Mystic Hotel

The Mystic is located in one of the few buildings in the neighborhood to have survived the 1906 earthquake. In photos, it stands in black and white along with the historic Fairmont Hotel among piles of rubble. Inside, the Mystic definitely has its own hip look, combining vintage and modern features. The slick, all-white lobby is accented with black wraparound couches and romantic cursive messages written on the walls. The dimly-lit Berlinetta Lounge is more vintage-meets-industrial, with a butcher block-style wooden bar, intentionally worn leather sofas, and shelves filled with various antiques. The hotel also has a chandelier made from wine glasses, and hallways carpeted in bright red -- an indication of the noir aesthetic that becomes more apparent in the celebrity chef Charlie Palmer restaurant and bar. Like a brightened up wing of the Adam’s Family abode, the Burritt Tavern has gothic mirrors, drippy crystal chandeliers, and velvety red sofas next to a stylishly scuffed up wooden wall. There is a significant Charlie Palmer fan base here, mostly 30- and 40-somethings who frequent the Tavern, which hosts live jazz music several nights a week.

The hotel is located at the entrance to a tunnel connecting Union Square with Chinatown, across the street from a multi-story parking garage. The surrounding area is quite busy, with occasional construction projects, and with drug stores, coffee shops, and casual eateries all around. A BART station is one block away, and a bus stop is within a few steps. The hotel is one block from Union Square (a three-minute walk) and a 15-minute walk (or 10 to 15 minutes by public transportation) from the Financial District. Chinatown is a seven-minute walk, and the edge of Nob Hill is just a few minutes' walk. San Francisco International Airport is about 40 minutes away via public transportation or 25 minutes by car in no traffic.    

There are 82 rooms at the Mystic and they are all bright and welcoming, but a few are rather small. No two look exactly the same, but each has a painted accent wall, exposed brick wall, or historic masonry wall, along with high-quality marble bathroom tile, and a token piece of artwork -- some have abstract prints, while others have old photos of Hollywood icons. Most rooms don’t have air-conditioners, but they all have flat-screen TVs, safes, mini-fridges, honor bars, blackout drapes, and free Wi-Fi access. Each room also has a slick, black desk with lucite chair or stool. The suites are slightly bigger, but do not have separate bedrooms. Bathrooms are hip and beautiful with either basin sinks or granite countertops, but are small, with elegant stall showers. There are no views to speak of from any room. Some rooms are subject to both noise from neighbors and street noise, as the floors are carpeted but made of wood.

The Mystic includes a free daily breakfast buffet with hot items like natural sausage and quiche. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, but it's spotty in places. The Burritt Room + Tavern -- with Charlie Palmer-influenced menu -- serves steak and seafood with seasonal produce for dinner, as well as a variety of craft cocktails. There is live jazz in the bar several times a week. The Berlinetta Lounge can host private events of up to 100 guests, with drink service and high-end snacks like cheese and charcuterie. Room service is available until late, Monday through Saturday. There is a computer station with printer available for guests. There is no parking on-site, but there is a paid garage across the street.