Hotel Vitale

I believe everyone should celebrate birthdays for at least a week.

So, I jumped the gun on my own this year and booked a night at Hotel Vitale on the Embarcadero in the financial district of San Francisco.

I left the kids with grandma, the office behind, and met my husband for a drink at an outdoor table at Chaya. It was dark when we hooked up — one of those rare, warm, magical fall evenings in the city. I ordered a glass of cava and gazed at the Bay Bridge with its glittering strands of white lights.

Our dinner reservations were at Americano, on the ground floor of the hotel a block away, but first we strolled the length of the Deco-inspired Pier 14 that shoots out into the bay, just north of the bridge.  Silver swivel chairs run along both sides inviting visitors to chill out while taking in one of the most breathtaking views of the city’s waterfront — from the graceful tower of the Ferry Building that has beckoned ships to shore for more than a century to the red, neon Hill’s Brothers sign illuminating the bay.

Dinner was tasty — shared plates of delicate sole, an updated take on pasta carbonara and a simple, flavorful escarole salad with Gorgonzola and pecans. Service was attentive but not intrusive. My favorite part of Americano is the front patio area with heated lamps, long tables with benches and bamboo trees, perfect for hanging out with big groups. There is also a groovy lounge area next to the restaurant in a circular room with comfortable couches and soft, subdued earth tones. We had a nightcap there and ventured up to our room.

The room was decent-sized, the decor sophisticated and handsome, but a tad bland (more earth tones). A four-CD set called Elemental Chill was on the nightstand and there was an array of interesting products for sale at the honor bar that included canned oxygen and a holistic hangover remedy. Free yoga classes are offered in the mornings and the upstairs Spa Vitale is known for “the bathing ritual,” in which a bath infused with “seasonal fresh bath products” is drawn for guests on the rooftop garden  It was all very mind/body/spirit.

We had a magnificent view of the bay and legendary Boulevard restaurant across the street. Vintage F-line cars whizzed by along the Embarcadero The bed had to be one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in, done up in soft pillows and white sheets from San Francisco Linens.

My only real gripe about Vitale is that it lacks a central meeting area other than the small, busy front desk location, and the spaces don’t flow well together. Bad Feng Shui? Also, it turned out that I was unable to partake in the yoga class due to some issue with the space (less body/spirit pour moi), but the front desk graciously gave us a late check-out. We found a rooftop terrace that looked out over the Embarcadero to read and relax. I definitely left feeling rested and refreshed as the marketing materials suggested.

It’s been an auspicious start to birthday week.