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The St. Regis San Francisco Among First Hotels and Resorts in the World to Achieve Health Security Verification

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The St. Regis San Francisco, the city’s premier address for luxury accommodations, gracious service and timeless elegance is proud to announce that it is among the first hotels in the world to become Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED® with Forbes Travel Guide. The comprehensive facility verification helps ensure that guests and travel planners can book with confidence at properties that have appropriate health safety procedures in place. 

This verification comes with an easily identifiable “seal of approval” – the Sharecare VERIFIED® with Forbes Travel Guide badge – based on a hotel’s compliance with expert-validated best practices that minimize the risk and impact of COVID-19 and potential future public health events. 

“The safety and comfort of our clients has always been a great priority for the hotel,” said Jacqueline Volkart, general manager of The St. Regis San Francisco. “Investing in health safety procedures to try to curb the spread of Covid-19 means we can continue to provide the world-class service that our guests deserve and seek when staying with us. We look forward to safely welcoming guests now with a credible certification that boosts their confidence when choosing the next destination.”

Developed by Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on genuine Five-Star service, and digital health industry leader Sharecare, the comprehensive verification covers more than 360 standards across health and hygiene protocols, cleaning products and procedures, ventilation, physical distancing, the guest experience, and health safety communication with guests and employees. Hotels are required to verify their health protocols on an ongoing basis to ensure continued compliance with the most up-to-date global health standards.

“The pandemic has made it clear that hotels and resorts must, first and foremost, assure guests of their safety,” said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “By becoming VERIFIED®, The St. Regis San Francisco has demonstrated its commitment to creating a culture of accountability and following global best practices to heighten health security, certified by a third party.”

For more information about The St. Regis San Francisco and its many offerings, please visit https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sfoxr-the-st-regis-san-francisco/.  For a complete list of hotels and resorts that currently are Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED® with Forbes Travel Guide, please visit www.forbestravelguide.com/verified.

About The St. Regis San Francisco

The St. Regis San Francisco opened in November 2005, introducing a new dimension of luxury, uncompromising service, and timeless elegance to the city of San Francisco. The 40-story landmark building, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, includes 100 private residences rising 19 levels above the 260-room St. Regis Hotel. From legendary butler service, “anticipatory” guest care and impeccable staff training to the signature Remède Spa, luxurious amenities and interior design by Yabu Pushelberg of Toronto, The St. Regis San Francisco delivers an unmatched guest experience. The St. Regis San Francisco is located at 125 Third Street. Telephone: 415.284.4000.

Media contacts:  Hwee Peng Yeo, Laura Gigounas, Danyelle Simpkins and Grecia Corleto at Glodow Nead Communications, 415.394.6500 or StRegisPR@glodownead.com .

Afternoon Tea and Sunset Champagne Sabering Tips Bring St. Regis San Francisco Traditions to Guests Awaiting Return

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The St. Regis San Francisco, the city’s premier address for luxury accommodations, gracious service and timeless elegance, is sharing tips on how to create two of its celebrated and longstanding daily rituals – the Afternoon Tea Ritual and the Evening Ritual – at home while guests wait for a return to travel and a visit to the property. 

“Rituals are an integral part of the property and the St. Regis brand,” said Jacqueline Volkart, general manager of The St. Regis San Francisco. “They are steeped in tradition and experiencing them in person feels magical.  We hope these tips bring a little of that charm home to our guests during a time when many cannot travel. We hope it inspires our guests to return to the Best Address as soon as restrictions are lifted.”

The Afternoon Tea Ritual, also known as the Art of Tea, is typically offered in the Lobby Lounge by reservation only.  The St. Regis San Francisco’s modern interpretation of the timeless experience includes delectable, seasonal bites crafted by Chef Joseph Tiano using locally sourced ingredients.  Served on an elegant tower, the fare is paired with aromatic teas from around the world.  

“Our afternoon tea experience is perfect for those needing a break during the workday or wish to celebrate during the weekend” said Volkart. “It’s a rejuvenating, calming ritual.”

Chef Tiano recommends pairing Orange Rooibos tea with Maple Glazed Pumpkin Pecan Bread (recipe below). Prior to serving, the host should set out accoutrements including cloth napkins, tray, silver spoons, and fine china teacups.  Tea and bread should be served with sweeteners and milk.

