San Francisco has plenty of budget luxury hotels and big name palatial properties, with not many options in between. Harbor Court is one of them however, with the added advantage of a cool location that puts you near some of the city’s most interesting dining offerings. The downtown landmark is in the heart of SoMa, located along the famed waterfront across from the Embarcadero and near the historic Ferry Building, home to local farmers’ markets and boutique restaurants.
Last year the hotel, originally an Army-Navy residence built in 1926 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, underwent a multimillion-dollar makeover, the benefits of which all can now enjoy. Many of its rooms and suites have unobstructed views of San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge, priceless in and of themselves. Attractions include a wellness center and access to the YMCA attached to the building, with every facility you can think of including an olympic size swimming pool, as well as the hotel’s critically acclaimed Ozumo Japanese restaurant.
With 131 rooms and suites, Harbor Court is a comfortable size. The aesthetic is contemporary and modern, while rooms are not overdecorated, allowing the incredible views to take center stage. Interiors are by Perkins + Will, and the lobby with its stately fireplace and plush sofas set off by flexible “Space to Create” work areas set the tone. Of course given its located in the country’s high tech hub things like high-speed wifi, tablet digital directories and Bluetooth speakers are taken for granted.
With Harbor Court as your home base, it’s time to explore San Francisco’s world-class restaurants. And less than half a mile away is PABU, one of the best izakaya and sushi restaurants in the world, from acclaimed chefs Ken Tominaga and Michael Mina. The menu highlights seasonal small plates, traditionally grilled items from the robata and composed entrées. Some of the fish is locally caught or sourced from particular areas of the country while specialty items are flown in directly from Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji Market. A seat at PABU’s sushi bar is a coveted spot indeed.
In addition to the a la carte menu in the well-designed dining room there is Chef Ken’s Nigiri Tasting Menu with courses of Edo-style nigiri served two pieces at a time. The tasting menu is also offered with an optional sake pairing from its own master sake sommelier, Stuart Morris. One of only a handful of non-Japanese to pass the Kikisake-shi (Sake Master) test in the world, Morris serves up rare and delicious bottles at PABU including his own private label in collaboration with the Shindo Sake Brewery Co.
PABU, which also has a location in Boston, is part of the Mina Group, a San Francisco-based restaurant management company specializing in “upscale, innovative” restaurant concepts. Chef and founder Michael Mina’s accolades include the James Beard Foundation “Who’s Who of Food and Beverage” honor, Bon Appétit – Chef of the Year, – San Francisco Magazine – Chef of the Year, and International Food and Beverage Forum’s Restaurateur of the Year. His namesake restaurants in San Francisco and Las Vegas have each earned a Michelin star.
