The Palace Hotel of San Francisco at Christmas
One of San Francisco's finest hotels is the Palace Hotel on Market Street. It is one of the oldest in the city. It was already in operation in the early 20th century and it actually withstood the 1906 earthquake which devastated much of downtown. It reopened in 1990 much to the delight of many locals.
I visit the hotel often to gaze and often stand in awe of its magnificent courtyard now turned restaurant. It is often besieged more than any time of year during the Easter holidays and Christmas. It is an expensive place to dine but very elegant.
There used to be a Men's Wearhouse boutique on its ground floor exactly on the corner of Market Street and New Montgomery. A Ghirardelli Chocolate store and restaurant has since taken over and it is a delight to see and frequent. Just so you know, every visitor who enters its premises is given a free chocolate square. Be careful though, it can be addicting. More often than not, you end up buying a bag of 25, 50 or heaven forbid, 75 chocolate pieces. We all have to watch out for our figures, don't we?
Chocolates galore at the Ghirardelli Factory
Back to the Palace Hotel, this nutcracker greeted visitors by the entrance to the outdoor courtyard turned indoor restaurant. Should you have a chance to come and visit SFO, try their morning brunch.
The glass chandeliers hanging from the glass ceiling of the Palace Hotel
A fuller view of the domed glass ceiling inside the historic hotel
What a sight! I come here every year, many times in fact during the holiday season to look at this tree. The setting is superb.
It's not Europe folks, just my adopted hometown.