The first thing you will notice upon checking into Loews Regency in San Francisco is, well, not much. Not that this luxury property nestled in the heart of the financial district is not remarkable, but the entry is so subtle, it’s easy to miss. Leave your car with the valet and your staycation can begin.
The check-in and lobby lead to S&P Brasserie, a popular spot for business lunches and, for us, a most amazing and romantic quiet spot for dinner. I was thrilled to learn that Chef Kevin Tanaka had just taken over as executive chef, as I had meet him a few months earlier in his previous position. Kevin is from Hawaii (a definite bonus in my book) and comes with an impressive resume as he has worked all over the planet. Our waiter was just the right amount of engaging, leaving it to us to continue the conversation. He was equally as enthused about the new regime in the kitchen. The menu highlights for me were Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Tartare, Brentwood sweet corn soup, roasted baby beets served with a burrata mousse and the housemade ravioli — oh, and the delicious bottle of Silver Oak cab recommended by the waiter.
Looming (in a good way) over the financial district, the Loews Regency is one of two luxury properties in this portfolio, the other is in New York. The hotel occupies the top eleven floors of 222 Sansome Street, which is the third largest building in San Francisco. It also has a good size spa, gym, and expansive 40th floor outdoor space, where they often host events. Weekend Wine Down is the hotel’s first hosted wine hour, which takes place every Friday and Saturday from 5–6 p.m. Rooms start at $349.
• This overnight was comped by the hotel, as was the dinner – I wouldn’t write about it if I didn’t think it was absolutely worthy of sharing with our readers.
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.