The Summer of Love may have been more than thirty years ago, but the peace, love and rock and roll attitude that put her on the musical map is alive and well in the City by the Bay. San Francisco is home to one of the most eclectic, unique, and non-commercial places to find unique contemporary music. If it is variety you seek, San Francisco is the right place.
“Anything goes” is still the order of the day here, especially when San Franciscan’s seek out entertainment. Not only Rock enthusiasts, but also those seeking rock’s roots- namely jazz, the blues; and the contemporary hybrids techno, Asian hip hop will find something here.
Home to millionaires, celebrities and the birthplace of every other do-com, San Francisco remains one of the most expensive cities in the United States. So if budget is a concern, keep this in mind while planning your trip.
KRIS PICKS:
The Phoenix Hotel
www.phoenixhotel.com
601 Eddy St
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 776-1380
Long known as the choice of rock stars, The Phoenix Hotel is by far the most likely place to spot bands playing the area’s nightspots. The hotel architecture is indicative of the mid-century motel; a two story building with wrap-around balconies overlooking a courtyard complete with kidney bean shaped swimming pool. The staff is very polite, but don’t try to get them to cop to what name-talent are guests. You’d just as soon get a response out of Buckingham Palace Guard. In fact, the best attempts to find out who might be currently registered at the hotel will not yield a result. You’ll just tick them off. Instead of trying to find out who is staying at The Phoenix, just relax by the pool, or at The Whisky Bar, (or is it Back Flip?) knowing that stars such as Anthony Kiedis, David Bowie and Sinead O’Connor have been where you are now. The Phoenix Hotel is located in the city’s urban center, The Tenderloin. As this is not the safest part of the city, be mindful when stepping out into the surrounding neighborhood.
The Hotel Triton
ww.hoteltriton.com
342 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 394-0500
Adjacent to San Francisco’s world-famous landmark Chinatown gates, you will find the Hotel Triton. Here, music lovers have the opportunity to rent a room furnished by a San Francisco rock star. The idea was conceived years ago by hotel staff who enlisted the help of notable music personalities such as Carlos Santana, as well as stay in the Jerry Garcia inspired room. (call the hotel). Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers have already put their personal stamp on rooms of their own.
Hotel Monaco
www.monaco-sf.com
501 Geary St
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 292-0100
For those seeking the inspiration of a top musician, but the accoutrement of a four-star hotel, the Hotel Monaco is the perfect choice. Here one can rent the Grace Slick Hotel Suite, inspired and designed by the former Jefferson Airplane/Starship front woman herself.
Hotel Boheme
www.hotelboheme.com
444 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 433-9111
While the Beat Generation wrote lyrics of the non-musical variety, it’s virtually impossible to ignore its direct influence on Rock n Roll. Lou Reed, Kurt Cobain, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, The Beatles and so many more musicians have called the Beat Movement a source of rebellious inspiration. Rumor even has it that John Lennon added the ‘a’ to the spelling of his band’s name as homage to his idol Jack Kerouac.
With that inspiration in mind, we offer The Hotel Boheme, a truly unique Beat-inspired hotel in the heart of San Francisco’s North Beach district. This quaint 15-room inn was a popular spot with Alan Ginsberg. Its also a few doors down from the historic Beat hangout, Vesuvio.
DO THEY OFFER BED AND BREAKFAST?
Red Victorian Bed, Breakfast & Art
www.redvic.com
1665 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 864-1978
For those looking to satisfy the quintessential San Francisco rock and roll experience, we suggest the Red Victorian Bed, Breakfast & Art B&B. This centrally located Bed and breakfast is not far from the epicenter of hippy culture- Haight Ashbury. Each room is treated with a hippie vibe. Tie die optional.
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