Maple Glazed Pumpkin Pecan Bread

1-1/2 cup powdered sugar

1-1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

8 oz pumpkin puree

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/2 cup pecans chopped

Method

Preheat oven to 300° F. Grease and flour muffin tins with pan spray. 

Combine the sugar, eggs and oil in a large bowl.  Combine well with a whisk or electric mixer. Stir in pumpkin puree. Combine flour and spices and gradually add to the pumpkin mix. Add the chopped pecans. Spoon the mixture halfway up the mold. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a wooden pick comes out clean and let cool. Plate the bread on a rack and spoon maple glaze over the top.

Maple Glaze

1-1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

Sift the powdered sugar into a bowl to ensure no lumps. Mix in the remainder of ingredients.

The Evening Ritual, also known as the Champagne Sabering, dates back to the early 20th century when Mrs. Astor, the matriarch of the St. Regis brand, gathered friends and family for a Champagne toast to mark the transition from day to evening. 

“The Champagne Sabering is the perfect way to celebrate the end of a long workday,” said Volkart.  “It is traditionally performed at sunset.”

While The St. Regis San Francisco uses a saber to perform the ritual, any sharp knife will work.  Champagne or an alternative should be chilled 24 hours prior to the ceremony to lower pressure and vibration.  In preparation, candles should be lit and soft music played. Begin the ritual by showcasing the Champagne in an ice bucket and on a cart that includes a saber and glassware.  Hold the bottle neck at a 20-degree angle with the sword cast down on the neck of the bottle. Carefully pointing the bottle up, slide the blade of the saber along the body of the bottle toward the neck. The force of the blade as it hits the tip of the bottle’s neck will break the glass. Once the bottle has been sabered, allow a small flow of champagne to wash away any loose shards of glass that may have adhered to the neck. Check the first glass of champagne for any stray shards.

Chef Tiano recommends pairing the Champagne with Blinis & Caviar.  His caviar recommendations include American Paddlefish, American Hackleback Sturgeon, Red Salmon Eggs or Osetra.  Chef Tiano’s special Blini recipe follows below.  Recommended accompaniments include crème fraiche or sour cream and chives.

Buckwheat Blini

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup buckwheat flour

1 egg (separated)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon instant yeast

1 cup warm milk

2 tablespoons butter

Method

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, buckwheat flour, salt and yeast.  Mix well and pour in milk. Mix until smooth, cover the bowl and let the batter rise until doubled (around one hour). Stir cooled melted butter and egg yolk into the batter.  In a separate bowl, whip the egg white to a stiff peak and fold into the batter.  Cover and let stand for 20 minutes.  In a medium nonstick pan on medium heat, drop the batter in quarter-size drops and cook for one minute.  Turn and cook for 30 seconds. Remove and continue with the remainder of batter, keep on a plate with a cover.

“We very much look forward to welcoming our guests back to our Lobby Lounge to experience these rituals with us soon,” said Volkart. “Until then, we hope they are enjoyed with loved ones in the comfort of home.”

For more information about The St. Regis San Francisco and its many offerings, please visit www.thestregissanfrancisco.com

About The St. Regis San Francisco

The St. Regis San Francisco opened in November 2005, introducing a new dimension of luxury, uncompromising service, and timeless elegance to the city of San Francisco. The 40-story landmark building, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, includes 100 private residences rising 19 levels above the 260-room St. Regis Hotel. From legendary butler service, “anticipatory” guest care and impeccable staff training to the signature Remède Spa, luxurious amenities and interior design by Yabu Pushelberg of Toronto, The St. Regis San Francisco delivers an unmatched guest experience. The St. Regis San Francisco is located at 125 Third Street. Telephone: 415.284.4000.

Media contacts:  Hwee Peng Yeo, Laura Gigounas, Danyelle Simpkins and Grecia Corleto at Glodow Nead Communications, 415.394.6500 or StRegisPR@glodownead.com

The St. Regis San Francisco Receives Forbes Five-Star Award

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The St. Regis San Francisco, the city’s premier address for luxury accommodations, gracious service and timeless elegance, is pleased to announce that Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, has named the hotel one of the world’s Five-Star properties in its 2021 annual Star Awards. The St. Regis San Francisco will be showcased with other honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com.

