So I haven’t read the book everyone is reading – yes, that one. But I know enough of the plot that I’m not surprised the Personality Hotels in San Francisco has launched a “Fifty Shades of Women” package.
I had the pleasure of staying in Hotel Diva last month, one of the four female-owned hotels in the company. From the sensual vibe in the barely lit elevator to the window shades imprinted with silhouettes of women’s stiletto-wearing legs or corset-clad torsos, Hotel Diva sets the mood for frisky fun before you even slip on that lacy lingerie. Located near all the best shopping and just a walk or trolley car ride away from popular sites in San Francisco, Hotel Diva is a perfect spot for a girlfriend getaway or a romantic stay with a fun-loving partner.
The charm of the Personality Hotels is that each property has its own, well, yes, personality. Kensington Park Hotel is the grand dame of the hotels, housed in a 1925 Gothic-style building. With its beautiful lobby with the hand-painted ceiling, this is your choice when luxury is desired. While you can enjoy a complimentary sake tasting at the Hotel Diva, here you’ll be sipping sherry or tea in the afternoon.
Traveling with the kids? Get the true San Francisco experience at Hotel Union Square, which was built in 1913 and located near the cable car turnaround. Families may opt for the Kids’ Suite. Literary fans will want to check out the Dashiell Hammett Suite, where the famous novelist housed his fiancé Josephine Dolan when she moved to San Francisco. The suite includes a vintage suitcase full of his novels and a replica of his desk. Guests here enjoy a complimentary evening wine reception.
Giants fans will feel right at home in the brand-new Giants Suite. Painted bright orange, the suite is covered in Giants items with window shades that say Fear the Beard.
The last property in the hotel company is the Steinhart Hotel, with studios and one-bedroom apartments. This would be your choice for longer stays or if you prefer a kitchen when you travel. You also have the use of a charcoal grill and patio to enjoy in the warmer months.
The “Fifty Shades of Women” package, available at all four hotels, includes an intimacy kit wrapped in a satin scarf accented with a pink feather and a pom pom feather. (I’ll leave the details of what’s in the kit up to your imagination. But if whips are your thing, pack your own.) Rates start at $369 a night.