Hotel Kabuki, a Joie de Vivre hotel

Hotel Kabuki, a Joie de Vivre property is a charming boutique that was revamped in 2018 (thanks to a $30 million renovation), into a stylish, design-savvy property that impresses with its chic interiors. Lots of windows and the industrial-chic architecture of the lobby make it feel loft-like, and there is ample seating clustered about the space. Gritty cement textures combine with rustic wooden ceiling beams, while eclectic furnishings are paired with hip touches including record covers lining a wall, bookshelves filled with books, patterned area rugs, and potted plants and trees. There's also a courtyard Japanese garden, complete with a koi pond and a fire pit. It attracts a mix of business and leisure travelers. 

Hotel Kabuki is situated in Japantown, a roughly six-block area with designer Yoshiro Taniguchi's five-tier, 100-foot Peace Pagoda as its centerpiece. It's right next to Japan Center, a shopping center with many inexpensive restaurants, a Kinokuniya Bookstore, and shops with Japanese items like antiques, bonsai trees, toys, and cat-themed knickknacks. Other than a few lackluster bars, there isn't a lot whole lot to do in the neighborhood after 8 p.m., but the Fillmore District, known for producer Bill Graham's legendary Fillmore Auditorium, is around a 10-minute walk away. 

The location is great for accessing many of San Francisco's major attractions, some of which are easier to get to from Japantown than from downtown. The Golden Gate Bridge is around a 15-minute drive away (50 minutes by public transportation, via a bus that stops a five-minute walk from the hotel), while Haight-Ashbury is a 12-minute drive (or around a half-hour via public transit). The Presidio is a 15-minute drive (45 minutes via public transportation). San Francisco International Airport is around a half-hour drive (without traffic) or about an hour by public transportation, while Oakland International Airport takes around an hour by car or public transportation. 

Rooms here are stylish, if small, and range in size from 215 to 310 square feet (approximately 20 to 29 square meters), but they make efficient use of space. Colorful art pops against slate-hued accent walls and there are plenty of Japanese-inspired touches, such as characters painted on the walls and graphic design prints. Stylish furnishings include sleek dark-wood desks paired with leather chairs. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the spaces with natural light, and some rooms have private balconies. Rooms are well-equipped with all the modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, capsule coffeemakers, mini-fridges, electronic safes, and Bluetooth-enabled alarm clocks. Sleek, modern bathrooms have wet room-style rainfall showers. Jonathan Adler toiletries are supplied, as are hairdryers and bathrobes.

This hotel has an impressive set of features and stylish common spaces for relaxing, from the light-filled, design-savvy lobby to the tranquil Zen garden complete with a koi pond and fire pit. The lobby bar is an inviting space for a cocktail or Japanese whisky, sake, and beer. Light snacks and Japanese-inspired dishes are also served here and happy hours are available on weekdays. Though there's no full restaurant here, there is a breakfast buffet (for a fee) served in a pleasant dining room. The spread includes local goods such as artisan breads and pastries, as well as fresh fruit, vegetables, and eggs sourced from nearby farms.

There's also an airy, modern fitness center that's well equipped with modern Life Fitness machines, including treadmills, ellipticals, and strength-training machines. There's also a heavy bag for boxing, a yoga studio (with free classes for guests), and even a small meditation garden. It's open around the clock. Meeting and event spaces are also available for rent, and there are loaner bicycles available for guests. Valet parking incurs a pricey daily fee, but there is more affordable public garage parking in the area. Note that the hotel tacks on a "Daily Amenity Fee," allegedly to cover things like free Wi-Fi and yoga classes, which may put some guests off from staying here.