Traveling Like Royalty: the Presidential Suite at the Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Sunrise in SF; black out curtains helped us sleep, but jet lag woke us early

As a young traveler, I stayed in some decidedly sketchy places. There were dicey hostels, shady hotels, nights where we had such early flights that we camped out at the airport.

Biking over The Golden Gate Bridge

And this didn't necessarily end when I hit an - ahem -certain age. For my middle daughter's college graduation, the hotel we'd reserved months in advance lost our reservation and we would up at a flight motel, with strange stains on the sheets and s weird wet spot.

All this was the opposite of our luxe accommodations in the heart of San Francisco. We were staying in a complimentary media room, which can be anything from a basic room to an upgraded executive expanse.

The living room in our suite

The soaking tub, and shower next to it

The Hilton San Francisco Financial District laid out the red carpet with its Presidential Suite, a sprawling suite with a gigantic living room, a couple of balconies, a super comfy king sized bed and an unparalleled bathroom.

The incredible bathroom included a soaking tub that was near the bed, so you could look out on the city while you luxuriated in a bath, a separate glass enclosed shower with a rain head, a double sink room. And the piece de resistance, a toilet room with a $10,000 Toto throne. Er, toilet. This commode, which I first encountered at the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, near San Diego, has a heated seat, bidet-like warm water sprays, dual flush and a self-cleaning feature.

If you stumble into the bathroom at some ungodly hour due to jet lag, there is no need to fumble for a light switch or the toilet seat cover. When the 'smart toilet' senses you, the seat automatically lifts up.

Fruit at breakfast in the executive lounge

Executive features

If a hedonistic toilet isn't your cup of tea, there's plenty more to love at this hotel. The executive lounge has daily breakfast, with hot entrees and plenty of choices. There was a variety of fruit, both whole fruit that you could take for a snack or cut up berries and melon.

There were also cereals, breads and pastries, and gluten free options. There was yogurt, cheese, meat, and a bowl of hard boiled eggs if you need protein to start the day.

Throughout the day, there was fruit, bars and drinks available, as long as you had a key card that granted you access. There were also evening snacks, but we were out both evenings.

If you get a room on an executive floor, or have elite Hilton status, you get access to the lounge.

Chinatown mural

Location

The Hilton is right in Chinatown, and the Chinatown history tour that we took through Wok Wiz met in the lobby. We also walked down to the Ferry Building for an amazing meal at The Slanted Door.

The fitness center at the Hilton

The hotel has a small, well-equipped gym. We got our exercise biking over the Golden Gate Bridge and running, and walking, the hilly city.

Vegetarian spring rolls at The Slanted Door

Personal touch

Although the Hilton is quite large, the concierge greeted us every time we left or arrived. And our first night, we had a message waiting for us Warm chocolate chip cookies and milk could be sent up to the room, free of charge.

What a sweet intro to the city.

Note: I was a guest of Hilton and received a comp room. Opinions expressed are my own.