By { Beth Weitzman
Perched atop San Francisco’s historic Nob Hill, the landmark 400-room Stanford Court Hotel—a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts—recently underwent a multimillion-dollar reimagination of its guest rooms, lobby, and public and meeting spaces with the digital-age, wellness-oriented traveler in mind.
In keeping with the city’s tech-forward spirit—and California’s healthy lifestyle—the renovation includes a new state-of-the-art, 1,500-square-foot fitness center with Kinima virtual personal training and Peloton bikes.
It also includes a new collection of Urban Sanctuary Wellness Rooms, developed in partnership with San Francisco-based travel company Well + Away, which provide guests with accommodations most conducive to healthy living and peaceful slumbering.
Each room features not only a selection of pillows, but also meditation, workout and white noise apps; fitness gear (activewear, yoga mats); healthy snacks and CBD teas; and an uplifting, energizing ambiance.
Stanford Court Hotel also offers a number of other wellness-centered amenities, such as Blix electric bikes; custom-made New Albion bicycles; FloWater filling stations and reusable water bottles; a “Nod Hill” menu that includes a selection of hypoallergenic pillows, earplugs and amenities to ensure a good night’s sleep; and access to the nearby Nob Hill Spa at Huntington Hotel offering an array of spa services. The hotel’s Urban Bundle ($30 per day) includes unlimited access to the fitness center, morning beverage service, tech library loans, digital newspapers and magazines, and more.
There’s plenty to do nearby, including an Equinox gym for those members craving their go-to classes. Located on the site where railroad mogul, university founder and U.S. Senator Leland Stanford once had a private mansion, Stanford Court is centrally located near some of the city’s best dining, shopping, entertainment and cultural attractions. stanfordcourt.com
The Urban Sanctuary Experience at Stanford Court
Well + Away VitalKits: Filled with vegan and gluten-free snacks, wellness products and a Well + Away San Francisco VitalGuide featuring San Francisco’s best vegan restaurants, workouts, juice bars, running routes and more.
Gaiam Gear Lending: Newly released activewear by Gaiam, plus use of yoga mats and meditation cushions during your stay.
Fitness App Access: A 30-day complimentary subscription to thousands of audio-based guided workouts and programs on the Aaptiv Fitness app, such as strength training, running, yoga and more.
Meditation App Access: Improve sleep and meditation with a complimentary 30-day subscription to the Calm Meditation app.
The Spirit Almanac: A Modern Guide to Ancient Self-Care: Written by wellness journalists Emma Loewe and Lindsay Kellner, this manual includes easy-to-practice wellness rituals.
CBD Teas: Soothing, anti-inflammatory teas from Buddha Teas in chamomile blend and peppermint.
Budding Greenery: In-room, oxygen-boosting plants uplift body, mind and spirit.
A Side of Fun
Cocktails & Bites at Seven Stills Nob Hill
Equal parts brewery, distillery and gastropub, Seven Stills Nob Hill anchors Stanford Court’s re-conceptualized restaurant and bar concept. Enjoy an innovative menu of tasty bar bites and dinner fare, plus seasonal cocktails crafted with Seven Stills’ artisanal bitters, Seven Stills draft beer and a bevy of California wines on tap.
See Beach Blanket Babylon
Be sure to catch Beach Blanket Babylon, the world’s longest-running musical revue, before the cast makes its final curtain calls on New Year’s Eve. As one of the most popular San Francisco attractions, the outrageous performance follows Snow White as she searches for her Prince Charming. Seen by more than six million people from around the world, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, the production features spectacular costumes combined with quirky takes on current pop culture.
Tour Grace Cathedral
Explore Grace Cathedral’s rich history, stunning art and iconic architecture during a guided tour led by Head Verger Charles Shipley. The church, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1906, was carefully rebuilt starting in 1927 and completed in 1964.
Unwind at Nob Hill Spa at Huntington Hotel
This sanctuary of serenity features 10 treatments rooms, a whirlpool and saunas, a eucalyptus steam room, an indoor infinity pool, a tranquil Zen Room and a fireplace lounge. New on the menu is the Nob Hill Spa CBD massage, designed to calm anxiety, alleviate stress and relive pain. With ingredients including cannabidiol oil, arnica essential oil and birch essential oil, the CBD Pain Relief Massage Oil attaches to cannabinoid receptors just under the skin’s surface when massaged onto the body and absorbed through skin. The body utilizes the CBD benefits wherever it’s most needed.
Dine at Del Popolo
Upon entering the rustic-chic space at Del Popolo, it’s impossible to avoid the wafting aroma of wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza. Most recently named a 2019 Bib Gourmand, this is the go-to place for mouthwatering pizza and market-driven small plates, plus a top-notch wine and beer list.
