The Laurel Inn, San Francisco.
When my brother got married last June, I helped arrange affordable accommodations for the couple’s out-of-town guests.
Most of my family landed at the Hotel del Sol in the Marina, while my brother and the bride’s entourage stayed at the Laurel Inn, close to the ceremony site and the Presidio, where the reception was held.
A mid-century former motor lodge, the Laurel Inn has been gussied up by the Joie de Vivre folks and bears their unmistakable stamp — a fancy paint job, niceties like afternoon lemonade and cookies, attractive and efficient rooms, and a helpful and friendly staff.
Though the bridesmaids seemed underwhelmed by their lodgings, my brother’s suite was colorful and spacious with a view of downtown, a seating area, and a kitchenette.
One nice perk is access to the splashy JCC, an amazing fitness facility across the street for $10.
The location, on the edge of Pacific Heights, can go either way depending on what you’re seeking. It’s not in the middle of any real tourist area, but nearby Sacramento Street has great shopping and some standout and restaurants.
Laurel Village, two blocks a way is convenient for banking, groceries, Peet’s Coffee, Walgreens, Starbucks, a hardware store, Book’s Inc., and several clothing stores. Ella’s across the street has had hungry patrons lining up outside for brunch on the weekend for close to 20 years.
A colorful suite at the Laurel Inn, SF.
A solid option for families, many of the rooms at the LI have kitchenettes and the neighborhood has lots of retail aimed at the shorties — from The Ark, selling only wooden toys to Snippety Crickets, a children’s hair salon to Dottie Doolittle, a high-end baby boutique. The aforementioned JCC also offers childcare. And in the Presidio, a few blocks away is the mack daddy of San Francisco playgrounds.
But I wasn’t at the Laurel Inn to discuss bambinos, I dropped by to take a jittery groom out for a cocktail. Fortunately Swank, the plushy, retro lounge was just downstairs.
