Axiom Hotel San Francisco

"How did it strike you on arrival?In the city center at the nexus of Union Square and SoMa, the sleek, contemporary Axiom Hotel is a relative newcomer to San Francisco’s lodging scene. The century-old building preserves its historic character through charming moldings and an intricate facade, while the sleek design and thoughtful amenities inside cater to modern travelers. What’s the crowd like?Given its location and business-oriented amenities, the guests here are often in town for work, but you wouldn’t know that from their laid-back vibe—this isn’t your typical corporate-traveler set. Rather, expect a business-casual crew that has factored plenty of play time into their work trip. What was the check-in process like? A sleek, white lobby with modern industrial accents lures pedestrians into the ground-floor lobby. Guests can either check in online or in-person. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.A soothing eggshell-and–powder blue palette and minimalist design makes each guest room feel like a refuge from the city. That theme carries throughout nearly all of the room’s elements, from the soft mood lighting and the homey bedding to the marble bathrooms. In-room amenities include an Apple TV, a digital news service, a bluetooth clock radio, and Illy espresso machines. What are the options for dining in? A lobby lounge serves necessary staples like espresso drinks and to-go snacks, while The Turn Cafe—named after the cable car turnaround it overlooks—serves organic breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as cocktails and Napa wines. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The hotel welcomes four-legged friends, even going so far as to offer recommendations for pet-friendly attractions around the city. Bottom line: worth it, and why?This spot gets high marks for a convenient location and laid back vibe." - Jenna Scatena