Shane Fonner

Hotel Kabuki

  • Where:
  • Why:Bucket List Cali Coast Road Trip
  • When:August 2018
  • Who:My overworked wife and I.
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Hotel Kabuki A spectacular tea-based cocktail developed by the stellar bar staff at the Kabuki.

A spectacular tea-based cocktail developed by the stellar bar staff at the Kabuki.

Hotel Kabuki A wall of record covers reverberates the vibe of the music-infused property.

A wall of record covers reverberates the vibe of the music-infused property.

Hotel Kabuki Beds are super comfy.

Beds are super comfy.

Hotel Kabuki Changing colors of the Kabuki at night.

Changing colors of the Kabuki at night.

Hotel Kabuki In the Zen Japanese garden, watching koi and wishing we didn't have to leave.

In the Zen Japanese garden, watching koi and wishing we didn't have to leave.

Hotel Kabuki Modern (relevent) artwork in the room.

Modern (relevent) artwork in the room.

Hotel Kabuki Panoramic views over San Francisco.

Panoramic views over San Francisco.

Hotel Kabuki Sumo wallpaper. Enough said, very into this.

Sumo wallpaper. Enough said, very into this.

Hotel Kabuki Taking full advantage of the heavy bag.

Taking full advantage of the heavy bag.

Hotel Kabuki TCB again. Never not working.

TCB again. Never not working.

Hotel Kabuki TCB always.

TCB always.

Hotel Kabuki The double-height lobby is voluminous by day, while the dropped lighting makes it quite cozy at night.

The double-height lobby is voluminous by day, while the dropped lighting makes it quite cozy at night.

Hotel Kabuki The generous gym is an absolute delight, and expansive.

The generous gym is an absolute delight, and expansive.

Hotel Kabuki The lobby offers a bevy of design heavy seating options.

The lobby offers a bevy of design heavy seating options.

Hotel Kabuki The lovely bar makes a negroni and serves a bevy of sake, too.

The lovely bar makes a negroni and serves a bevy of sake, too.

Hotel Kabuki The newly-renovated double-height lobby is airy and bright.

The newly-renovated double-height lobby is airy and bright.

Highs & Lows

  • The Bar – The selection of drinks, service, and bartenders are roundly outstanding.

  • The Staff – Everyone on site, from the front desk to the management staff, are delightful. They’re pleasant, well informed, and always very helpful.

  • The Location – I loved the location of Hotel Kabuki. It’s completely central, but feels like you’re out of the hustle of the center city. Also, the Japanese garden and koi pond were super nice touches.

  • The Gym – The biggest, most well fitted hotel gym I’ve had the pleasure of using.

  • The Showers - Like in Japan, the showers take up a whole room. Well worth the sacrifice elsewhere (though the room was still quite large).

  • The Views – Since the hotel is settled near the peak of a hill, the views are panoramic in every direction. The higher the floor, the better.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Plastic Free

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 45/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Freshly retrofitted Japan-town musicians’ favorite.

  • Vibe

    Post-Industrial Eastern-inspired chic.

  • Location

    Japantown – Great location in central San Francisco within easy walk of some impressive restaurants, shops, and cultural must-sees, and within a 15-minute Lyft or Uber of almost anywhere in the city.

  • Rooms

    225

  • Music

    Music varies but is eclectic, thanks to the “help yourself” record player in the lobby – free for guests to use and choose records as they wish.

  • Year Opened

    The building was originally built in 1968 to serve as a community center for Japanese-American residents, and later was home to the Japanese Consulate, before embodying its current iteration as the Hotel Kabuki. It was first renovated in 2007, before undergoing a massive transformation in late 2017 / early 2018.

  • Designed By

    Brooklyn-based MARKZEFF.

  • Health & Wellness

    Yes – an incredibly large, spacious, and light filled subterranean compound.

  • Restaurant

    No restaurant on site, but very close to some exceptional small places in easy walking distance

  • Bar

    Yes – very well stocked with their customized alcohol-infused tea, along with a full bar and a lovely selection of sake.

  • Minibar

    Yes

  • Children

    Kids certainly welcome.

  • Price

    Mid-luxury and well priced in the market.

  • Website

    Visit website

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