Skip the Chain Hotel and Enjoy Great Service

If you're fortunate enough to be a frequent visitor of The City by the Bay, chances are, you're already familiar with the gorgeous views, mild weather, eclectic architecture, and artsy ambiance of San Francisco. Whether traveling for business or relaxation, it's sure to be a favorite destination for all who have the pleasure of setting foot on the steep and curving streets of this city.

With a rise in popularity over the last two decades, it's no surprise that more and more business executives have been turning to the quaint yet accommodating atmosphere of boutique hotels to meet their travel needs. But where does one turn when they want to avoid the mainstream hustle and bustle of a newly (or not-so-newly) popularized hotel chain without exceeding the travel budget? The options can be quite overwhelming, so rather than bombarding you with a list of choices, we're just going to explore a few options here.

The Argonaut Hotel

The Argonaut Hotel was featured in the October 2012 edition of National Geographic Traveler Magazine.  At the intersection of Jefferson and Hyde, this boutique hotel is ideally situated within perfect distance of San Francisco's financial district, and such tourist attractions as Fisherman's Wharf. The Argonaut has made its home in the historic landmark Haslett Warehouse, with exposed brick and beams lending to the character of this hotel.

Wi-Fi is available for guests to conduct business not only from the comfort of their own room, but also throughout the hotel in all common areas. The Argonaut Hotel has a business center fully equipped with copy and fax machines, in addition to multiple data ports. And each evening between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., guests can enjoy a hosted wine hour, with complimentary vintages in a relaxing setting.

Hotel Vitale

Located on the world-famous Market Street within San Francisco's financial district, the Hotel Vitale is certain to meet any executive's needs. With a modern interior design that's both conventional and practical, you'll have no trouble at all getting settled, while still enjoying the upbeat culture that makes San Francisco famous.

The Hotel Vitale is within walking distance of Chinatown, Union Square and, of course, Fisherman's Wharf. A short skip across the street, you'll find San Francisco's historic Ferry Building Marketplace, the perfect retreat for shopping, entertainment, or wining and dining your business associates.

While staying at The Hotel Vitale, expect to be treated with the utmost care by a friendly and efficient staff. With fantastic views from all angles, the only trouble you'll have will be deciding whether you prefer a room that looks out onto the gorgeous city, or a stunning view of the Bay Bridge. In addition to all the amenities one would expect on a business trip, this boutique hotel also has an executive board room and meeting facilities that accommodate up to 125 people.

Hotel Rex

As part of the Joie de Vivre family, Union Square's Hotel Rex is prepared to offer all the amenities of a franchise hotel while maintaining the cozy comfort of a boutique. If you're looking for something unique and whimsical, this might just be the place for you.  A quaint literary ambiance inspired by the 1920's and ‘30s sets this hotel apart from others. Don't be fooled by the vintage atmosphere you'll find yourself surrounded by, though. Each room at Hotel Rex is fully equipped with flat-screen televisions, iPod docking stations, and honor bars with refrigerators. Also available are meeting rooms for guests to conduct business, and computer stations with Mac computers capable of running PC platforms.

Catering to a wide diversity of guests, the friendly staff is always helpful, and happy to accommodate the needs of their visitors. After enjoying a free glass of wine, be sure to make your way down to the Library Bar to unwind with a mix of American classics, cocktails, and live jazz music.

No matter what your reason for visiting the City by the Bay, you're sure to be left with a sense of belonging, inviting you to return for future business endeavors or leisurely vacations. Either would be a welcome reason to revisit these lovely boutique hotels.

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