December 20, 2024
A Charles Dickens Christmas on Nob Hill, 2024
The colorful, old-fashioned, red, and green Christmas décor at the Suites always reminds me of Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol which is set in Edwardian, London. The fireplace flickers as families and friends meet while sipping a glass of wine or hot cider. Laughter fills the air, as the desk checks guests in and the houseman piles the luggage onto the brass cart. Families gather to enjoy the holiday traditions by attending the Nutcracker at War Memorial Opera House, Handel’s Messiah at Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill or the Broadway musical, Hamilton at the Orpheum.
The hotels on Nob Hill seem to be in competition with laser light shows and outlandish installations. Hugh crowds fill the lobbies to view Christmas décor and a gingerbread house.
I prefer the cozy, quiet beauty of the Suites. As you enter the lower lobby you are welcomed by a beautifully appointed Christmas tree, guests mingle over cheese and crackers as a guest sits down to play carols on the piano.
Charles Dickens wrote the famous line, ‘It was the best of times and the worst of times,’ from Tale of Two Cities.This phrase is fitting today as San Francisco continues to recover after the pandemic lockdown and the office occupancy turndown due to remote work.
-
There is a new mayor in town and many of the tech workers are moving back to SF to be a part of the new AI technologies. There is quite a crowded conference schedule in 2025, starting off with JPMorgan on January 12. Mark Benioff of Salesforce stated that the 2025 conference will now stay in San Francisco.
As we celebrate the best of times during the holidays, visit Union Square and go ice skating, listen to live entertainment on the square, view the puppies and kittens in the windows at Macy’s and do not forget the lobster club sandwich at the Rotunda, Neiman Marcus. You can still shop at Gump’s which has relocated to 250 Post.
This Christmas Season has been festive and full of light. SF Glow has been providing light installations all over the city during the holiday season which commenced at the Ferry Building, December 6. In the early spring of 2025, the Bay Bridge will be illuminated with 50,000 lights which will be visible on both sides of the bridge.
The restaurant Sessions in the Presidio will be closing this month and a new Italian restaurant will take its place, February, offering vegetarian pastas and pizzas:
-
Piccino
#1 Letterman Drive, Presidio
-
Bar Sprezzatura Venetian bar bites and cocktails in a stunning and dramatic setting
300 Clay at #1 Maritime Plaza in the Financial District
Recently, I experienced a disappointing dining experience at a new Mediterranean restaurant.
There was no welcome, no eye contact or thank you from the host or servers. It was a cold unhospitable experience. I will never return even though the cuisine was fine. The atmosphere and guest service were unwelcoming.
The hospitality industry is based on welcoming guests, and making guests feel comfortable and appreciated. A well-trained staff can make or break a business.
The power of welcoming guests back to the Suites is what we are known for, and it is the basis of the training for the concierge, housekeepers and houseman and is the reason that the soul of the Suites is the wonderful, welcoming, hardworking staff.
Staff news:
Andrew Flack has just returned from a surfing holiday and Luis has just returned from Mexico.
Susan is off to visit family in Boston and Erik has just returned from a holiday stay in NYC.
Our two new housemen, Pedro and Wilfredo, are becoming acquainted with the owners.
Please take the time to congratulate our wonderful Head Housekeeper, Gloria, who has just passed her Citizen requirements and will soon be sworn in as a US citizen!
SFS reminders:
-
Dec 22 1st installment of property taxes. Please note if you are a new owner or have moved, you will need to contact SF City Tax Board to receive your tax bill. I can also help you pay your tax bill online.
-
January 1st, Call for Nominations is sent out announcing the two positions that are currently held by Fred Munroe and Dwight Walker are up for re-election. They both will run again so it is possible to have an uncontested election this March.
-
January 2025 Delinquent assessment auction will be held TBA.
-
Owners that are not able to visit SF this year can exchange their 7 days and vacation elsewhere. Please contact the front desk for the exchange procedures.
Here’s to celebrating the best of times after experiencing the worst of times.
San Francisco is resilient and so are the owners and staff of San Francisco Suites.
Come celebrate and lift a glass to this beautiful City by the Bay and your iconic, welcoming, home away from home, San Francisco Suites!
To end this Christmas missive, here is the last line of A Christmas Carol;
“And so, as Tiny Tim said, A Merry Christmas to us all; God bless us, everyone!”
Happy Holidays,
Cynthia Reid
General Manager
San Francisco Suites