3. From Omar's greeting after the long journey (via LA) from Sydney - he assured me my room was quiet AND mentioned that I'd been upgraded - and seeing the lovely large room I would have for the next nine nights - huge bed - lovely high quality reproduction antique furniture, huge well lit bathroom - my favoutire Aveda things there - then Ken's recommendation for my first evening meal - Fino Italian restaurant a few blocks up Post Street which was simply brilliant, sitting at the bar, watching the barman perform and chatting to two brothers from Orange County - from the very first couple of minutes at this small 'boutique' hotel I thought: why would anyone want to stay in one of those soulless multistorey international chains? Breafast is great (good coffee) - you can have it in the cosy room overlooking the street or take it back to your room on a tray.