“We are honored and proud to be recognized by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide as a Five-Star property,” said Jacqueline Volkart, general manager of the hotel.  “The St. Regis San Francisco was built from the ground up with the intention of introducing an unprecedented level of luxury, service and elegance of design to San Francisco, and our dedication to those ideals continues to this day.  My heartfelt appreciation goes to my entire St. Regis San Francisco team of hosts, who are dedicated to make the everyday exquisite. It is because of their uncompromising commitment to excellence each and every day that we are able to celebrate this great honor.”

Earlier this year, The St. Regis San Francisco unveiled a redesign of the hotel’s guestrooms and meeting and event spaces in collaboration with Toronto-based Chapi Chapo Design, a multidisciplinary design house whose principals played key roles in the original design of the property.  The St. Regis San Francisco’s 260 rooms and suites were refitted with customized furniture, exclusive to the hotel.  The redesign also focused on enhancing The St. Regis San Francisco’s 15,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces, creating refined, comfortable and innovative areas designed to facilitate conversation and collaboration. 

Forbes Travel Guide, the world-renowned authority for Five-Star service, announced its 2020 Star Awards in February. FTG is adding to the prestigious award winners list by revealing some of the 2021 winners early to provide getaway inspiration as travel picks up post-quarantine. The early winners for 2021 were inspected prior to COVID-19 closures.

“It gives us much pleasure to recognize these deserving properties with the 2021 awards,” said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “We hope that these excellent properties will prompt travelers to start dreaming about their next trip and build anticipation for our forthcoming full slate of awards in 2021.” 

He added, “It is difficult to earn a Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating, and all of our winners have demonstrated dedication in their passion for service. We congratulate them all and their commitment to consistently deliver excellence to guests.”

Forbes Travel Guide will celebrate the full list of 2021 Star Award winners in spring 2021.

To view the new Star Award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.

For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here.  Images of the hotel are available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fcb9gvk19xqrewd/AAAmuTPL9ENXbpqMOvhZrJw9a?dl=0

About The St. Regis San Francisco:

The St. Regis San Francisco opened in November 2005, introducing a new dimension of luxury, uncompromising service, and timeless elegance to the city of San Francisco. The 40-story landmark building, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, includes 100 private residences rising 19 levels above the 260-room St. Regis Hotel. From legendary butler service, “anticipatory” guest care and impeccable staff training to the signature Remède Spa, luxurious amenities and interior design by Yabu Pushelberg of Toronto, The St. Regis San Francisco delivers an unmatched guest experience. The St. Regis San Francisco is located at 125 Third Street. Telephone: 415.284.4000.

Connect with Forbes Travel Guide:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ForbesTravelGuide

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ForbesInspector

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ForbesTravelGuide

About Forbes Travel Guide:

Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on up to 900 objective standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world’s best luxury experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Hwee Peng Yeo, Executive VP, Glodow Nead Communications, US: 415-394-6500, hweepeng@glodownead.com

The St. Regis San Francisco Unveils Newly Designed Guest Rooms, Meeting and Event Spaces

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The St. Regis San Francisco, the city’s premier address for luxury accommodations, gracious service and timeless elegance, is pleased to unveil the redesign of the hotel’s guestrooms and meeting and event spaces.  The refresh was done in collaboration with Toronto-based Chapi Chapo Design, a multidisciplinary design house whose principals played key roles in the original design of the property. 

“While we remain ever dedicated to upholding the St. Regis’ high standards and rich heritage, we are equally committed to meeting the evolving needs of today’s traveler, and particularly of the young professionals who bring such energy and creative thinking to today’s workplace,” said Jacqueline Volkart, general manager of the hotel.  “We are very pleased to introduce our new interior design to San Francisco and to our guests from around the world.”

Namesake of the famed St. Regis Hotel in New York City, founded by John Jacob Astor in 1904 and synonymous worldwide with design excellence, European-style elegance and personalized “anticipatory service,” The St. Regis San Francisco introduced a new dimension of luxury and gracious living to San Francisco, personified by the signature St. Regis butler service, when it opened in 2005.  The hotel remains the crowning jewel of the Yerba Buena cultural corridor, steps from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Contemporary Jewish Museum and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and proximate to Union Square, the financial district and the Moscone Convention Center.

