In the San Francisco Bay Area, there are so many beautiful places to see, stay, and dine. There is so much music, art, and great wine that a wonderful way to experience the many treasures is to stay at a quaint hotel in the heart of where you want to explore. How do you begin to choose for Valentine’s Weekend? It seems impossible. Consider celebrating for the entire month of February to enjoy more than one of the Bay Area’s special treats! After searching the area, we found places with romantic settings and heart to offer special packages for lovers with reduced rates, inclusive of elegant dining or a spa .

Oakland/Alameda
Waterfront Plaza Hotel in Oakland offers a wonderful room in one of their suites, with a view of the City. Champagne is in the room waiting for you. Enjoy a three- course dinner and listen to Jack’s evening musical entertainment. A continental breakfast can be served in bed or you can return to Jack’s. Valentine’s Weekend is only once a year, but at the Waterfront they have a special Romance Package that is offered all year long which includes champagne with two keepsake flutes plus continental breakfast. Packages start from $275-375 per night. www.waterfrontplaza.com (510) 836-3800

Compass Rose Charters has only one room on a boat to rent on occasion, but they have two Compass Rose Charter Yachts that offer a fine privately owned dinner cruise on San Francisco Bay. A lovely way to get friends together and watch the sunset through the Golden Gate. www.compassrosecharters.com (510) 523-9500

Sausalito
Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa in Sausalito offers a fabulous package designed for romantics. Romance Package in Sausalito, California ~ from $510/room!
Take a romantic two-night getaway in Sausalito’s only full-service hotel and spa. Choose intimate, relaxing courtyard rooms or spectacular Bay view rooms. The Romance Package at Casa Madrona includes two nights accommodations, one dozen roses, and Champagne and Truffles.
Couples Spa Retreat Package ~ from $325
Treat your body and mind to a healthy dose of relaxation and rejuvenation. Retreat into a world where stress does not exist with our special couples retreat package.
Couples Retreat Package includes $325 accommodations for one night, one Avanyu spa treatment per person. There’s an alternate version if only one person wants to melt in the spa. www.rockresorts.com (415) 332-0502

Gables Inn suggests you try their Romance Package and fall in Love & Luxury. Reserve two nights at regular price and receive L’Amour Toujours Spa Package for two at the special price of just $180. (415) 289-1100.

San Francisco
Harbor Court Hotel The”Do Not Disturb” Romance Package First, you’ll get a great room. Next, champagne and chocolates await your arrival. Soon, it’s time to un-wine’d...relax and enjoy an evening fireside wine reception Staying in? Choose an in-room movie of your choice. Why get up? Let us serve you a continental breakfast in bed the following morning for prices starting at $185. There is also a “Harbor Escape” Weekend Package starting at $179.

Romance Around the Bay

Need Gift Ideas?

Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get. You can count on something wonderful if buying chocolates from traditional San Francisco-based See’s Candies or the two new fine Chocolatiers, Scharffen Berger and Recchiuti Confections, at the Ferry Plaza. Chocolate is the soother of the soul. In its nearly pure bitter sweet form that is oh so delicious at the Ferry building it is less likely to go directly to the hips while delighting the lips.

Diamonds are shiny and they sparkle. If giving your lady-love a diamond for Valentine’s, delivery is important. Consider floating the sparkly in sparkly. Be prepared with a gift of a champagne flute, from Zellique Art Glass, the Benicia glass blowers. Go to www.zellique.com to find a gallery near you. Take your lady-love to the Windsor Vineyards store in Tiburon over Valentine’s weekend. They’ll be pouring three choices of bubbly and provide a special Valentine label, plus tastings of up to six wines at no charge. Go fishing with the sparkly in sparkly by dropping the diamond into her glass with a ribbon tied to it and watch her eyes sparkle.

Roses for Valentine’s Day are always welcome. And, they are not fattening! The price of roses goes up five times on Valentine’s because the demand is so high. Ever consider buying a bouquet in advance and giving your love a rose a day for 12 days leading up to Valenine’s? Start with buds and work up to an open flower. On the 14th, she’ll have a full dozen. Teddy bears are cuddly, cute, and make most anyone smile. Filling a bear’s arms with red roses and a note of love is a sure hit. Need an arrangement made for you? Check award-winning San Francisco florist Amy Kee, or Hoogasian Flowers ,and don’t forget Oak Hill Farms located at the Ferry Plaza.

If you’re looking for something more exotic than a rose that says “I love you,” try an orchid that says “I want you.” The annual Pacific Orchid Exposition is being held at Fort Mason February 19-22nd. Attach tickets for the Thursday night Gala or the show itself to a single orchid in a vase or arrangement, bycontacting www.orchidsanfrancisco.com to order.