The Greenest Hotel in San Francisco!

Greetings, fair readers! It's a beautiful late summer day in downtown San Francisco. Our 105 solar panels are hard at work providing clean energy for Hotel Carlton's 161 guest rooms!

It can be downright dizzying trying to keep track of all of the Carlton's green initiatives and the corresponding recognition and awards from the hospitality community and the federal/municipal government, so this post will be about what makes us the "Greenest" Hotel in San Francisco!

Hotel Carlton strives to incorporate sustainability into our core business operations. Specifically, we use the following policies and practices to be completely carbon neutral:

• Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
• Purchase environmentally-friendly products
• Conserve energy, water, and natural resources
• Generate clean energy through on-site solar production

We increase waste diversion by recycling all paper, bottles, and cans and composting all food and landscape waste. We reduce the waste generated by donating reusable items (furniture, stationary) to charitable organizations.

We minimize the use of toxic materials to protect employee health and the environment. Specifically, we dispose of or recycle toxic products safely, choose less-toxic janitorial cleaning products, recycle waste (lamps, batteries, aerosol cans, and other universal waste), and purchase rechargeable batteries and low-mercury fluorescent lamps when possible.

We purchase/use remanufactured toner cartridges, office and toilet paper with 35% - 100% recycled content, products with minimal packaging (no plastic, styrofoam, or aerosol), Energy Star rated appliances and office equipment, and water-efficient toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators.

We conserve fossil fuels by promoting the use of public transit, offer telecommuting options, and participate in Spare the Air campaigns (partnering with carbonfund.org).

Operationally, we strive to keep our carbon footprint as small as possible. The Carlton does not have any vending machines in the hotel. Instead, we offer water pitchers in each room and encourage guests to use the filtered water machines on the first and ninth floors. Each shower/bathtub is equipped with dispensers for body wash, shampoo, and conditioner (as opposed to the traditional small bottles). We have a towel/linen re-use program, as we do not automatically wash sheets and towels each day, leaving our guests staying multiple nights the option to use the same sheets and towels until they would like clean replacements. Each guest room also has a blue recycling container, as we encourage our guests to deposit paper and other recyclables in these containers to aid us in our environmentally-responsible efforts.

In recognition for our green initiatives and practices, the Carlton has received several awards:

2007 Certified Green Business by the City of San Francisco
2008 Energy Star Award from the US Environmental Protection Agency
2008 Good Earthkeeping Award from the California Hotel & Lodging Association Stars of the Industry
2009 Hotel Hero Award for Innovation from the Hotel Council of San Francisco
2009 LEED EB Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council
2009 Magellan Award for being an eco-friendly hotel/resort from Travel Weekly

These are listed in the order they were received, but we are most proud of our LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification because we were the first hotel in the United States to earn the rigorous Gold certification.

Hotel Carlton’s general manager, Pam Janusz, is also a YouTube sensation, as she recently gave an interview and tour of the hotel to San Francisco Green Business HQ. Click here to check it out!

Thanks for reading!

Saha, Hotel Carlton's restaurant

Hi bloggers! It's Scotty, the intern at Hotel Carlton. Here's a little summary of my meal at the hotel's restaurant, Saha.

I have always been a foodie, constantly searching for a new dining experience - whether an off the beaten path neighborhood restaurant or the Chronicle's latest favorite. My friends claim my expectations can be high, but to me, nothing beats a fantastic meal. Two dining companions joined me on my latest adventure, for which I didn't have to venture far: Saha, Hotel Carlton's very own Arabic/California-fusion restaurant. On a lively Thursday night, my so-called "high expectations" were not only met, but exceeded.

The exotic decor immediately envelops you in when you enter the restaurant. You feel as if you have landed in another world (and in some ways, you have), surrounded by bright colors, artwork, and a mix of hotel guests and locals. After spending several minutes perusing the lengthy menu, all three of us decided to go with the steal of the Prix Fixe: a soup or salad, small plate, and entree, all for $40.

My warm asparagus, goat cheese and papaya salad was great, and the mushroom ravioli in a creamy mango-pepper sauce was absolutely divine - the perfect balance of sweet and savory. For my main course, I went with the lamb tagine (lamb stew with a mix of veggies and large, doughy couscous), which was also very good. Even though we were all pretty full by the end of the meal, we couldn't pass up dessert, and ordered three (warm chocolate cake, bisbusa, and gelato) - all of which were excellent. Service was attentive and prompt without being overbearing. Our water glasses were always refilled quickly, and our server had excellent recommendations.

