Downtown San Francisco—one of California’s most expensive cities—is a destination filled with tall buildings, steep hills and bustling pedestrians. Though many visitors in the area love the nightlife, there is also plenty for children to enjoy on family vacations. With a plethora of restaurants, shops and landmarks nearby, wandering the downtown area is enough to thrill any child.

Upscale Ambiance

While staying in the big city, give your kids a big city experience. The Kensington Park Hotel, located just half a block from Union Square on Post Street, offers a luxurious environment with a vintage twist. The 1925 Gothic-style building features a Grand Lobby that accurately displays the high-class artistic atmosphere of San Francisco. With high hand-painted ceilings, decorative antiques, a piano and a crystal chandelier, you are welcomed with elegance right off the bat.

The staff is just as welcoming as the décor; it seemed like Joshua never left the front desk during our stay and was always quick to greet and welcome us as we breezed through the lobby. David, the concierge, was equally as welcoming; the pair made sure our stay was fantastic.

Inside the Hotel Rooms

The rooms themselves were a little on the small side—that’s to be expected in a city like San Francisco—but they were definitely a continuation of the lobby’s elegance. The deluxe beds, covered in plush comforters and softer-than-soft blankets, made sure that we were relaxed and comfortable. An antique dresser and chair added to the vintage atmosphere, but my favorite part of our room was the view. Looking out at the Tendernob (the area between Nob Hill and the Tenderloin) we were stunned by the beauty of the city. At night, we watched the cars go up and down the steep nearby hills.

The bathroom was every bit as classy as the room, with a lighted make-up mirror and a large shower designed in glass and gold.

Extras to Enhance Family Vacations

Although exploring the hotel isn’t typically high on the list of fun activities for family vacations, kids won’t be able to get enough of the sights and sounds at Kensington Park. The old-style elevator, featuring heavy wooden paneling and a massive mirror, even had a padded bench for visitors to enjoy while soaring up to their floor. On the mezzanine level, overlooking the lobby, there are vending machines offering snacks and drinks for those late-night cravings. The hotel is also home to both Farallon Restaurant, offering upscale seafood cuisine, and the San Francisco Playhouse.

The property also offers a unique treat for expectant mothers. The “Pregnant & Pampered SF” add-on package includes sparkling cider upon arrival, an in-room body pillow, a Massage Therapy Bar from Lush Cosmetics, a voucher for an ice cream sundae at Ghirardelli Square, a roll of Tums, a set of toy keys for the baby from the Bay Area’s Green Toys, a copy of the book “Your Pregnancy Week by Week” and a discount coupon for a prenatal massage or facial at Spa J’Adore.

Also offered at Kensington Park Hotel is the chance to use Utrip, a complimentary service that delivers a personalized, day-by-day itinerary to hotel guests. This is a great touch for those on family vacations. Visit the online platform to input your family’s interests, preferences and budget and in return you will receive a list of daily events, activities and restaurant recommendations perfect for children.

Kensington Park Hotel is part of the Personality Hotels Collection. Also located in San Francisco are sister properties Hotel Diva, Hotel Union Square and Steinhart Hotel.

For more information visit:
Kensington Park Hotel
Farallon Restaurant
San Francisco Playhouse
Pregnant & Pampered SF
Personality Hotels Collection