TAJ CAMPTON PLACE Luxe

Was back in SFO after a long time and stayed at the Taj campton for 4 nights in June . I try to stay in Taj properties whenever I can so I was really looking forward to this stay. What intrigued me was how a Taj property in the US would deliver 'tajness' that is distinctly American and not a replica of what I know and have come to expect in Asia. More on that later. First the location. The Taj is right across the road from union square and walking distance to Starbucks (right next door), CVS pharmacy, the Nike store, Apple Store, Macy's, Barney's, saks, Williams Sonoma and a host of designer stores. There are plenty of food choices within walking distance . We used a combination of concierge recommendations and apps to find places to eat and things to do each day. Location does not get anymore prime than this. Back to the hotel. Having walked into a number of Taj properties around the world, I would say the lobby is a little under-whelming. That said, after you adjust yourself to this being San Francisco white space is at a premium, you start noticing tajness right from where the airport transfer dropped us off. The front office team (door men, concierge, bell boys, receptionists) are top notch and just fabulous and friendly. The hotel has orchids and lillies running through the lobby and most common areas. It's a nice touch. Check in was a breeze and we were shown to our room quickly. Having stayed in hotels in New York, I was expecting a small room. Was pleasantly surprised. The rooms are spacious (by US standards) and well appointed. Excellent bedding and Molton brown toiletries. There is no standalone shower and you have to step into the bathtub for a shower. That's Ok but what there is a rather high step one has to take to get into and out of the bathtub. The was complimentary wifi but speeds were slow (though sufficient for most daily activities). You can purchase hi-speed internet. The housekeeping crew were very good and very perceptive. The hotel houses a two michelin star restaurant though we did not manage to get to that . We had room service a few times and the food quality is exceptional. Was nice getting a decent cup of masala chai (though each time it tasted different). Tajness was delivered in a unique American way...would definitely recommend this property.

Where to start My husband booked a birthday/anniversary dinner at the Taj Compton Place. What an amazing experience from start to finish. I chose to go for the vegetarian de gestation menu and I was not disappointed. The amuse-bouche were unbelievable every bite was delicious starting dinner with summer salad which had pomegranate and raitha snow. Spice pot followed luscious tamirand chutney it was an amazing experience on my tongue and taste buds. Cauliflower to follow had an Indian influence then onto plantain kebab each one a delight. Then I swapped over for a duck course which was totally out of this world. It was also great being able to mix and match between the two menu choices. Rose and raspberry to cleanse the palate.To finish rhubarb pistachio and sorrel Heaven on a plate the whole experience was just divine I think everyone should be able to feel the sheer pleasure a dining event can be Thanks so much for sharing

Really good hotel and staff are great! Food really lovely too. Will be happy to go back again. Close proximity to union square, shopping and restaurants. My room was not close to the traffic so slept well

The hotel door staff, concierge and front desk staff are all superb at Campton Place. The room we were allocated this stay had more storage than on our last stay and was very comfortable. The housekeeping was particularly thoughtful, for example a cleaning cloth for spectacles is placed under your reading glasses beside the bed. The level of luxury from bed linens to bath products is evident making the stay feel special. The only change on this visit was the quality of food and service at breakfast, on the first day apart from the eggs the rest of the food on the plate was cold, on the second day we waited to be seated for a few minutes and then decided to seat ourselves, a staff member came into the dining room just as we were about to sit down putting a finger to his mouth saying "shhhh" and then asking if we were "just looking". The implication was that we had just walked off the street and that we didn't look like guests (I was in shorts). We weren't given good service by this member of the team which was in contrast to the other 8 breakfasts we have had here over the last year when staying here. Later in the meal when we were looked after by a member of the team who remembers our preferences things improved but by this stage we didn't feel welcome. It was a rare glitch but took the shine off this stay.

Ask for a teabag in your room...... more of that in a minute. A great stay, fabulous location, very welcoming and friendly - proper home from home. Back to the teabag.... a silly thing but you get free tea / coffee in the room, last two days no English teabags, penultimate day being British don't want to make a fuss we will have green tea..... last day all we are left with is jasmine tea ( who drinks this stuff) so rang down to reception and politely asked if we could have two English teabags.... the answer was yes sir two dollars fifty each.....what''' Especially as you have free tea and coffee in reception. Tempting to trade in the jasmines for English.......in the end the came but a bit of a surprising fight. May sound a bit pathetic to some of you but I like a cup of tea in the morning and love a hotel that has real attention to detail and doesn't quibble over silly things. Don't let it put you off it was a blip in an otherwise faultless stay.... thanks Corinna and team