• Singapore Airlines SQ34 Singapore to San Francisco A350-900 – Premium Economy
• Carmel Valley Ranch
• San Francisco Marriott Marquis
• United Polaris Lounge, San Francisco International Airport
• Singapore Airlines SQ1 San Francisco to Hong Kong 777-300ER – Business
• SilverKris Lounge, Hong Kong International Airport
• Singapore Airlines SQ1 Hong Kong to Singapore 777-300ER – Business
• The Haven, Changi Airport Terminal 3

I landed on this property after an extensive stalking period.

There were so many properties in San Francisco city – it was really intensive research. Things got a little easier once I figured out I want to stay in the Union Square area and near the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) which will give me easy and direct access to the airport for my return flight, I managed to narrow down my list to Marriott properties to take advantage of my Plat Elite status. The Hiltons here where I could have enjoyed my Diamond benefits did not look good.

But even then it took a lot of stalking on flyertalk before I decided that only this is worth it as other JW / Marriottts in the same area runs a possibility of the Club Lounge being closed without notice. With plans to be solo during the last 2nights, I didn’t want to take any such risks. The recently completed refurbishment and enticing photos of the new rooms helped too.

Address – 780 Mission Street, San Francisco, California 94193. Website.

Contact – Tel: +1 415 8961600. Email: [no publicly available email]

Price – USD290++ per room per night under the Member Rate. The rates across my 4 nights was very different due to a conference happening those exact days and I was glad to be able to make use of CP’s 4NF to lower my average. A colleague of mine was also bunking in and reimbursing me equivalent of 1-night so that was appreciated.

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Getting There – our charted coach dropped us at Westin and it was a 10mins luggage push-pull walk to the property. 5 mins walk across the road from the popular Parc55 by Hilton as well.

Location – Although not as centrally located as rival chain Parc55, the property is still very much central in terms of being able to walk everywhere. Located at one corner of sorts of the city centre, it has immediate access to Powell BART station and the numerous MUNI cars / buses, as well as a 5-mins walk away from the Powell / Hyde and Powell / Mason Cable Car boarding point. Shops and restaurants are all within a 10-15mins walk radius so nothing to worry about there too.

Check In – I arrived around 3pm on a Sunday afternoon to a relatively empty lobby. The Elite desk was occupied so I was assisted by a cheerful associate who completed the check in in less than 10mins. I find the elevators’ color coding extremely helpful – pink elevators was the order of the day. I was also asked for my choice of welcome gift so I picked the 1,000 points instead of USD10 credit. Inside the key card envelope was also a little card explaining the Elite benefits and M Club Lounge timings. My late checkout for 4pm was also confirmed as part of the Plat benefits which was very much appreciated due to my late departure flight.

Room – I was given an upgrade from a normal King Room (27SqM) to a Larger Guest Room: 1 King, City View, Corner room (36SqM). Room 2849 was located right off the lift lobby and definitely fits the bill of being ‘larger’. I really appreciate all that space!

Apart from the comfy king bed, the space was adorned with a day sofa, a smart TV and work desk, as well as a closet complete with a ironing board, a safe, and a mini bar area.

The bathroom was spotless and modern equipped with a single sink but plenty towels of all sorts. Amenities were thisworks branded – never heard of them.

M Club Lounge:

Located on level 2, this is the Marquis brand’s interpretation of the Executive / Club Lounge. I had high expectations of it given my vast (hehe) experience in Asia. Plus, the room rates are not cheap.

Marketing spill for M Club:

For all your hard work, you deserve an exclusive space to retreat, recharge, and refocus. Anytime, any day, with 24/7 access. That place is the M Club, available at select Marriott Hotels.

The offering timings are as follow:

• 6:00am – 9:30am Breakfast
• 5:30pm – 7:30pm Evening Hors d’oeuvres
• 7:30pm – 10:00pm Desserts
• Coffee tea / non alcoholic drinks all day

My first impression of the space is …that it looks like an airport lounge. It seems there was no effort to have it look “elite” nor classy and simply a place for elites to hang out without any expectations. And they really need to up their game in terms of coffee quality!!

Breakfast: a decent but limited affair with eggs, bacon, waffles, oatmeal, bread and pastries, fruits, yoghurt.

Evening Hors d’oeuvres: a small-ish selection but always with one thoughtful hot dish, 3-4 cheeses, cold cuts, a chowder (very nice!), fruits, and salads. There is also a self-service honor bar where you can purchase wines with your key card if you like – prices are clearly stated. The offerings were sufficient as dinner for my nights which was quite nice.

Desserts: bite size cakes and cookies / brownies capped the nightly ritual.

Facilities – I manage to check out the gym on two mornings and was pleasantly surprised that it spans over 2 stories and super well equipped. Gym bluffs will definitely love this place. Pity that there is no pool though.

There is also a small café located at the lobby level, Mission Street Pantry, which serves up better quality coffee and bites / snacks with sit in area. Purchases can be charged to your room to rack up those points.

Service – Consistent efficiently throughout the stay including housekeeping. Nothing to fault and befitting of Marriott standards.

Check Out – Fuss free and quickly completed in 10mins at the front desk. Did not have to give my card again as the final bill will be deducted off the security deposit.

In summary,

I was pleased with my choice and the evening offerings at M Club Lounge was indeed my life saver for the 2 solo nights. It not a cheap property but then again, no hotel in SFO is. Was quite pleased with how the facilities offered enhanced my stay and would be happy to come back again if the prices are not sky high.

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