I cannot gush about Saha enough. No wonder it's rated "Excellent" in the Zagat Guide! I can't wait to try their breakfast. The only complaint I have is that it's not close enough to my house, so I can't go every day! :)

http://www.jdvhotels.com/dining/saha

Monday Special...next week's concerts!

Sorry for the absence of Monday Specials recently! Here is the list of next week's concerts in San Francisco.

Sunday 7/26
Spencer Day @ Yoshi's SF
The Lyrics Born Re-View @ Stern Grove

Monday 7/27
American Spellbound Tour @ Slim's
Spinnerette @ The Great American Music Hall
Kofy Brown @ Yoshi's SF
Panique @ SoCha
Glasvegas @ Regency Ballroom

Tuesday 7/28
Alvon @ Biscuits & Blues
Mekons @ The Great American Music Hall
Jewel @ The Warfield
Jarvis Cocker @ The Fillmore

Wednesday 7/29
Kottonmouth Kings @ Regency Ballroom
Kenny Neal @ Biscuits & Blues
SFTV Unplugged XIV @ Red Devil Lounge
Etienne de Crecy @ The Independent
The Waiting Souls @ Slim's

Thursday 7/30
Alan Iglesias @ Biscuits & Blues
N.E.R.D. @ The Warfield
North Beach Music & Heritage Festival @ Bimbo's 365
One Eff, Mosshead @ Boom Boom Room

Friday 7/31
Wall of Voodoo's Stan Ridgway & Band @ The Great American Music Hall
Zakiya Hooker @ Biscuits & Blues
Cross Canadian Ragweed @ The Independent
Death by Stereo @ Thee Parkside
Lou Dog Trio @ Slim's
Zigaboo Modeliste @ Red Devil Lounge
Stan Ridgway & Band @ The Great American Music Hall
Martin Roth @ Ruby Skye

Saturday 8/1
Sista Monica @ Biscuits & Blues
Colin Hay @ The Independent
Dimitris Mykonos, Trevor Simpson, DJ Nik, Trapeze World @ Ruby Skye
The Script @ The Great American Music Hall

Are there any others we missed? Favorite regular shows or venues? Leave a comment!

Friday Special

Next week's opera and symphony performances in San Francisco:

Sunday 7/19
Free Symphony Concert in Dolores Park, 2pm

Thursday 7/23
my classic Russian Composers, 8pm

Friday 7/24
Summer & the Symphony Grand Finale, 8pm
L'Amico Fritz Opera, 8pm

Saturday 7/25
Opera Guild: East Bay Chapter Annual Garden Party, 4:30pm

Friday Special

Not much Opera/Symphony action going on next week, but here's the schedule of performances:

Sunday July 12
Symphony: Chris Botti w/ SF Symphony - 12pm
Opera: Schwabacher Summer Concert - 2pm

Thursday July 16
Symphony: my classic Vivaldi - 8pm

Friday July 17
Symphony: Warner Bros. Studios presents "Bugs Bunny on Broadway" - 8pm

Saturday July 18
Symphony: Distant Worlds - Music from Final Fantasy - 8pm

Dog Days of Summer...

Hello, bloggers!

Can you believe the 4th of July weekend is already over? Summer is flying by, which means the San Francisco Giants' Annual Dog Days of Summer game is fast approaching! This year, the game will be on Saturday, August 1st at 6:05pm vs. The Philadelphia Phillies.

This is a great opportunity to spend the evening at AT&T Park cheering for the Giants with your beloved pooch! The package includes a ticket for you and your furry friend in the designated doggie section and the opportunity to walk in the dog parade. Last year, there was even a costume contest!

The event is always a sell-out, and a special ticket is required. Email promotions@sfgiants.com or call 415.972.2356 to make your reservation.

Do you need accomodations? Don't feel like traveling all the way home after the game? Come stay with us at Hotel Carlton -- we're pet-friendly with NO additional fee. Check out the picture of our doggie set up.
http://www.hotelcarltonsf.com/

See you at the game!

Monday Special

Hi everyone! Here is the Monday post of SF concerts.

