On the Embarcadero. The swanky Hotel Vitale and attached Americano Restaurant is celebrating the season with a “Park, Shop and Sparkle” package, featuring 15 percent off your stay (two-night minimum). Highlights include a special performance by the Notre Dame Children’s Choir, and throughout the month guests can indulge their sweet tooth with churros and hot cocoa or take a relaxing 10-minute chair massage break in the lobby. Rates start at $245. jdvhotels.com
A Mont So Fair. Experience the holidays at the Fairmont San Francisco, where the luxury destination company Fairmont Hotels and Resorts opened its first namesake hotel in 1907. The opening was delayed after the 1906 earthquake; architect Julia Morgan was called in to repair damage and reinforce the structure. Daughters of silver baron James Graham Fair planned the Fairmont as a posthumous monument to their father that would carry on the family name in an exclusive location at the top of Nob Hill. This month enjoy holiday brunches, gingerbread tea and festive decor. Rates start at $259. fairmont.com/sanfrancisco
Pacific Heights. Heaven Carefully note the location of Hotel Drisco, because once you’re in Pacific Heights it’s challenging to locate it amid the many mansions (it’s at the corner of Pacific and Broderick avenues). Built in 1903, the place makes an ideal escape. You can walk to the Presidio, shop on Sacramento Street and dine in Fillmore Street cafes. A breakfast buffet and an afternoon wine reception are both delicious and complimentary. Guest reviews deem the staff of this locally owned and operated hotel “gracious, capable and friendly.” Rates start at $375. hoteldrisco.com
Mimi Towle has been the editor of Marin Magazine for over a decade. She lived with her family in Sycamore Park and Strawberry and thoroughly enjoyed raising two daughters in the mayhem of Marin’s youth sports; soccer, swim, volleyball, ballet, hip hop, gymnastics and many many hours spent at Miwok Stables. Her community involvements include volunteering at her daughter’s schools, coaching soccer and volleyball (glorified snack mom), being on the board of both Richardson Bay Audubon Center. Currently residing on a floating home in Sausalito, she enjoys all water activity, including learning how to steer a 6-person canoe for the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club. Born and raised in Hawaii, her fondness for the islands has on occasion made its way into the pages of the magazine.
