with beautiful waterfront views from my bay window that included the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge. Every electronic detail in the room was associated with luxury, including the complimentary Wi-Fi and high-speed Internet access, a 32" LCD flat screen television, iPod/MP3 docking station, and the CD player/clock radio. In addition to the high-tech touches, I thoroughly enjoyed the details that made me feel like I was in a spa resort. Plush bath robes and slippers, the Fresh line of bath amenities, and the honor bar filled with healthy (and local, I might add) choices were just a few of the perks. My personal favorite element in the room was the choice of music that accompanied the CD player. On top of my bedside table (artistically lit up with embedded river stones) was a collection of four CDs for my entertainment. Each with its own mood, I was able to get my morning started with the upbeat rhythms of “Fire” and wind down my evening with the soothing natural melodies of “Water.” At sunset, I couldn’t resist grabbing a bottle of wine and heading up to one of three roof-top decks for a breathtaking panorama of the ocean and city.

Hotel Vitale has created a series of signature services and amenities that provide a nurturing and fulfilling experience to business and leisure guests alike. On the penthouse level of the hotel, Spa Vitale is a true urban oasis that offers three treatment rooms to nurture and revitalize guests with water views and outdoor roof-top deep soaking tubs. One of the most popular treatments here at Spa Vitale is the Bathing Ritual. This refreshing bath experience includes your own individual tub infused with seasonal fresh bath products made exclusively for Spa Vitale by SumBody, an herbal beverage and a cool cucumber wash for your eyes. I was quite impressed to learn that most clients visit Spa Vitale seeking the highest quality “personal” massage experience that most destination spas do not offer. Hotel Vitale is all about “vitality” and that means many healthy options for guests looking to “stay fit” during their visit. A fitness room is located on the 2nd floor and a Yoga Studio on the penthouse level offers complimentary yoga classes every morning.

When it comes to dining at Hotel Vitale, Americano’s Chef Paul Arenstam bestows a menu that honors the essence of Italian farm-to-table cooking. Although his dishes are rooted in tradition, his menu changes with the seasons to reflect the ingredients he carefully collects from area purveyors and farmers – including the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market across the street. For an afternoon appetizer, I had the Bruschette which was composed of fire roasted eggplant with garlic and fresh mint. The ingredients were quite fresh and delectable making the dish an instant favorite. I then enjoyed the Pizza Toscana with salami, mozzarella, and crushed tomatoes. With the circular shaped cocktail lounge boasting 180 degree views of the Bay, Americano has quite the reputation as a hot spot for the Financial District’s business executives come Happy Hour. The “outdoor living room” is packed with locals and tourists feasting on appetizers such as herb roasted almonds, pork meatballs al forno, and artichoke and Brussels sprouts fritti. Popular drinks include Depression-era cocktails such as the classic Americano, sidecar and whiskey sour. I was quite comfortable on the patio taking in the views and sipping a Hemingway Daiquiri – a noteworthy concoction consisting of Rum, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, a splash of grapefruit and lime.

Hotel Vitale was not only a luxurious and rejuvenating experience for me, but an eco-friendly one at that. I was delighted to find that Vitale recognizes and supports the preservation of the environment and is a certified green hotel. Staying true to its name, this hotel represents “vitality” in every detail... Abundant physical and mental energy usually combined with a wholehearted and joyous approach to situations and activities.

For JustLuxe Stephanie Darenkamp