Earth-friendly luxury in San Francisco
The Orchard Garden HotelJust a few steps from Chinatown sits one of my new favorite hotels in San Francisco. It's smack-dab in the center of the historically Italian area, but there's nothing historic, antiquated or tired about this new kid on the block.
The Orchard Garden Hotel takes eco-friendly to dizzying heights. The beige-on-beige lobby is an enlightened reincarnation of builder's rubble (it looks better in this life) - even the ink they use to print out your bill is made from soy.
I stayed in the garden suite on the top floor and 
Orchard Garden Patioswitched off the air conditioner during my stay. The air in San Francisco smells so good and I was happy to contribute to the green theme.
What they do right...
- Eco-amazing: The Orchard Garden takes the eco theme and spins it high-tech in the rooms. A key card regulates all energy coming into the room - a terrific way to prevent computers, TVs and lights from being left on.
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Personalized Attention: All good hotels know that turning a one-nighter into a devotee begins with impeccable service. That task is doubly hard in San Francisco, where hotels outnumber cabbies. Front staff at The Orchard Garden knew my name from the moment I checked in and the porter even repaired a strap on my suitcase - a porter from another hotel broke it.
What they need help with...
- Design: The beige-on-beige and green-on-
Orchard Gardengreen gets a little tiring - as does the foliage slapped on everything larger than a teaspoon. A little contrast might make it feel less 70s minimalist. - Parking: Okay, every hotel in San Francisco needs help with this, so we'll let this one go.
Passport to The Orchard Garden Hotel
- 86 rooms, 4 suites
- Year built: 2006
- Dining - Roots Restaurant, room service available
- Each room features headboards made from sustainably grown maple, Egyptian cotton linens and robes.
- Gym, rooftop garden, car service to the financial district Monday-Friday
- Close by: Chinatown, North Beach, Union Square & Nob Hill
- Room Rates
- Standard Minimum: $179US
- Suite Maximum: $399US
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