Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: The Cartwright Hotel's Union Square Oasis
Unbelievable Luxury? The Cartwright Hotel: My Union Square Odyssey (Brace Yourself)
Okay, so, "Unbelievable Luxury" is a bold claim. And me? I'm the guinea pig, the weary traveler with a credit card and a penchant for fluffy robes, ready to dive headfirst into The Cartwright Hotel's Union Square "Oasis." Let's see if it delivers, shall we? Buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be less a polished review and more a rambling, unfiltered experience.
Accessibility: First things first. Accessibility is key, and The Cartwright seems to get it right. They boast "Facilities for disabled guests", and that's a huge plus. I didn't personally test every single aspect, but just seeing it listed puts a smile on my face. Makes me want to tip my hat to them for thinking about everyone.
(Okay, deep breath. We're starting, let's see the mess.)
Internet Access: The Digital Realm & Me
Alright, internet. Crucial, right? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! Thank god. Internet [LAN] is listed too, which is… (checks notes) …well, I'm not sure I even know what that is anymore. I’m assuming it's for the dinosaurs among us? Let's be real, I checked my emails (which, sadly, still exist) and gave my Instagram feed a good scroll. The wifi was… fine. Solid. Consistent. Not the sexiest part of my stay, but hey, it worked. Internet services listed, so presumably they can help if my dial-up connection from the 90s decided to make a comeback. (Please, no).
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams & Fitness Center Fears
Oh boy, this is where things get interesting. Body scrub, body wrap, fitness center, foot bath, gym/fitness, massage, pool with view, sauna, spa, spa/sauna, steamroom, swimming pool, swimming pool [outdoor]… WHOA. Okay, deep breaths. I was ready for a spa day. REALLY ready. And… well, I didn't quite manage to actually do a spa day this time. Life, you know? (Kids, work, the usual chaos). The idea of a pool with a view, a sauna, a steamroom… all very tantalizing. I did peek at the fitness center, which looked… well-equipped. More intimidating, if I’m being honest. Me and treadmills? We don’t have a good relationship. The dream of a poolside cocktail, however… that's something else entirely. (Damn, need that cocktail).
An Imperfect Moment & The Price of Relaxation
Here's a confession: I did start to head down to the spa, picturing myself draped in a fluffy robe, sipping cucumber water. But then, kids. They’re like tiny, demanding, and adorable little chaos-generators. And the call of the actual world was way stronger than the luxurious bubble of the spa. So I ended up cancelling my spa treatments.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "But didn't you go for luxury?" Yes, I did. And this, my friends, is the messiness of real life clashing with grand plans. It’s the price you pay for trying to have a relaxing vacation -- which is also expensive as hell to begin with. I, for sure, felt guilty, but at the same time, I wouldn't trade the memories.
Cleanliness & Safety: Germaphobe Approved (Mostly)
Okay, sanity check: "Anti-viral cleaning products, breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment."
WHOA. That's… a LOT. Honestly, it felt reassuring. And I’m kind of a germaphobe anyway. The hotel felt clean, which is half the battle. I did see hand sanitizer everywhere. They’re serious about safety, and it shows. Made me feel comfortable. Not perfect, but good. I'm not always the best evaluator.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Journey
Right, the food. This is where personal preference really kicks in. I'm a pretty simple eater. A la carte is in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
So, the breakfast. Was it the best breakfast ever? No. Was it convenient and free with my room? Yes. Breakfast [buffet], as mentioned. The coffee was… passable. The pastries were… well, they were there. Not exactly the stuff of legends. Western breakfast available. Look, let's be real, when you're tired and just want a quick bite before heading out, the buffet is king. The fact that there were options? Awesome. I didn't go for the Asian cuisine or the Poolside Bar… dang it.
Anecdote Time!