Sunday 7/5
Fillmore Jazz Festival, Fillmore Street (Jackson to Eddy)
Gerald Albright @ Yoshi's SF
The Golden Gate Park Band @ Golden Gate Park Bandshell
Leslie Jordan's "Full of Gin and Regret" @ Rrazz Room - Hotel Nikko
Dub Mission @ Elbo Room
Bohemian Knuckle Boogie @ Boom Boom Room

Monday 7/6
Lavay Smith Trio @ Enrico's
Isabellas @ El Rio
The Cocker Spaniels @ El Rio
The Five Deadly Venoms @ Amnesia
Duit On Mon Dei @ Blondie's Bar & No Grill

Tuesday 7/7
Duran Duran @ The Fillmore
The Five Deadly Venoms @ Amoeba Music
Miniature Tigers @ Cafe du Nord
Young Livers @ The Knockout
Dirty Projectors @ The Independent
The British @ Elbo Room
Suspect @ Icon Ultra Lounge

Wednesday 7/8
Mad Karma; Crosscut Band in Union Square
Acoustic Alchemy @ Bimbo's 365 Club
The Crushing Spiral Ensemble @ Yoshi's Restaurant & Jazz Club
Marga Gomez and Michele Balan @ Rrazz Room - Hotel Nikko
Ace Enders @ Bottom of the Hill
Dynamite Eight @ Thee Parkside
Sharrie Williams @ Biscuits & Blues
Robin Trower @ The Fillmore
Hot Challenge @ Elbo Room
David M'Ore and The Bluesdrivers @ Boom Boom Room
Shotgun Wedding Hip Hop Symphony @ Yoshi's Restaurant & Jazz Club

Thursday 7/9
16 volt @ DNA Lounge
Kurt Elling @ Yoshi's
Montana Slim String Band, Head for the Hills, Buxter Hoot'n @ Great American Music Hall
Pro Pain, Sworn Enemy, Mantic Ritual @ Slim's
Curtis Salgado @ Biscuits & Blues
The Five Deadly Venoms @ BlueSix
Afrolicious @ Elbo Room
Old 97s @ The Fillmore

Friday 7/10
Damn Handsome & the Birthday Suits @ Slim's
Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers @ Biscuits & Blues
Bag of Toys @ Great American Music Hall
Andre Nickatina @ DNA Lounge
Stung: A Tribute to The Police @ Slim's
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones @ The Fillmore
Cracker @ The Independent
Bag of Toys, Diego's Umbrella, and Sean Tabor @ Great American Music Hall
Steve Aoki and Joachim Garraud @ Ruby Skye
Orgone, DJ Kos @ Boom Boom Room
The Zapp Band @ Rrazz Room - Hotel Nikko

Saturday 7/11
Frank Bey @ Biscuits & Blues
Neverland: A Tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson @ Slim's
Luce, Gun and Doll Show, Pollux triple CD release party @ Great American Music Hall

Happy Pride Weekend! / Kenny Chesney

Happy Friday, bloggers!

In addition to the usual Friday special on next week's SF opera/symphony/ballet performances, here is a feature on two exciting events coming up in San Francisco.

SF Pride Parade 2009: "To Form a More Perfect Union"
This 39th annual celebration of LGBT life is arguably the biggest event in San Francisco every year, and the largest gathering of LGBT people in the nation. The parade includes costumes, floats, animals, and much more. Whether you have gone every year or have never been, it's sure to be a memorable and moving event for everyone.

BONUS: the parade committee has introduced a green element to the weekend's festivities! Keep an eye out for the recycling/compost bins along the route, and remember that all utensils, plates, cups, etc. distributed by food vendors are 100% COMPOSTABLE!!

When: this SUNDAY, June 28 beginning @ 10:30am
Where: kickoff @ Market St. and Beale, running all along Market St., ending @ Market St. and 8th St. (downtown)
Public transportation is the way to go; many streets will be closed, blocked, or otherwise backed up with traffic. Plan your MUNI trip: http://www.sfmta.com/cms/home/sfmta.php

Joie de Vivre is a proud sponsor and supporter of SF Pride. For more info on Joie de Vivre LGBT, visit http://www.jdvhotels.com/lgbt/


Kenny Chesney @ AT&T Park
Who's a country music fan? This much-awaited event is sure to be a big hit. Kenny Chesney will be coming to the Bay Area for a concert in mid-July. Because it is expected to sell out, it is advised to get your tickets sooner rather than later! AT&T Park, home of our own SF Giants baseball team, is a great venue -- right on the bay. You can't beat the combo of good music and a good stadium!

When: Saturday, July 18
Where: AT&T Park, San Francisco
Buy your tickets now at http://www.ticketmaster.com

We hope you will join us at Hotel Carlton for these two huge upcoming events!

Friday Special

Good morning, everyone! Here is your Friday special: a comprehensive list of next week's opera performances here in San Francisco.

