4 Points Sheraton in Emeryville

Just across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco. This is not the place you want to hang around outside after 9pm. Trust me. 

Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park

One of our days off, Daisy and I took a trip to various touristy things around San Francisco 

Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf

I'm still working on night shots with my camera, but I was able to capture some sea lions snoozing the night away. 

Daisy and her grad buddies when they came out for the AERA conference in San Francisco. Luckily, I happened to be working in San Francisco at the same time. 

Hertz #1 Club GOld

Hertz has this nice little service called the #1 Club Gold which lets you reserve a car ahead of time then find your name on the board and walk to the appropriate spot. The car's waiting with keys in it. Can you find my name on the board?

St. Regis in San Francisco

The fact that no one was using this pool was beyond me, but it sure made swimming in it nice.

St. Regis in San Francisco

If the 42" plasma TV in the bedroom wasn't enough, you can use the LCD tv in the bathroom while brushing your teeth. 

St. Regis in San Francisco

Hands down, the best hotel I've ever stayed. The blinds and lights are all controlled by the alarm clock next to the bed, which also happens to be the telephone. 

Palace Hotel in San Francisco

Come play with us... Come play with us Danny. Come play with us, forever, and ever. 

Palace Hotel in San Francisco

A nice room, but for some reason, it always felt a bit creepy. The armoir on the right holds the TV, yet another awkward placement with the way the desk is positioned. I guess no one expects you to actually do work and watch tv in these rooms. 

W Hotel in San Francisco

Another angle of the hotel. I guess sitting full length mirrors on the floor instead of hanging them on the wall is the swanky thing to do. I liked how the TV was placed, so I could lie in bed and watch without having to crane my neck so much. 

W Hotel in San Francisco

W hotels are the epitome of swank. The sheets on this bed are probably some of the best sheets I've ever slept in. I'm not usually picky about linens. 

One of the rental cars that I had. Other cars included a Cadillac STS, Mini Cooper, Nissan Murano, Mazda 5 and a Buick LeSabre (what?). 

Westin St. Francis

I usually got rooms on the higher floors at the St. Francis. The views were pretty spectacular. 

Westin St. Francis

Another angle of the Westin. The armoire hides a nice sized TV. The only problem is how the desk is placed so that it's a little tough to sit at the desk and work at a laptop while trying to keep and eye on the TV. The sacrifices I make.

This was in downtown San Francisco on Union Street, so finding things to do and places to eat was no problem. Probably one of my favorite hotels based on location. 

Westin St. Francis

One of the more swankier places I stayed. I spent so much time at this particular hotel that they started recognizing me when I went to the front desk or the concierge. The beds at Westins are fantastic. 

February in Maryland.

About 16 inches here. 8 hours later, I'm in rainy California and it's 50 degrees. 

Marriott in Walnut Creek, CA