Hotel Mark Twain“There may not be a Heaven, but there is a San Francisco” Ashleigh Brilliant (English Author and Cartoonist, b.1933)
Where does one begin when considering San Francisco? Whether it’s cruising South of Market, leading the way for gay marriage (ok, MA got it passed, but we tried it first), or sampling one of the many culinary delights that await you – San Francisco can make any bear feel right at home.
And if you need a little help, talk to Kevin Thomas of the Hotel Mark Twain – known for their special bear rate. And no, although he is single, Kevin is not one of the amenities!!
The Complete Bear – Kevin thanks for taking the time to talk with us. How did The Hotel Mark Twain develop a bear focus?
Kevin – Obviously, San Francisco is a premier travel destination and as you can tell I am a big, furry guy. When I travel, I like to visit other bear events and groups, and of course I promote the hotel to guests who come to town for IBR, pre/post Lazy Bear, Bear Busts, Planet Big, Bearracuda or any other time they want to come to the city.
The Complete Bear – How does one get the bear rate?
Kevin – They can call us toll free at 877-854-4106 and ask for the BEAR RATE to any front desk hosts and they will receive a discount on their room, a gay pocket guide upon check-in and sometimes other little special promos bear companies give me.
The Complete Bear – When's the best time to travel?
The Complete Bear – What does the Hotel think of its furry guests?
Kevin – We love being part of the bear community. The bear runs support local charities and there is a genuine sense of acceptance and brotherhood.
The Complete Bear – So, tell us about the Hotel.
Kevin – The Hotel Mark Twain was built in 1928. We have many amenities in each room including flat screen TVs, ceiling fans and refrigerators. Our restaurant – Fish & Farm – offers great American Cuisine and room service nightly. All of the ingredients are sourced within 100 miles supporting local communities and guaranteeing freshness.
The Complete Bear – Who is your most famous guest?
Kevin – Billie Holiday - she was arrested in a raid on Room 203 on January 22, 1949 and acquitted later that year. So, we named a room after her. It's not my favorite room, style wise.
The Complete Bear – As a local, where do you eat?
Kevin – I love to eat out and support local restaurants! My favorite chef is at Saha on Sutter Street and my favorite Italian place is in SOMA called Pazzia, the owner Massimo is also great to look at even though he's straight. And also SOMA, not far from the Lone Star, is this fun little place called Triptych, which is very bear friendly, has a DJ on weekends and was voted best disco bathroom. Near the hotel, I love to eat breakfast at the Taylor Street Coffee Shop or Dottie's True Blue Cafe. And Union Square has tons of Thai and Indian, but my favorites are Chutney for Indian and Osha for Thai (both open late!). These are all pretty expensive places - I don't think quality always needs to cost much but if someone wanted to take me to Yountville to the French Laundry, I'd love to go again.
The Complete Bear – As a local and someone in hospitality, what sites do you like to see?
Kevin – One of my favorite places in the city is Dolores Park. It is in walking distance from the Castro and Downtown - the views, friendly people, great outdoors, palm trees and of course on a sunny day – plenty of woofy eye candy. Also, the neighborhood has some great eats. I recommend the Ginger Cake with Pumpkin Ice Cream at Chow and also I recently discovered Tangerine, which is located next door to Joseph Schmidt Chocolates. No trip to San Francisco is complete with out sampling truffles from Joseph Schmidt. |