Week of 6/28

Sunday 6/28
La Traviata, 8pm; Anna Netrebko CD signing, 5:30pm

Monday 6/29
La Traviata, 7:30pm

Wednesday 7/1
Bravo! Club Behind (and in front of) the Scenes - Verdi's La Traviata (discounted ticket prices, including the performance and a backstage tour!), 7:30pm

Thursday 7/2
La Traviata, 7:30pm

Finally - King Tut Exhibit Comes to SF!

Happy Wednesday!

A very exciting exhibit is coming to San Francisco's very own De Young Museum...Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharoahs opens this Saturday, June 27.

According to the museum, the exhibit will feature "over 130 outstanding works from the tomb of Tutankhamun, as well as those of his royal predecessors, his family, and court officials.
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs includes many new and exciting elements not seen in previous versions of the exhibition, including a revised version of the catalogue, a new audio tour, and additional artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb."

Wow, you don't want to miss it! Luckily, it's in SF through the end of March. What better way to experience King Tut than taking advantage of Joie de Vivre's King Tut VIP packages and joining us at Hotel Carlton, SF's international-themed boutique hotel?!

For more info, please visit http://www.jdvhotels.com/promos/kingtut

Monday Special: Next Week's Concerts/Events

Week of 6/28

Sunday 6/28
Les Nubians, Rupa & The April Fishes @ Sigmund Stern Grove (Stern Grove Festival)
Tortured Soul @ The Independent
Pharoah Sanders Quartet @ Yoshi's SF
Ottomar Liebert @ the Rrazz Room at Hotel Nikko
Bohemian Knuckle Boogie @ Boom Boom Room
Candye Kane @ Biscuits & Blues
Telekinesis @ Bottom of the Hill
J Boogie @ Elbo Room
Tom Brosseau @ Cafe du Nord

Monday 6/29
Victor Little @ Yoshi's SF
VNV Nation @ The Regency Ballroom


Tuesday 6/30
Roadside Attraction @ Castagnola's
Kurt Ribak Band @ Yoshi's SF
Bill Callahan @ Bimbo's 365 Club
Lubriphonic @ Boom Boom Room

Wednesday 7/1
Howard Jones @ Treasure Island
Fareed Haque @ Yoshi's SF
Felix Cartal @ Vessel
Deer Tick @ The Independent
Bonerama @ The Great American Music Hall
Band of Brotherz @ Cafe du Nord
BT @ Ruby Skye
Red Cortex @ Hemlock

Thursday 7/2
Double Dagger @ The Knockout
The Tallest Man on Earth @ The Independent
Housecoat Project @ The Eagle
Jaguar Wright @ Yoshi's SF
Yes @ The Warfield
Pentagram @ DNA Lounge
Butterfly Boucher @ Cafe du Nord
Ronkat's Katdelic @ Boom Boom Room
Lillian Axe @ Rockit Room
Howard Jones @ Red Devil Lounge
The Strange Boys @ Hemlock

Friday 7/3
The Lovemakers @ Rickshaw Stop
Abyssinians @ The Independent
Gerald Albright @ Yoshi's SF
Howard Jones @ Red Devil Lounge
Jackie Payne & Steve Edmundson @ Biscuits & Blues
Jen Foster @ Dolores Park Cafe
The Delta Wires @ Lou's, Pier 47

Saturday 7/4
The Cheeseballs @ Private Function
Gerald Albright @ Yoshi's SF
Mission Players @ Park Chalet Garden Restaurant
Gallus Brothers @ Plough & Stars

Friday Special: Next Week's Opera/Symphony!

As promised, here is your Friday post of next week's opera/symphony performances in SF!

Week of June 21

Sunday 6/21

Opera - 2pm: The Gershwins Porgy & Bess

Symphony - 2pm: Iolanthe

Monday 6/22

(n/a)

Tuesday 6/23

Opera - Opera House and Backstage Tours (make a reservation!), 8pm: Tosca

Wednesday 6/24

Opera - 7:30pm: The Gershwins Porgy & Bess

Thursday 6/25

Opera - 7pm: Madama Butterfly cinemacast, 7:30pm: La Traviata

Symphony - 8pm: Pink Martini with the SF Symphony

Friday 6/26

Opera - 8pm: Tosca

Symphony - 8pm: Pink Martini with the SF Symphony

Saturday 6/27

Opera - 8pm: The Gershwins Porgy & Bess

Symphony - 8pm: Bernadette Peters with the SF Symphony

Facebook or Twitter, anyone?

Calling all Facebook and Twitter users!

