The Westin San Francisco Airport

Arrival at the V-shaped Westin is pleasant and swanky with a large unloading area highlighted by large palm trees encircling a lovely water fountain. The tiled entrance leads past an indoor water fountain and into a large lobby with patterned earth-toned carpet and dark wood paneling. Comfortable leather chairs, clusters of couches with throw pillows, floor lamps, and coffee tables give generous seating spaces. The indoor atrium adjacent to the lobby is especially impressive with a large indoor pool and adjacent whirlpool encased by a handsome glass roof and surrounded by tropical plants and colorful lounge chairs. The spacious, bistro-style restaurant is accented by dark wood and olive green. Wine barrels at the entrance point to a focus on wine by the glass and bottle. With over 20,000 square feet of meeting space, the Westin has a decidedly business atmosphere and can be buzzing with activity during events and at peak travel times.

The Westin is located less than a mile from the airport -- a seven-minute drive -- and its BART station’s train service to downtown San Francisco, which takes about 30 minutes. Driving downtown also takes approximately 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic. The hotel’s free 24/7 airport shuttle runs every 20 minutes. A separate Millbrae BART station is less than a mile from the hotel as well (a six-minute car drive). The small Bayfront Park directly across the street offers views of the bay and jets landing at the airport, as well as a pleasant place to walk or jog. Various restaurants in Millbrae and Burlingame are nearby but not within walking distance as the area is mostly freeways surrounding the airport. 

The comfort of Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds receives good reviews, as do the relatively soundproof rooms, especially for a hotel abutting an airport and freeways. Warm earth tones accented by a wood headboard, work desk and credenza and colorful modern art highlight the contemporary decor. Spacious rooms are functional with a corner chair and leather ottoman and leather office chair. Amenities include robes and slippers, media plug-in panels, coffeemakers with Starbucks, safes, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, and free bottled water, and daily newspapers. There is no minibar or refrigerator and a hefty fee for Internet access. Pet rooms are available. The modest upgrade fee to a bay view king affords lovely views of the bay and jets arriving and departing on the airport’s runways. The rather average bathrooms are well-lit and offer a tiled tub/shower combos, magnifying mirrors, and White Tea by Westin toiletries. 

The atrium features a large indoor pool and adjacent whirlpool surrounded by tropical plants. The fitness center is top-notch with a full complement of free weights and cardio equipment. Fresh running shoes and socks and other exercise clothing can be rented by guests. The fitness center is open 24 hours, as is the business center with plug-in panels and Apple computers. The bistro-style restaurant and bar serves American cuisine all day with a selection of 18 wines by bottle or glass. But unfortunately, the breakfast buffet is not included in room rates. A lobby shop has coffee, fruit, Danish, and other snack foods. Concierge services are offered from early morning to late evening, and 22,000 square feet of meeting space is available. The free airport shuttle operates 24 hours, and self and valet parking is available on-site.