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San Francisco Green Hotels - The Orchard Garden Hotel

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Julia Rosien | 01/10/2008 - 10:00 | Add new comment

Earth-friendly luxury in San Francisco

The Orchard Garden HotelThe Orchard Garden HotelJust a few steps from Chinatown sits one of my new favorite hotels in San Francisco. It's smack-dab in the center of the historically Italian area, but there's nothing historic, antiquated or tired about this new kid on the block.

The Orchard Garden Hotel takes eco-friendly to dizzying heights. The beige-on-beige lobby is an enlightened reincarnation of builder's rubble (it looks better in this life) - even the ink they use to print out your bill is made from soy.

I stayed in the garden suite on the top floor and Orchard Garden PatioOrchard Garden Patioswitched off the air conditioner during my stay. The air in San Francisco smells so good and I was happy to contribute to the green theme.

 

What they do right...

  • Eco-amazing: The Orchard Garden takes the eco theme and spins it high-tech in the rooms. A key card regulates all energy coming into the room - a terrific way to prevent computers, TVs and lights from being left on.
  • Personalized Attention: All good hotels know that turning a one-nighter into a devotee begins with impeccable service. That task is doubly hard in San Francisco, where hotels outnumber cabbies. Front staff at The Orchard Garden knew my name from the moment I checked in and the porter even repaired a strap on my suitcase - a porter from another hotel broke it.

What they need help with...

  • Design: The beige-on-beige and green-on-Orchard GardenOrchard Gardengreen gets a little tiring - as does the foliage slapped on everything larger than a teaspoon. A little contrast might make it feel less 70s minimalist.
  • Parking: Okay, every hotel in San Francisco needs help with this, so we'll let this one go.

Passport to The Orchard Garden Hotel

  • 86 rooms, 4 suites
  • Year built: 2006
  • Dining - Roots Restaurant, room service available
  • Each room features headboards made from sustainably grown maple, Egyptian cotton linens and robes.
  • Gym, rooftop garden, car service to the financial district Monday-Friday
  • Close by: Chinatown, North Beach, Union Square & Nob Hill
  • Room Rates
  • Standard Minimum: $179US
  • Suite Maximum: $399US

The Orchard Garden Hotel

466 Bush St.
San Francisco, California
94108
Toll Free: 888-717-2881

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