“This has been a wonderful opportunity for us to return to The St. Regis San Francisco,” said Boris Mathias, co-CEO of Chapi Chapo Design.  “Our goal was to honor St. Regis’ distinctive heritage while refreshing the property with a design that captures San Francisco’s innovative spirit, rich history and natural beauty, and to create ultra-luxe guest rooms and event spaces that anticipate the needs of today’s discerning traveler.”

The St. Regis San Francisco’s 260 rooms and suites were refitted with customized furniture, exclusive to the hotel.  New room seating includes chairs and ottomans designed both for lounging and working.  Headboards picoted with rich leather paneling, suggestive of a luxury sports car interior, also serve as homes for the connections that power the rooms’ sophisticated technological upgrades.  San Francisco’s iconic hills and valleys are subtly referenced in wall covering that features the soft curves of a Richard Serra-inspired sculpture.  Viewed through layered smoked desk glass, California’s glorious panoramas, as captured by legendary landscape photographer Ansel Adams, evoke the dreamy intrigue of a Dashiell Hammett novel. 

Continuing the theme of wedding historic milestones to contemporary sensibility, the California Gold Rush of 1849 that put San Francisco on the map is referenced by a color palette of silver, copper and iron, adding an alluring luster to the rooms’ ambience but setting off distinctive custom 3D computer graphic applications created by Christo Saba.  The artwork pays homage to the innovative spirit of San Francisco with subtle visualizations of past luminaries and today’s tech industry giants.

The redesign also focused on enhancing The St. Regis San Francisco’s 15,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces, creating refined, comfortable and innovative areas designed to facilitate conversation and collaboration.  Continuing to balance tradition and contemporaneity, the new custom carpet in the ballroom features a modern, earthy abstract pattern with unexpected bursts of color that ideally complements the room’s magnificent existing chandelier.

And with a subtle touch of whimsey that acknowledges the city’s storied geological uncertainty, Chapi Chapo Design fitted the hotel’s meeting spaces with tectonic-plate themed custom-designed carpet.  

For more information on the property please visit www.thestregissanfrancisco.com.  For images of the Chapi Chapo Design redesign, please visit this link.

About The St. Regis San Francisco:

The St. Regis San Francisco opened in November 2005, introducing a new dimension of luxury, uncompromising service, and timeless elegance to the city of San Francisco. The 40-story landmark building, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, includes 100 private residences rising 19 levels above the 260-room St. Regis Hotel. From legendary butler service, “anticipatory” guest care and impeccable staff training to the signature Remède Spa, luxurious amenities and interior design by Yabu Pushelberg of Toronto, The St. Regis San Francisco delivers an unmatched guest experience. The St. Regis San Francisco is located at 125 Third Street. Telephone: 415.284.4000.

About Chapi Chapo Design:

Drawing the name from a 1970’s French cartoon show, Chapi Chapo Design brings personality, European flair and refined expertise to all projects, drawing on extensive experience creating cultured and imaginative designs for hospitality, luxury residential, high-end condominium, retail, and restaurant interiors, curating spaces that resonate through time.  The international, award-winning firm has worked with distinguished industry brands, including Four Seasons, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Intercontinental, and many others, exposing their dynamic studio to complex, global endeavors.  The design team consists of 35+ talented multi-cultural designers who create vibrant narratives for spaces using unique custom designs.  Global pro bono work is also central to the firm’s mandate, with the team designing impactful projects for humanitarian development missions, including a public-school library program in Kenya.  Chapi Chapo Design has become an endorsed innovator in the world of sophisticated and inspired design.  They are imbued with the spirit to do something exceptional for every project! 

Media contacts:  Hwee Peng Yeo, Laura Gigounas, Danyelle Simpkins and Grecia Corleto at Glodow Nead Communications, 415.394.6500 or StRegisPR@glodownead.com.

