This place is somewhat of a hidden gem - or at least that's the impression I got.

It's in all the guide books etc but just appears totally unfussy and just what you need in SF; relaxing, friendly, comfy.

The location gets some stick but I think it's perfect. Firstly, getting there from the airport is so easy. You can of course take a cab but I would advise anyone travelling light or in a small group to take the BART from the Intl Airport to Embarcedaro station (then just 5mins walk down the hill). It's a fraction of the cost and takes just as long as a taxi. It's also at the far end of the Embarcadero from Fisherman's Wharf - meaning there is amazing walk along the bay (passed some great sites: Coit Tower and the Alcatraz departure quay) to the tourist hell (but a must!) that is FW. It's also smack across the street from the Ferry Building. This is a gem - worth getting up early (courtesy of jetlag) and wondering over to for coffee from Peets - while watching the commuters come of the ferries. That has to be one the single most enjoyable things to do. The Ferry Building also has some the best restaurants in the area (Taylors/Slanted Door) and of course the actual ferries to Tiburon etc. The hotel is at the bottom of the hill from SF proper (think Union Square, shops etc) but this is easy to solve via the cable car, street cars or a healthy walk up the hill (20mins?).

So the actual hotel...is great. The rooms as large, super clean, soothing and quiet. There is some fuss made over the city and bay views. But to be honest how much time are you spending looking out of the window? We had a city view room - which actually meant staring at an empty office block. But if you want a view - they've got it. The bed was astonishingly comfy. The bathroom was stocked with Fresh toiletries which will forever evoke memories of SF. The only issue was with the bathroom door. A slider, with poor closure. So depending on who you are travelling with.....you may want to run the taps....

The facilities aren't extensive, but just enough to sort on-line check in (business centre) and run a few miles (gym) - but shouldn't you be walking everywhere? The terraces are a huge asset, over looking the bay and Ferry Building. Although when we did sit out on them, security came up and asked if we were staying at the hotel - is that a good thing?

The vibe the hotel tries to creates one of serenity and calm; all lavender aromas and earth tones. It totally works. And after a days of sightseeing, walking and burning the credit card...the minute you step into the lift playing soothing music and images....it's all miles away.

The staff leave you alone - unless you need them. Which is the only way it should be.

One note, the inhouse restaurant (Americano) gets crazy...it's a hot ticket in SF. So if you want a quiet meal, or drink on the patio - head over to the FB.

We stayed at the Hotel Vitale for the weekend, staying in a Panoramic Suite. Try to request the highest floor available. We overlooked the Bay Bridge and the farmers market on Saturday morning at the Ferry Plaza. It was absolutely wonderful!

The location was perfect for us, we could walk Market St and the Embarcadero. Boulevard, my favorite restaurant in the City is across the street. Yank Sing, the best Dim Sum in the City is around the corner. Again, the Ferry Plaza has incredible food too. The Slanted Door is infamous and Taylor's hamburgers are a must. Don't scoff, you must try one...Western Bacon Blue Ring is the best hangover cure around.

There is a wine shop, cheese shop and a couple of deli style markets that are full time in the plaza. On the weekends, befitting to the epicurian loving locals that flood the market, these places are very busy. You don't need to get into the car during the day, everything is there within walking distance. At night, it is quiet, but it is easy to get a cab to go out to party if that is your scene. We arrived early Friday night and found the patio outside packed with the beautiful people. We assumed right away it was a private party. It ended up that it was just another Friday night at the stylin' bar downstairs. Cool... We didn't hang, but it would have been a great time forsure. We also didn't eat at the hotel restaurant, although the menu did look great. We did have fantastic, fast room service at three in the morning.

We had massages together that were outstanding. Before that we did the outdoor bath that was nice. In hindsight though, we spent enough time in our amazing bathtub that we probably could have skipped it. The tub is on the rooftop and is completely private. It was very relaxing with killer strawberries, rose petals and a very relaxing atmosphere.

The room was gorgeous. The bathtub is huge with amazing products. In the bathroom there is a dual shower, one with the rain showerhead and the other traditional. The toilet is in a separate private room. This is an incredible floor plan. We felt spoiled and didn't want to leave. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about Hotel Vitale and I am a tough critic. The staff was wonderful. I can't say enough positive words about this place, you must see it for yourself...

My brother lives in S.F and recommended this place. The location is fantastic, located across the street from the Ferry Building, which is full of great local food vendors and a farmers market on Saturdays. The hotel was what we expected when paying $350+ a night. We had a 2nd floor room that looked out onto Mission St. and the Bay Bridge. My only real complaint was the housekeeping on day one. We were out of the room from 7:30am to 4:30pm, but the room still hadn't been made up when we got back. We put the "Privacy" tag on the door to take a quick nap and in that time, missed housekeeping and turn down service all within an hour. We would go back - the location can't be beat. And the rooftop terrace is a nice addition.

Stayed at Vitale at Urban Studio room and from the moment I entered hotel till the moment I left I really enjoyed this hotel! The room has a different layout, great deep soaking tub, separate shower and great cosmetic products. The hotel has a really relaxing atmosphere. The staff is very friendly and welcoming! No arrogancy or attitude, just true hospitality. I will definately return to this hotel! Thanks for great service!