I did order room service one night (the 24-hour service is amazing!). It was late, and I was exhausted. I got a burger. It was… a burger. Not a gourmet burger, mind you, just a regular, run-of-the-mill, burger. But, man, did it hit the spot. That's the beauty of room service, isn't it? You can eat a mediocre burger in your bathrobe and no one will judge you.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras That Matter
"Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center."
Whew. That's a LOT to take in! The concierge was great. Friendly, helpful, and knew the area like the back of their hand. Contactless check-in/out was a breeze, which is a huge win in my book. I saw people using the elevator several times. Daily housekeeping was good and provided great service. The conveniences? They're all there. Everything you need, basically.
For the Kids: A Family Affair?
(Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal)
I didn’t use any of the kids' stuff because… well, I didn’t have the kids with me all the time. But the fact that they offer these things is a huge draw for families. Makes it an appealing choice for those travelling with little ones.
Access, Safety & Security: Feeling Safe and Sound
(CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms)
Security-wise, things seemed solid. I noticed CCTV cameras in common areas. The front desk was staffed 24/7. I definitely felt safe, which is crucial. And if you're looking for a romantic getaway, they even have a "proposal spot"! (Didn't test that out, but good to know!) Non-smoking rooms, thank god.
Getting Around: Navigating the City
(Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking)
Okay, so I arrived via the taxi route. Easy peasy. Having valet parking is nice but I didn’t need a car this time. I am grateful for the option. The hotel's location in Union Square means everything is within walking distance: Shopping, theatres, restaurants.
Available in all rooms: The Nitty Gritty
**(Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly polished travelogue. We're diving into San Francisco, staying at The Cartwright Hotel – let's call it "The Cartwright," because that's a mouthful – in Union Square. Prepare for a journey that's as unpredictable as a San Francisco cable car in a downpour. Here we go, in all its glorious, messy, and oh-so-human glory:
The Cartwright Catastrophe (and hopefully, Charm) - A San Francisco Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & "Oh My Gods, It's Foggy"
- Morning (or, more accurately, "Whenever the Heck the Flight Lands," Because, You Know, Airlines): Land at SFO. Get yelled at by a stressed-out ground crew person because I stupidly parked myself in the "loading zone." The only thing that kept me going was the thought of the hotel… and the promise of caffeine. Ugh, travel is exhausting before it even begins.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (because jet lag is a jerk): Hailed a ride (the app promised some kind of environmentally friendly "green" car, but it turned out to be a beat up minivan that smelled a little like old french fries). The drive to The Cartwright. God, its beautiful in person. It really does feel like it's straight out of a movie, with those classic San Francisco buildings. Check-in. It's beautiful and feels cozy, like a fancy, extremely expensive library. The staff is super friendly, which is a win because you know I'm going to need a lot of help during this trip.
- Afternoon: Exploration (or, "Where's the Sun?") The fog! Oh, the glorious San Francisco fog. It's like a mystical, slightly damp blanket that decided to hang out instead of moving on. My inner weather-whiner briefly came out (seriously, where is the sun?!), but then I remembered I'm in San Francisco. Time to embrace the chill and explore Union Square. First, I walked around Union Square, which was an experience – a bit overwhelming, to be honest. So many designer stores and… people. People everywhere. A truly humbling experience.
- Evening: Food & Regret (probably): Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the hotel concierge. I asked for something "local and interesting," and he pointed me toward something-I-can't-remember-the-name-of-but-it-was-totally-hipster which had a menu longer than my arm. I ordered something adventurous (a mistake, I'm sure), and prayed to the culinary gods that it didn't involve any sea urchin. Spent the rest of the night fighting off jet lag and wondering if I should've just gone for the burger.
Day 2: Cable Cars, Hills, and a Near-Death Experience (okay, maybe over-dramatic)
- Morning: The Cable Car Climb (with a side of terror): Okay, so I had to ride a cable car. It's the "San Francisco" thing to do. The line was insane, but the views were incredible. The ascent was also a bit terrifying. I’m not great with heights. I gripped the bar like I was holding onto dear life (which, let's be honest, I probably felt like I was). The views were incredible, though.