The St. Regis San Francisco Debuts Exquisite Valentine’s Package

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The St. Regis San Francisco, the city’s quintessential destination for modern elegance, is offering the opportunity to partake in an exceptional Valentine’s experience featuring exclusive & bespoke amenities.  Priced at $50,000, the package is available to book throughout the month of February.

“The St. Regis San Francisco is very pleased to offer guests an array of spectacular experiences to inspire the most romantic getaway yet,” said Jacqueline Volkart, general manager of The St. Regis San Francisco. “These exquisite, once-in-a-lifetime offerings will create memories couples will cherish forever.” 

The extraordinary Valentine’s package at The St. Regis San Francisco includes a two-night stay in The Presidential Suite and a host of unique offerings, including:

  • In partnership with VRAI and Diamond Foundry, the world’s first certified carbon neutral diamond producer, guests will have unprecedented access to unique diamond shapes and sizes, beyond the traditional cuts currently available to the general public. These never-before-seen diamonds can be chosen to create customized, one-of-a-kind earrings or a solitaire necklace set in the gold color of their choice. (The price of the diamond and final piece of jewelry are not included.)
  • Ferry Building Farmer’s Market tour with Executive Chef Joseph Tiano where together, guests and chef, will select ingredients that will be used to curate an in-suite bespoke dinner for two.
  • The St. Regis San Francisco’s 9,000 square foot spa, including its tranquil indoor saltwater infinity pool featuring spectacular city views, will turn into a romantic, private, after-hours, oasis where guests will enjoy customized, luxurious spa treatments of their choice.
  • Private in-suite champagne sabering
  • A delectable Chinese New Year-inspired Art of Tea tasting in the Lobby Lounge, featuring aromatic Dammann teas from around the world, and sweet and savory bites, including artisan Dim Sum.
  • Private St. Regis Signature Butler service throughout stay

Advance notice is required for booking the Valentine’s package at which time a non-refundable, full prepayment will be taken.  Blackout dates apply, and bookings are available through the end of February 2020.  For guests who would like to receive their customized jewelry by Valentine’s Day, Diamond Foundry will provide a computer aided design (CAD) image of the desired piece in advance of arrival.  Pricing for diamonds not included.  For reservations or inquiries, please call 866-716-8116 or visit www.stregissanfrancisco.com.

Other offerings at The St. Regis San Francisco this February include the return of the spa’s fabulous “Love & Haight” massage.  The “Love & Haight” massage pays homage to the city’s Haight Ashbury neighborhood synonymous with the 1960’s counterculture movement that promoted peace, love and the use of marijuana.  Substituting traditional essential oils commonly used in massage therapy for CBD derived oil from hemp, the “Love & Haight” CBD hot oil massage contains no THC, or the psychoactive effects associated with its use, but offers all the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits associated with CBD.  The massage leaves guests feeling revitalized, rejuvenated, and replenished.  The treatment is offered at $275 for 60 minutes, $350 for 90 minutes and can be booked throughout February by calling The St. Regis San Francisco in advance at 415.284.4060.

Additionally, on Valentine’s Day The Grill at The St. Regis San Francisco will offer an exclusively curated three-course dinner to set the mood for a romantic evening.  Available for $100 per person, the pre-fixe menu features delectable items such as, Tuna & Beet Tartar, County Line Greens, Lamb Loin and Chocolate Pot de Crème, perfect for sharing. Reservations can be booked by calling (415) 284-4188.

For more information, please visit www.thestregissanfrancisco.com.

About The St. Regis San Francisco:

The St. Regis San Francisco opened in November 2005, introducing a new dimension of luxury, uncompromising service, and timeless elegance to the city of San Francisco. The 40-story landmark building, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, includes 100 private residences rising 19 levels above the 260-room St. Regis Hotel. From legendary butler service, “anticipatory” guest care and impeccable staff training to the signature Remède Spa, luxurious amenities and interior design by Yabu Pushelberg of Toronto, The St. Regis San Francisco delivers an unmatched guest experience. The St. Regis San Francisco is located at 125 Third Street. Telephone: 415.284.4000.

Media contacts:  Hwee Peng Yeo, Laura Gigounas, Danyelle Simpkins and Grecia Corleto at Glodow Nead Communications, 415.394.6500 or StRegisPR@glodownead.com.