BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

If charisma is defined as possessing compelling attractiveness or charm that inspires devotion in others, can a hotel be labeled charismatic? In the case of San Francisco’s Hotel Zetta, the answer is a resounding yes. This creative hot spot located adjacent to the Westfield Shopping Center and just steps from the city’s bustling SoMa district is both attractive and charming – and like most Viceroy hotels, engenders a loyal following. From the rock-star photo and classic album adorned walls, to the wine bottle-lined lobby bar, a peek into the hip and chic interior reveals that this is definitely not your grandfather’s hotel.

Your first giveaway? The lobby’s front and center virtual reality cube installation, designed by San Francisco’s Exit Reality team, where guests are invited to immerse themselves in a variety of out-of-this-world experiences. Journey underwater, or into space for instance; a number of hair-raising adventures are at the ready. The custom-outfitted VR space resembles an Airstream of tomorrow and allows street passersby to witness your passage into an alternate reality.  Your next clue? The second-floor Playroom, where old and new game favorites provoke creative inspiration. This unique space for “work hard, play hard” tech-savvy types features a pool table (there’s also one in the main lobby), table shuffle board, and a giant 30 ft. Plinko game wall played with soccer balls. Unwind on the plush low-seated sofas as you challenge an opponent to a game of Uno or Connect Four. A Nintendo WiiU console features more than 50 games.

One Hotel Zetta aspect of which Grandpop would surely approve is the S&R Lounge (short for 'salvage and rescue'), the hotel’s central gathering space created in the tradition of a Manhattan lobby bar. (Think the Ace, or Bowery, where New Yorkers mingle, meet, plug-in, and quaff.) Craft cocktails, wines and beers, as well as delectables from neighboring restaurant The Cavalier can be enjoyed from 4pm until 11pm. This upscale British brasserie is the hotel’s room service purveyor, and its cozy adjacent locale is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Cavalier celebrates British classics with their own fresh and luxe take on dishes like fish ‘n chips, and meat pies.

For those travelers who try to maintain their wellness and fitness routines while on the road, Hotel Zetta’s got you covered. A partnership with Well + Away (publisher of the first healthy-hip guidebook series) provides for healthy guest rooms, a property-wide VitalBar minibar program, and a wellness event series. The hotel's workout room, featuring the Technogym Fitness Center, offers the latest in fitness technology. Additionally, guests may enjoy exclusive discounted day and week passes to Fitness SF – one of the Bay Area’s top fitness facilities.

At the end of the day, a hotel is all about the comfort of its rooms, and each of Hotel Zetta’s four room types ensures a sound sleep. Each offers high-tech conveniences, customizable in-room workspaces, and amenities including down comforters, imported linens, high-speed Internet access, Illy espresso machines, deluxe sizes of top shelf spirits, Jawbone Big JamBox, a G-Link station for mobile devices and wireless streaming onto smart TVs. Choose from Superior, Deluxe, Premier Studio King, and Well + Away Pure Rooms.

Hotel Zetta is part of the Viceroy’s San Francisco ‘Z’ collection of hotels (others are Hotel Zeppelin and Hotel Zelos), each of which wows with personality plus and focuses on fun common areas. Granddad might be a bit stymied at first with the hotel collection’s quirky additions, but with time, and a quick game of pool, or a venture with VR, he too will “get” the Z factor.

HotelZetta 55 5th St, San Francisco,  (415) 543-8555