- Mid-Morning: Golden Gate Park. It felt like I could breathe easy again. I didn't make it very high because the fog was still so bad. But I did get a taste of a more natural San Fran.
- Afternoon: (Attempted) Fisherman's Wharf and A Lesson in Street Smarts: Fisherman's Wharf. It sounds charming. It's…crowded. And fishy. And full of souvenir shops I was too tempted to buy from. Tried to act street-smart, which culminated in me having to give up my wallet when a street performer said I looked like a fool (I did, fair point).
- Evening: Dinner and a Show (maybe): Dinner. Then a show might have happened. Maybe it was an epic fail or maybe I'll remember it as a highlight of the trip, only time will tell.
Day 3: Art, Alcatraz (Maybe), and a Farewell (or, "Please, No More Hills")
- Morning: Museum Madness (or, "I'm an Intellectual, I Swear"): Hit up a museum. The De Young Museum was, I think, the one I went to. Art. I can't tell you what I saw, but I know that I saw it! So many beautiful pieces of art.
- Mid-Morning/Early Afternoon: Alcatraz (or, "The Lines Again!") Okay, so the tour of Alcatraz was another option. I’ll be honest, it sounded a little…intense. The tickets were sold out. So, I decided to do something easier.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: The Cartwright Comfort and "Goodbye, for Now." Back to the hotel. I'm exhausted. Got to the hotel, did the usual "unpacking/unpacking," and got myself settled. This hotel is perfect, though.
Day 4: Departure
- Morning: Sadly, I have to leave.
- Afternoon: Goodbye San Francisco, you crazy, beautiful, fog-laden beast!
Anecdotes, Rambles, and Random Thoughts:
- The Cartwright Hotel: Seriously, they've got those old-fashioned elevators. It's like stepping back in time! And the beds? Heavenly. Pure, fluffy, sleep-inducing magic. The staff are so nice.
- The Food: Okay, I need to be honest. I didn't love everything. I did have a good meal at the French place with the crazy long menu, and the burger really was good.
- The Fog: The fog. It's everywhere. It's a constant companion. I'm starting to suspect it has its own agenda.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: This trip was an emotional rollercoaster. There were moments of pure joy, moments of epic frustration, and plenty of "am I really lost?" moments. But overall, it was amazing, and I can't wait to go back.
- My Verdict: San Francisco is a beautiful, chaotic, exhilarating, and slightly exhausting city. And The Cartwright? Well, The Cartwright is a cozy haven in the middle of all the amazingness.
So, there you have it. A ridiculously messy, honest, and hopefully hilarious account of my San Francisco adventure. It wasn't perfect, but it was real, and that's all that matters, right? Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. I'm exhausted.
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Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: The Cartwright Hotel's Union Square Oasis - Or Is It? (A Messy FAQ)
So, is this place REALLY as fancy as it sounds? "Unbelievable Luxury" is a big claim, you know?
Okay, let's be honest, that marketing blurb? Yeah, feels a *bit* much. "Unbelievable" is a strong word. I went in expecting to be served grapes by cherubs or something. It wasn't *quite* that. But... it's definitely nice. Think like, REALLY nice. Like your rich aunt who's always dropping hints about her "summer house" nice.
The lobby? Gorgeous. Seriously. That chandelier? I spent a good five minutes just staring at it. Like a complete idiot. And the staff? Impeccably polite. Almost... unnervingly so. I mumbled something about needing a key, and the guy practically *bowed*. Made me feel like I should’ve ironed my jeans. So, yeah, luxury-adjacent, absolutely. Over-the-top, maybe slightly, and worth the price of admission (speaking of which, prepare your wallet...).
What's the room situation like? Are we talking shoebox or, like, a whole suite fit for royalty? (Or...reasonably sized?)
