Hotel Diva

I've got to admit, it was unlike any hotel I've ever stayed at and we loved it, even my 10-year old daughter! The Hotel Diva bills itself as a sexy, chic boutique hotel that is heavy into stainless steel and cutting edge furnishings and fixtures. It doesn't disappoint.

Somewhat surprisingly, it was also a great property for families. Enjoying the Diva's two bedroom kid's suite, we found it a great destination for anyone wanting to stay in the heart of San Francisco near the shopping, restaurants and the nightlife of famed Union Square.

As mentioned, its Union Square address puts the hotel within blocks of the San Francisco cable car system and all of the shopping that makes Union Square famous: Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's and almost every other high end retailer you can imagine. The last big name connection to the Diva, Starbucks, it is attached to the hotel.

Originally built in 1915 as the Somerton Hotel, the Hotel Diva opened in 1985 after a complete renovation. Its 116 ultra modern guest rooms include cobalt blue carpets, silver accents; custom designed sculptured rolled steel headboards and bright orange shower curtains.

The kid's suite, known as the Little Diva's Suite, came complete with bunk beds, toys, stuffed animals, board games and even a PC equipped to play a child's favorite DVD. The room was even stocked with an assortment of DVDs suitable for kids - cartoons, movies and more.

The Diva's futuristic Pablo lighting and even stainless steel bathroom sinks are memorable stamps of originality that help distinguish it from the other hotel choices available to visitors.

Amenities

The hotel offers complimentary hi-speed wireless internet access and on a number of floors offers complimentary internet access in business centers equipped with PCs. PC printers are also available at no extra charge - a welcome change from many other hotels that charge per page fees to print documents from PCs. Valet parking, with in and out privileges, is available at $39 per day, a testament to the hotel's premium real estate.

Hotel Diva was an interesting experience. Its ultra-modern look was not exactly my thing, but was definitely fun for the one night we were there.

- The price was very reasonable for downtown San Francisco

- The room was small, but comfortable and clean

- The business center was free, and had nice natural light

- The front desk staff was friendly and fun-loving

They totally messed up our reservations. I made them four months in advance for a group of fifty people. I called the week of the trip to double check. I had a confirmation number and I was told everything was fine. When I got to the hotel, no reservations were on file. We were scheduled to stay at the Metropolis in a block of rooms but had to be moved to the Diva. It was not a good beginning to our weekend.

This hotel made me feel respected: Even though there were problems with our reservations, the staff was very professional, thorough, and polite in dealing with a large group of adults and teens waiting to get rooms.