Hotel des Arts, San Francisco
Hotel and Art Gallery

The Hotel des Arts is possibly the most artistic hotel in San Francisco. Owner and manager Hero Nakatani brought his love for Hotels and Art together and turned Hotel des Arts from the lobby to the guest rooms into a gallery. He has managed to transform this old but charming Victorian boarding house into a chic and trendy Hotel.

Hotel des Arts, SFO

He gave local street artists carte blanche to use walls, furniture, and ceilings as their canvas. The result is not simply decoration matching curtains and carpets, but a Hotel that can compete with just about any Gallery in town. 36 of the 51 rooms are unique artistic works of art from the beautiful to the funky and very edgy.

The variety of artistic expression couldn't be broader. The painted rooms ranges from Chandra Michaels' (sugarluxe) "sweet art" to Anthony Skirvin's "cabin in the woods" with a messy workshop corner, just as if somebody had left the place in a hurry. APEX sprayed elegant shapes in subdued colours onto the walls, whereas techno inspired Punkadelik choose the flamboyant use of primary colours, something completely different to Kelly Tunstall's atmospheric and elegant ambiance, impressions of Chinatown, female characters and small animals - a rich tapestry of every-day life. "It's a big, vibrant diary", she says.

Southern warmth
by Bloum Cardenas

Bloum Cardenas (granddaughter of Nikki de Saint Phalle) and Regis Silva borrowed the warm colours and lively scenes from the South.

Brian Ermanski's room however explodes in a symphony of loud colours and street graffiti that could have easily ended in a nervous and messy result, but it feels surprisingly composed.

Some artists created restful havens, while others have tapped into the darker side of their lives. Jeremy Fish, with his trademark bunnies and skulls, tries "to bridge between cute, approachable cuddly and creepy/scary," and Christopher Ybarra's provokes the dark side of voodoo.

I wonder if anyone ever rejected to stay in a room?

”Sweet Art” by sugarluxe

The same artists who create the rooms have their individual paintings showcased on the hallway and staircase walls. Doors to the rooms are painted and give an idea of what's waiting behind.

Every three month Hero Nakatani gives another group of artists the opportunity to repaint rooms. The result, together with the individual paintings hanging on the walls, is shown in regular openings to the public.

What to Expect

Messy corner by Anthony Skirvin

The rooms in European-style Victorian houses are generally small - especially for American standards. Squeaky floors, steep staircases, and an old fashioned elevator add to the charm, authenticity, and character of the Hotel.

The Stars of the hotel are the painted rooms - furniture is kept minimal, yet stylish, as not to compete with the vibrant art covered walls. It captures the hippie and bohemian vibe San Francisco is known for but has lost more and more over time.

The bathrooms are small, and in some cases, the sink is in the bedroom itself. Some rooms have shared bathrooms.

Explosive colors
by Brian Ermanski

The rooms toward the street can be noisy if windows are opened. Especially in the warmer season with no air conditioner, a slight problem. Tight staircases, but there is a charming, gated and old-fashioned elevator. The front desk is located on the second floor - keep that in mind when lugging around heavy luggage.

It's a bargain find for the artful lodger, especially for San Francisco - prices range between USD79 - 150. The location couldn't be better for sightseeing.

The complimentary breakfast is rather small, but there's a brasserie right downstairs.

Reservations for painted rooms can only be made directly at the hotel - either by phone or e-mail. Give them a wish list of up to five rooms you prefer to stay in. The hotel is extremely popular, especially with international travelers, so make sure you reserve a room early.

Address

Asian Inspirations by Kelly Tunstall

Reservations for the painted rooms have to be made directly at the hotel.

Location

Centrally located in the French Quarter within walking distance to Union Square, the Financial District, the Moscone Convention Center, the Ferry Building, shopping and many Bay attractions. Right across the China town entrance.

Area Attractions

• San Francisco on city search
• San Francisco for Kids
• San Francisco weekly Events
• San Francisco Insider's guide
• San Francisco on Wikitravel
• San Francisco Online Travel Guide

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