Hotel Vitale, a Joie de Vivre Hotel

"How did it strike you on arrival?The location is amazing. Hotel Vitale is right on the Embarcadero, across from the Ferry Building. There's easy access to Muni and BART, and it really feels like San Francisco, with great views of the water and the Bay Bridge. Doormen wait to greet you, and the hotel feels welcoming, not snooty; it's less swank and more updated, modern comfort—with clean lines, rough-hewn stone columns, and a muted palette. What’s the crowd like?In Americano, the bar and restaurant off of the lobby, you'll see a lot of men in suits and women in work dresses and heels. The lobby is a mixed crowd sporting both work attire and tourists in jeans and T-shirts. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.All of the Hotel Vitale's rooms include workstations with ergonomic chairs and spa-style limestone bathrooms. Some rooms have full or partial views of the Bay. Though some reviews complain about cramped rooms, for the most part, they are light and airy, with a blue and green color palette, and wood tones on the walls. With throw pillows, a blue patterned coverlet, and a throw blanket, the decor leans a little more bright guest room than hotel. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Guests pay a $35 daily "urban fee," which includes day passes to the nearby YMCA, which has a 25-meter lap pool, as well as fitness and yoga classes. That's what I'd steal. There is also a pillow menu with eight different options, from buckwheat to memory foam, and the hotel also has fantastic terry-lined robes—the same ones they use in their spa. Embroidered slippers remind you to "slow down." Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Some rooms include deep soaking tubs while others have rainshowers. The deluxe panoramic circular suite even has a deep soaking tub for two overlooking the water. Bath amenities are by Jonathan Adler. Room service: Worth it?Room service comes from the hotel's restaurant, Americano, where a fresca pizza with mozzarella and crushed tomato is $16. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?Everyone on staff was at attention when I walked in, from the doorman to the employee who greeted me from behind the counter. But I had the most interaction with Amal, the spa supervisor, who is very warm and accommodating. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The spa. It's very petite, but I don't know of anywhere else in San Francisco where you can enjoy a rooftop bathing ritual. Also, the views from the terraces are amazing; though they can be booked for private events. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Be warned that the Americano pulls in a FiDi happy hour crowd. Bottom line: worth it, and why?If you're looking to tourist, or want an easy location to hop over to the Ferry Building or jump on BART, it's a great spot. If you're looking for something a little more opulent, this isn't the hotel for you." - Elise Craig