If you aren't already, you may want to become a fan of Hotel Carlton on Facebook, and/or follow @HotelCarltonSF on Twitter...we just posted a special treat for all of our fans/followers that you definitely don't want to miss!

Join now!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Francisco-CA/Hotel-Carlton/19772832804?ref=nf
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/hotelcarltonsf

Stern Grove Festival

Good morning, bloggers!

Heads up that the Stern Grove Festival begins this weekend!

This summerlong festival is in its 72nd year and provides a variety of FREE, outdoor concerts in beautiful Sigmund Stern Grove, a green gem in the heart of San Francisco. Every Sunday from now until August 23, head over to the Grove to enjoy great performances and celebrate nature, community and art.

The kickoff event this Sunday will feature Roberta Flack and Davell Crawford. Bring a picnic, a friend (or two!) and enjoy this great San Francisco tradition!

When: every Sunday through August 23
Where: Sigmund Stern Grove (corner of 19th Ave and Sloat Blvd.) Street parking is extremely limited, so take MUNI (Buses 23 or 28, Metro K or M) or your bike (complimentary bike valet at the concert!)

Hope to see you there!
http://www.sterngrove.org/index.html

Monday Special: Next Week's Concerts/Events

Every Monday, we post a comprehensive list of SF concerts and events for the following week. Here's the first!

Week of June 21

Sunday (6/21)

12pm: Alice @ 97.3 Summerthing Concert in Golden Gate Park (and free!)

2pm and 8pm: Monty Python's Spamalot! at the Golden Gate Theatre

2pm: First Stern Grove concert of the summer: Roberta Flack and Davell Crawford, at Sigmund Stern Grove

7pm: The Veronicas in Golden Gate Park

8pm: Los de Abajo @ Slim's

9pm: Grizzly Bear @ The Fillmore

Monday (6/22)

(n/a)

Tuesday (6/23)

8pm: Carbon Leaf @ The Independent

9pm: Isis @ The Great American Music Hall

Wednesday (6/24)

(n/a)

Thursday (6/25)

12:30: Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble @ Yerba Buena Gardens

8pm: Papercuts @ The Independent

8pm: Marc Cohn @ Bimbo's 365

8pm (thru Saturday): Butch Whacks and the Glass Packs @ Bimbo's 365

9:30pm Naughty Donkey @ Boom Boom Room

Friday (6/26)

3:30pm: SF Gourmet Chocolate & Wine Tour, begins at Justin Herman Plaza

6pm: Wild @ 94.9 The Bomb Concert @ Shoreline Amphitheatre

9pm: Dave Alvin & The Guilty Women, Dave Gleason & The Golden Cadillacs @ The Great American Music Hall

9pm: Benny Bennasi @ Ruby Skye

9pm: Rodriguez, Fool's Gold, Sam Flax + Higher Color, DJ selections by "Wet Burrito" @ Slim's

9:30pm: Jam on the Bay Music Festival @ Pier 23 Cafe

Saturday (6/27)

11am: Vans Warped Tour @ Pier 30/32

2pm: SF Chocolate Tour, begins at Justin Herman Plaza

8pm: Wicked, the musical @ Orpheum Theatre

8pm: Shopping, the musical @ Shelton Theater

9pm: Yob @ Slim's

9pm: Xavier Rudd @ The Fillmore

10pm: Secret Improv Society @ Shelton Theater

Remember, the Giants are in town on Sunday, and have an "away" series across the bay versus the Oakland A's from 6/22 - 6/24!

Next week's SF Opera/Symphony!

Every Friday, we will post a list of the following week's San Francisco Ballet, Opera, and Symphony performances and events. Enjoy!

Sunday 6/14
Opera - 1pm: Tosca; 4pm: Adrianna Pieczonka CD signing; 7:30pm: The Gershwins Porgy and Bess

Monday 6/15
(n/a)

Tuesday 6/16
Opera - AM: Opera House Backstage Tours (make a reservation!); 8pm: La Traviata

Wednesday 6/17
Opera - 6pm: Bravo! Club Luminary Reception; 7:30pm: Tosca

Symphony -

Thursday 6/18
Opera - 7:30pm: The Gershwins Porgy and Bess

Symphony - 8pm: Iolanthe

Friday 6/19
Opera - 8pm: La Traviata

Symphony - 8pm: Iolanthe

Saturday 6/20
Opera - AM: Opera House Backstage Tours (make a reservation!); 8pm: Tosca

Symphony - 8pm: Iolanthe

This weekend's events!

