California Beaches Blog

A well versed concierge at the high rise Interncontinental San Francisco offered a great suggestion. While the hotel is across the street from Buca di Beppo, down the street from Chevy’s and across from an Irish pub, the knowledgeable guy recommended we check out Samovar at Yerba Buena Gardens, approx. three blocks from the hotel.

The 2nd story restaurant is open and airy, includes pillow cushions for the table seats, and features tea! There’s no coffee served in this restaurant and tea house, and all the meals are vegetarian, and organic ingredients are used. Tasty textured breads with curry salads, fresh fruits, and salads that don’t require dressings are paired with teas if you like. Or you can simply order a la carte.

After a light and healthy meal, wander down the stairs next to some waterfalls and cross the street to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. For us coffee addicts, there’s a Starbucks around the bend to round off the afternoon with caffeine infusion. And if the mood is right, you can take in a Westfield Shopping Mall with a huge Bloomingdale’s, or shop at the Burlington Coat Factory store across the street from the entrance to the hotel. The huge 4 story men’s & women’s clothing store is quite popular and affordable.

Interncontinental Hotel is ideal for San Francisco stays, as it has a great gym, spa, and a real lap pool designed for one thing only –swimming laps.  There are two hotels with this name, so be sure to select the one with “San Francisco” in its name, and not the other (Mark Hopkins).