Wellness Lattes and Literary Selfies Await at This Still-on-the-DL Hotel

Photo courtesy of Hotel Emblem

There are certain local landmarks that become required fodder for an active Instagram feed. When Media Noche opened in the Mission, it was the flamingo mural by Fnnch; even today, the artist’s lip murals around town remain a popular option. Then there was the obsession with Color Factory and Museum of Ice Cream. Our prediction for the next big thing in the city? The book wall inside Hotel Emblem.

The human-sized cutout will be the latest, greatest selfie spot in SF.

Formerly Hotel Rex, this six-story boutique hotel in Union Square (562 Sutter Street) is still in its soft opening phase, but the WIlson Ishihara-designed space is well worth a visit—even if you aren’t enjoying an overnight staycation. Inspired the Beat Generation, there’s a massive book wall at the entrance, renderings of major literary figures like Jack Kerouac within, and plenty of art and eye candy to capture for your feed in the public spaces. Guest rooms come complete with mood boards, a “Pot Is Fun” pillow that we suspect guests will try to steal, and a complimentary visit from the hotel’s City Lights-stocked book cart.

Much like the comparably gorgeous Proper Hotel, Emblem will have a cocktail lounge—called Obscenity Bar and Lounge—for happy hours and post-theatre drinks, but you can also stop by its Australian-inspired coffee shop, Bluestone Lane, during the day for coffee, a turmeric latte, and avocado toast. With a jade green subway tile wall, large south-facing windows, and the requisite fiddle-leaf fig in the corner, Bluestone is an Instagrammable destination in its own right. The coffee shop is small, but reps for the space say you can enjoy your order into the hotel’s gorgeous lounge space. If you’re looking for a hip space for a coffee meeting or a light lunch, this is a solid contender.

Want a sneak peek of the space to plan your outfit? Scroll through the gallery below for a taste of the IRL goodness.