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Book Lovers Have a Literary HomeAt San Francisco’s Monticello InnEvery Wednesday evening, lovers of good books gather by the fireplace in the comfortable library at the Monticello Inn in San Francisco. A Bay Area author presents a short reading, followed by lively discussion, complimentary wines, and some literary camaraderie. The 91-room Monticello Inn, around the corner from the cable car turnaround and the Powell Street BART station, is fast becoming known as the West's "literary hotel.” “On Wednesday nights, hotel guests are often pleased to find a book party in full swing, and readily join in,” said Chris Holbrook, Monticello Inn general manager. “On other days, guests can settle into the cozy sofas beside the hearth for continental breakfast and late-afternoon wine--and browse the fine old books on the shelves. One bookcase is filled with volumes by local and national authors who have presented readings at the hotel.” The Monticello's in-room phones have direct lines to the nearby Borders Books & Music store; books can be ordered, delivered to the room, and charged to the guest's bill. Each Jefferson Suite has a "book honor bar" with a small selection of paperbacks for sale; if a guest chooses to curl up with one, it too can be charged to the room bill. A member of the Kimpton Boutique Hotel’s collection of 37 boutique hotels, the Monticello Inn offers guests the gracious atmosphere of Thomas Jefferson's colonial Virginia home. "Jefferson had a passion for books," said Holbrook. "He collected nearly 9,000 books in his lifetime. These were the books that later became the core of the Library of Congress.” Local literacy programs benefit from the Monticello’s theme: 25% of all book sales are donated to the Friends & Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library to fund children’s reading programs. Room rates start at $119; special promotions and packages offer other discounts. For reservations and a schedule of upcoming readings, phone (415) 392-8800. The hotel website is www.monticelloinn.com; it has links to Borders Books & Music, Lonely Planet, and the Wild Writing Women, a local authors’ group which hosts the readings on the first Wednesday of each month. Best book for deciding where to eat San Francisco Cuisine 2003 Menus and recipes from the Bay Area’s finest restaurants ptifari@sanfranciscocuisine.com Helpful Website Edited by Madelyn Miller |
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