Hotel Carlton, a Joie de Vivre Hotel
"How did it strike you on arrival?The lobby of the Hotel Carlton feels more like a cool friend's living room. The walls are lined with African masks and woven baskets, the floors are tiled in marble, and the furniture is covered in mixed colorful prints. Unlike a lot of hotels that rely on neutrals, the Carlton has doubled down on color, with rusty red walls in the lobby, a Lite Brite-style installation of the word Snazz, and orange and blue accents in the rooms. The hallways are hung with images from Tibet. Nice. What’s the crowd like?The guests skew young and a bit hipster; they also get a lot of tour groups from Europe. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The rooms are small but bright, with a lot more personality than you'd find in your average hotel room. Picture bright blue walls and orange throw pillows, and red print linens with aqua headboards. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Because of the bright prints and throw pillows on the bed, they look more like a cool guest room than a hotel room. There's nothing sterile about the vibe. Also, the windows open, so you can get fresh air. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The hotel is serious about being eco-friendly, so there are no fridges in the rooms, though you can ask for one to be brought in. They're also LEED-EB Gold certified, and each floor has a water station, so visitors can fill their in-room pitchers, avoiding plastic bottles. If I was going to steal anything, it would be the furniture. The decor is Eastern-inspired, and the lobby and rooms have mixed bright, cheering prints, and mother-of-pearl inlaid tables. The elevators are walled with wooden maps of the world and San Francisco. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The bathrooms are a bit cramped, but cheerful, as the color scheme carries into the space, with bright shower curtains and mirror frames. There's basically no counter space, but there is an open cupboard under the sink for stowing toiletries. Products are in pumps mounted on the wall, with no branding. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is free. Room service: Worth it?The hotel doesn't have room service, but it does have a cute restaurant called Phlox Commons, with a marble-topped wooden bar and spindle-backed chairs and wood tables. Options range from bar snacks like fries with bacon dust ($5) to flatbreads ($13-$15) and filet mignon with carrots and potato mash ($33). Draft beers are $7, and wines by the glass range from a $9 cava to a $15 chardonnay. They serve breakfast, too. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Every night, the hotel has complimentary wine with "local vocals"—musicians from around the Bay Area. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The hotel has an eclectic, worldly flair, but space is in short supply. If you're going to spend your days touristing, and enjoy grabbing a beer at what feels more like a neighborhood bar, this is a good choice. If you're serious about amenities and space, skip it. Bottom line: worth it, and why?The clientele skews a bit young and hip. If you're more into luxury, it's not for you." - Elise Craig
