"How did it strike you on arrival?The InterContinental is a massive, blue glass building reaching 33 stories toward the sky at Fifth and Market Streets in SOMA. Situated right next to the Moscone West, it's an easy place to stay for people heading to conventions. With 550 rooms and 43,000 feet of function space, it is massive, but it still manages to be a warm space, with wood paneling, tons of natural light, standing lamps, wing-back chairs, and metal cut-out tables in the lobby. What’s the crowd like?Because of its proximity to the Moscone West, the InterContinental gets a lot of business travelers, but there are also families and wedding guests. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The hotel's smallest rooms are pretty petite at 250 square feet, and simple but well decorated, with touches like dark wood headboards, large desks with rolling chairs, patterned carpets, and side chairs with standing lamps. The palette is mostly neutral, with pops of color in blue throws and coral chairs. And every rooms comes with floor-to-ceiling windows, so there's plenty of natural light and great views on the higher floors. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The Serta mattresses are made up with down mattresses, comforters, and pillows. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Docking stations are a nice touch. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Bathrooms have marble-topped wooden vanities, magnifying mirrors, and glassed-in showers. Suites come with bathroom products by Agraria, while club rooms are stocked with products from Eco-boutique. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Standard Wifi is complimentary. Room service: Worth it?Room service is 24/7. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.At press time, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Luce, remained closed. But Bar 888, the hotel’s grab and go spot, features dishes dreamt up by Chef Rogelio Garcia, a rising star who cut his teeth at another Micheline honoree—Spruce. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Location. It's ultra-convenient for anyone on business in SOMA; the flip side of that is that SOMA is also rife with homelessness. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Amazing views from top floors, and a convenient location make it a great hotel to stay in—but the neighborhood can be rough. If that bothers you, Nob Hill might be a better place to stay." - Elise Craig
