DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport North

The lobby of the DoubleTree is spacious, bright, and comfortable with white marble tile on the floor that’s accented by red patterned rugs. Clusters of white and red upholstered chairs frame clear Plexiglas coffee tables, and a modern chandelier emits soft reddish-orange light. Wood paneling graces some of the lobby walls including behind the large wood front desk. But it's the wall-mounted screen displaying arrival/departure information that makes it clear this is an airport hotel. The restaurant and bar share an open, comfortable space. A long, rectangular bar with a black granite top is set off by zigzag carpeting. The restaurant area features dark wood tables and the same multi-colored, patterned carpet. Windows look out onto lush landscaping, and outdoor seating offers bay views. The well-appointed fitness center also overlooks outside greenery as well as the adjacent indoor pool. While certainly a hotel for business travelers, tourists and families will feel comfortable here as well. 

The hotel is located in Brisbane on San Francisco Bay, just off the 101 (Bayshore) Freeway between San Francisco International Airport and downtown. Driving time from the airport is about seven minutes, and about 20 minutes to Moscone Center and other downtown attractions. The South San Francisco Conference Center is a 10-minute drive. Once at the airport, train service aboard the area BART system takes approximately 30 minutes to downtown. Numerous businesses and office buildings surround the property. Although other hotels are in the immediate area, no restaurants or stores are within walking distance. But, the San Francisco Bay Trail runs adjacent to the hotel for those guests seeking a pleasant place to walk or run near the water. 

Guest rooms offer ample space and simple yet tasteful decor dominated by a dark brown and beige motif in the carpet, drapes, wall coverings, and furniture. All standard rooms have either one king or two queen beds. Large work desks and office chairs on casters should appeal to business travelers, along with the free Wi-Fi and wired Internet. Simple dark brown dressers hold 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and beige upholstered armchairs with leather footstools give a cozy spot to read or surf the web. Small countertops over mini-fridges hold coffeemakers and free bottled water. Beige-tiled bathrooms are equally spacious, with large brown wood and granite vanities, good lighting, magnifying mirrors, and shower/tub combos. A two-room suite with king and pull-out sofa is an available option. All rooms provide iHome alarm clocks, electronic safes, and robes and slippers. Some rooms offer bay views, while others overlook the freeway. 

This DoubleTree has a number of features to appeal to busy travelers. A free airport shuttle operates from early morning to shortly after midnight, but it only runs every 30 to 45 minutes, and no appointments can be made. Some guests complain about waiting over an hour for the shuttle. On-site parking is free, and long-term park-and-fly packages are available. Guests receive free bottled water and DoubleTree’s signature fresh-baked cookies upon arrival. Coffee is provided in the lobby, as are daily newspapers. Airport arrival/departure information is posted on a wall-mounted monitor, and free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel. The WhiteCaps Drinks + Eats restaurant/lounge is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But breakfast is not included in the room rate. The lounge offers daily happy hour drink specials. Room service also operates from early morning into the night, but it stops service in the wee hours. Self-serve guest laundry and valet dry cleaning services are offered. The business center is open 24/7 and offers free printing. There is 4,200 square feet of meeting space including a ballroom. The fitness center is equipped with cardio and weight machines and is open 24/7. It's adjacent to an indoor pool.