COASTAL VISTAS BLOG- DAY 2

San Francisco Here We Come

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A benefit of staying at the airport hotel is with our morning flight we didn't have to get picked up so early and avoided rush-hour traffic.  After checking out of the hotel, we took a short walk of about one minute over to the check-in counter for our flight.  Once again, we proceeded through security using the Pre TSA Approval line allowing for an unobtrusive and speedy walk through security.  We then went to one of several lounges for the airline we fly as we waited for our plane.  

There were thunderstorms in the area a couple of hours before our flight, but fortunately the weather cleared and our flight took off on time.

Shortly after air bound, we had breakfast which consisted of oatmeal and some fruit along with water and coffee.  The flight was uneventful, and we passed the time by reading, conversing and watching a movie.  Keith watched the movie Concussion starring Will Smith.  It is a very well done movie.

Once we collected our luggage at the San Francisco airport, we were taken by our pre-arranged transportation to the Ritz Carlton where we will spend the next four days.  

​San Francisco offers a wide range of hotel accommodations.    We not only enjoy this Ritz Carlton property but we prefer its location.  We are big walkers and we can walk to many places from this property.  Another plus for this hotel its location in a relatively quiet spot in the city.  

Our first stay at this property was in the early 1990's when we returned to the city with our family.  Since then we have stayed here on each of our subsequent trips.  Our last stay was in 2012.

We alway take a room on the Club Floor as we enjoy the amenities of the Club Floor Lounge.  Shortly after checking into the Hotel, we did just that by having a light lunch at the Club Floor Lounge, before we explored the city.

A few years ago right before we last stayed at the hotel the main floor was redone in more contemporary styles and last year the rooms were also updated to reflect a more current look.  The same is true of the Club Floor.  These are photos of the suite we are staying in which coincidentally was the room we stayed at in 2002 before our first Crystal Cruise.

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After we checked into the hotel we enjoyed a light lunch and then went out to explore the city.  We walked from the Hotel all the way to the Ferry Building and then we walked to the newest cruise ship terminal at Pier 27.  The last time we were here they were constructing the pier for America's Cup.  We then walked over to the Union Square area and stopped off at a few stores.  We then enjoyed an early dinner at a nearby restaurant.  

These are some photos that we took during our walk.

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The weather was absolutely perfect with a nice breeze and a high close to 70 degrees fahrenheit.

Upon our return, we stopped by the Club Lounge for some wine.  Afterwards, Anne Marie unpacked while Keith took care of some items.  This included arrangements to take us to Pier 27 when we board Crystal Serenity this Friday and taking care of some items related to our community back home.

All in all we had a wonderful first day in San Francisco.  

Keith & Anne Marie