Hello, bloggers!

Two favorite San Francisco traditions are coming this weekend: the North Beach Festival and the Haight Ashbury Street Fair!

The Italian neighborhood of North Beach will come alive this weekend during the North Beach Festival, in its 55th year. There will be tons to see and do, ranging from chalk art showcases to animal blessings to a pizza tossing contest! Global music performances, arts and crafts booths, and, of course, great food will accompany the events. Hope to see you there! http://sfnorthbeach.org/NBFestival/index.html

• When: this Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14, from 10:00am - 6:00pm
• Where: Washington Square Park (1200 - 1500 blocks of Grant Ave and surrounding area)
• Validated parking available, but consider being green and taking MUNI! (http://www.sfmta.com/cms/home/sfmta.php)

The Haight Ashbury Street Fair, celebrating the famous SF neighborhood Haight-Ashbury (home of 1970s hippie movement, The Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin!), features arts and crafts booths, musical performances, food, community groups, and more. The fair is in its 32nd year of celebrating the cultural history and diversity of the neighborhood, and continues to attract a big crowd every year. Don't miss it! More info at: http://www.haightashburystreetfair.org/drupal_hasf/

• When: this Sunday, June 14 from 11:00am - 5:30pm
• Where: Haight street, between Stanyan and Ashbury streets, and surrounding area (near Golden Gate Park)
• Visit http://www.sfmta.com/cms/home/sfmta.php for MUNI directions
  

Both events are classic celebrations and reflect the cultural diversity and international flair of San Francisco. Book your weekend getaway at nearby Hotel Carlton now!

You don't want to miss these great events! Check back soon for more news, features, and offers!

(photo from http://sfnorthbeach.org/NBFestival/)

Hotel Carlton now LEED Gold-Certified!

Great news...

Hotel Carlton recently became the first hotel in San Francisco to earn gold certification through the LEED-EB O&M (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design - Existing Building Operations & Maintenance) certification system!

The U.S. Green Buildings Council (USGBC) uses the LEED system to award properties who significantly reduce their environmental impact in several categories, including carbon emissions, energy and water conservation, and more. Hotel Carlton took many initiatives to become gold-certified, such as adding solar panels to provide renewable energy, using eco-friendly lightbulbs throughout the property, purchasing green cleaning supplies and products, incorporating employee and guest green education practices, and much more.

We are very excited to be LEED gold-certified!

Read the complete press release on the Corporate Social Responsibility Wire (CSRWire) via: http://bit.ly/BHU1P

Union Street Festival this weekend!

A favorite San Francisco event is coming up this weekend -- the 33rd annual Union Street Festival!

Union Street, a hip shopping district in San Francisco, is transformed into a bustling haven of live entertainment, gourmet food stands, and hundreds of fantastic arts & crafts booths. All of the exisiting Union Street retailers and restaurants will also be open.

Last year, a special two-block area was designated "green-only," featuring eco-friendly artists, vendors and organizations. The goal is to raise awareness of environmentally friendly businesses and encourage people to incorporate green practices in their daily lives. Fortunately, this area will be back again this year, and we are very excited to check it out!

Find out more at http://www.unionstreetfestival.com/

When: this Saturday and Sunday, June 6 & 7
Where: Union Street, between Gough and Steiner Streets (San Francisco)
Street parking around Union Street will be very limited. There will be a parking area nearby, but consider being GREEN and taking public transportation! Visit http://www.511.org/ to plan your MUNI trip.

Make it a weekend getaway at Hotel Carlton, San Francisco's green-certified boutique hotel!

Book your room now at http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/carlton

Welcome!

Welcome to the official blog of the Hotel Carlton!

A brief overview: the Hotel Carlton, a Joie de Vivre property, is located in the Lower Nob Hill/Union Square area in the heart of San Francisco. Charming, historic, and eclectic, the hotel offers an experience unlike any other. Whether you are enjoying our complimentary evening wine reception in the lobby or checking out the exotic travel photographs in the elevator, your experience will be uniquely San Francisco--yet in an international, vintage context. We are a non-smoking and pet-friendly hotel, and a Certified Green Business by the City of San Francisco.

This blog will give the inside scoop on green news, San Francisco events and happenings, and promotions and special deals at the Hotel Carlton. Check back soon! In the meantime...

Read some of our excellent reviews on TripAdvisor:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60713-d80925-Reviews-Hotel_Carlton_a_Joie_de_Vivre_hotel-San_Francisco_California.html

Follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/HotelCarltonSF) and join our fan page on Facebook!