Okay, here's where it gets interesting. I didn't spring for the *whole* enchilada. I aimed for a 'deluxe' room. Which, let me tell you, is kind of a euphemism. It's deluxe, for sure. But... it's *San Francisco* deluxe. Space is a premium here, people! Definitely not a shoebox, thank goodness! You could, like, *move* around without bumping into things. The bed was HUGE, which is always a solid win. Felt like you were sleeping on a cloud. A very, very comfortable cloud.
My *one* minor gripe? The view wasn’t exactly postcard-worthy. I looked out on the street (which, granted, is Union Square, so it has its moments). But no breathtaking vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge. No dramatic sunsets. Just…people. And pigeons. But, hey, at least it wasn’t a brick wall, right?
Okay, the location. Is it as convenient as they say it is? Union Square - sounds fancy, but also...crowded.
Convenient? Oh, *hell* yes. Think…everything is at your fingertips. Shopping? Right there. The kind where you window shop until you suddenly own something. Theaters? Steps away (perfect for a pre-show cocktail, ahem). Restaurants? So many restaurants. Literally hundreds! Great ones too. The hotel is right in the thick of it which is a pro AND a con.
Crowded? Absolutely. It's Union Square. Expect people. Lots of people. Tourists, locals, people with shopping bags the size of small furniture... But, honestly, that's part of the charm of San Francisco, isn't it? You can duck back into the hotel's calm embrace whenever the crazy crowds are too much. Which, let's be real, is pretty often. I appreciated that a LOT.
Let's talk about the food. Breakfast? Fancy dinners? Spill the beans!
Ugh, the food. Okay, so I only did breakfast. I'm not a big spender, alright? The pastries looked amazing. I mean, *truly* next-level. Like, little works of art. But I was on a budget. So I ordered the… oatmeal. Yeah, I know. The *oatmeal*. (Don’t judge me!)
It was… actually really good oatmeal. Fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, the works. But, honestly, I spent the entire time coveting the croissants. The *pain au chocolat*. The fluffy… look, you get the idea. Next time, I'm pulling out all the stops. I'm going full-on fancy brunch. And I'M GETTING THE CROISSANT.
Dinner? Can't say. Didn't do it (see budget issues) but from the scent of food, and the overall atmosphere, I was tempted to have a second breakfast. And lunch. And maybe a light dinner. The smell of the food throughout the entire stay was phenomenal. The problem? It was probably all over the price point.
Tell me about the *service*. Are they hovering? Or are they letting you breathe?
The service was *impeccable*, bordering on psychic. They knew when you needed something before you even realized you needed it. Refills of coffee? Boom. Fresh towels? Suddenly there. It's almost… creepy. In a good way, though. Like, they're *trained* to anticipate your every whim.
I’m a very independent person and I hate feeling suffocated. They did a fantastic job of being present *without* being intrusive. Someone actually offered to unpack my bag at one point! I refused, of course (I have my own system, goddammit!). But the fact that it was offered? Illustrative of their commitment. They definitely want you to feel pampered. And, honestly, mission accomplished. I felt like a pampered, slightly overwhelmed, but very happy, guest.
Are there any hidden fees or unexpected charges? Because, you know, those things are the *worst*.
Okay, let's be upfront. Yes. There are probably some fees. That's pretty standard in high-end hotels, unfortunately. (They don’t just *give* you those fancy soaps, you know!) I didn’t pore over the bill line by line, like, I’m not *that* detail-oriented. But I think I remember a "resort fee" or something like that. Which, honestly, still makes me a little irked.
But, the key is to factor that stuff in. Don't go in blind. Read the fine print. Ask questions. (I probably should have done that, now that I think about it). I believe there was also a small charge for the bottled water I accidentally guzzled. Lesson learned: Hydration ain’t cheap, kid. Budget accordingly.
What's the *vibe*? Is it all stuffy and pretentious? Or does it have some…charm?
Okay, this is the important part. The *vibe*. It's not stuffy-stuffy. Thank God. It’s luxurious, yes. ElegantHotel For Travelers
