BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

What aspects create a perfect San Francisco staycation? Is it a room with a view? Is it proximity to the best in shopping? Is it accessibility to a variety of recreation options? Perhaps it’s the ease of walking just a few steps to gourmet dining. For many visitors, it’s all of the above, and while several San Francisco hotels and resorts check all of these boxes, none claims the charm of the Harbor Court Hotel.

Set in the Financial District adjacent to the Bay Bridge and just steps from the iconic Ferry Building, the Harbor Court Hotel fulfills the real estate mantra, ‘location, location, location.’ Borrow a bike from the hotel fleet and pedal along the Embarcadero Waterfront. Stroll to the luxurious shops that line Grant Ave. Peruse the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, held every Saturday (8am – 2pm), Tuesday and Thursday (10am – 2pm) year round, rain or shine, and renowned for it’s diverse offerings of delicious, high-quality products from local growers, producers, and chefs. Hit the gym; Harbor Court is adjacent to the Embarcadero YMCA and guests are invited to use the facilities. Or simply relax by a roaring fire in the hotel’s sumptuous living room.

Worry not about dinner plans: a lobby door leads straight to Ozumo, San Francisco’s sultry spot for sushi and sake served with sublime views. The extensive menu also features entrees and specialty dishes such as robatayaki tabletop grilled wagyu beef and foie gras slices. Start with a house specialty such as the incredibly delicious Dohyo: soy marinated maguro, avocado, and tobiko served with crispy gyoza chips. Follow-up with a classic Mokimono (rolled sushi). Our choice: the outstanding Bucho: tempura shrimp roll topped with crab salad, avocado, tobiko and citrus aioli. Add an order of Buta Abara (kurobuta pork ribs with Asian honey mustard), include a few skewers, and end with chocolate fondue. No Japanese meal is complete without a bit of sake, and at Ozumo both novices and experts find much to love. Start your education with a flight trio, or move straight to the restaurant’s extensive collection of reserve sakes that can run up to $2,800 per bottle. Craft cocktails are also an Ozumo specialty. 

Back at the Harbor Court, sink into a comfy lobby sofa with a complimentary copy of The New York Times or San Francisco Chronicle. Or head back to your newly redesigned room to catch a movie on the large flat screen television. Nautical design elements are complimented by a handsome palette of charcoal, chestnut, and chocolate tones. A standout blue lumbar pillow sits upon the bed’s plush Frette linens. Renovated bathrooms include spacious walk-in showers with luxurious Malin + Goetz bath products. For a real treat, book The Penthouse Suite featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with unparalleled Bay views. 

Additional Harbor Court Hotel amenities include a complimentary evening wine hour, artisanal coffee and tea each morning, and the 24-hour Harbor Court Café offering grab-and-go specialty pastries, coffee, smoothies, snacks, beer, and wine. 

165 Steuart St, San Francisco