[The wall of my room at the Best Western Tomo; 7am, 9/27/08]
When I looked into staying at the Best Western Tomo in San Francisco, the reviews I'd read said only that it was comfortable and located in a nice, quiet neighborhood. And that it is. I had no idea it would be like stepping into a well-appointed anime game. If Napa Valley felt otherworldly, the Tomo was a spaceship to another galaxy.
Located in Japantown, the rooms are all illustrated by Japanese artist Heisuke Kitazawa, who is based in Tokyo and L.A. The funky decor includes a flat-screen LED TV and minimalist Ikea-like (Muji) furniture. The rooms all offer wireless, although my laptop wouldn't connect so I got a cable from the front desk and connected to the port on the desk.
I didn't have time to explore Japantown itself, but we were located just a few blocks from Fillmore Street, which offered plenty of restaurants and activity, including some very cute shops if we'd had time to browse.
We arrived in the city late Friday afternoon, cleaned up, and headed out to find dinner. We landed at Harry's Bar on Fillmore and were just digging into our burgers as the Obama-McCain debates were commencing on the bar's big TV. The bar quieted for about 5-10 minutes, then gradually everyone went back to chowing and chatting. I tried to watch, but it soon became impossible. Oh well. My burger was delicious.
[View from the 8th floor at the Tomo; 7:30am, 9/27/08]
Hi Leslee. Nice photos. I've never been to Harry's Bar and I'll have to give it a try sometime. The menu looked great. The wall painting is beautiful. Very bold, although given my sleep and insomnia issues I'm not sure I could have fallen asleep. :-) I don't get to The City very often, not as often as I'd like anyway, but your photos are making me want to visit.
Posted by: kat | Friday, October 03, 2008 at 11:57 PM
What a wacky time you've been having!
Congratualtions on how you got there...
Posted by: Lucy | Saturday, October 04, 2008 at 03:24 PM
I LOVE the hotel! Wow! Have to note this place and stay there when I go there!
Posted by: Bob Eggleton | Saturday, October 04, 2008 at 05:04 PM
Hi Kat. It's such a beautiful city, with so much to do. I just wish I'd had more time.
Lucy: Has it been wacky? I guess a bit! There's this saying about California being like a bowl of granola - all fruits, flakes and nuts. ;-)
Bob: Yeah, I thought you'd like this place. You guys should definitely stay there!
Posted by: leslee | Sunday, October 05, 2008 at 02:42 PM
If ever I make it to SF, I know where I will be staying .....
Posted by: mm | Monday, October 06, 2008 at 06:57 AM