Thursday, February 28, 2008 was officially declared InterContinental San Francisco Day as the red ribbon was cut at the grand opening this morning.

Still smelling of fresh paint, last minute touches were still being finished, yet as a whole the hotel glistened, especially as the sun penetrated the numerous floor to ceiling windows, a main feature of the property.

Dressed in a California meets Italy feel, the property is modern and crisp yet also warm and inviting. The large windows on either side of each hallway are met by warm red carpet and soft lighting, making the traditional hotel hallways a bit more friendly. Modern bathrooms in light, muted colors exist next to rooms designed to meet all your needs (extra outlets, ipod docking station, more counter space, flat screen TV’s and WiFi). And of course, there are the amazing views in each room that float you above the colorful SoMa district 33 floors below.

Yet, what stood out most in the internationally renowned luxury hotel chain’s latest property is that it did not feel like a massive chain hotel. The design gives guests room to lounge (rooms are well-sized and plenty of main floor seating) yet is not overrun by large unwelcoming spaces. The center white staircase invites movement not isolation and the ballroom is flanked by colorful abstract artwork. Each floor has only 23 rooms and upon exiting the elevators guests can only turn right or left creating one long hallway and eliminating the maze of corridors that often exist in large hotels.

There are other special touches as well including the indoor lap pool with skylights, the bamboo-encased spa terrace and the club lounge that hosts chef demonstrations, your local newspaper, and tastings of international cuisine throughout the day (see below for a special Perfect Escapes offer with Club IC).

Luxury on a New Level at InterContinental SF - Experience the best that InterContinental San Francisco has to offer with this exclusive Perfect Escapes deal. When you book this package you’ll gain access to the Club InterContinental Lounge to indulge in wine and chef tastings, breakfast, afternoon tea and more.

You’ll also receive guaranteed late check out, complimentary WiFi, a special bath amenity and more. See full details at Perfect Escapes.

With the first guests already arriving, the hotel is eager to set into motion what has been in the works for almost 10 years. It is evident that a lot of heart went into the creation of the InterContinental San Francisco with stories of selecting flawless décor at any cost, refurnishing until rooms were perfect and of the meticulously composed menu for Luce, the hotel’s restaurant with uniquely blended dishes as well as a special “Luce” wine made with both Californian and Italian grapes.

This blend of cultures, modern style and comforts certainly seems to make for a success story. Having already secured their first sold out day (this coming Monday, March 3) the hotel is quickly settling in to its home, and its opening has made multiple headlines from The Chronicle and Daily Candy to right here on the Suite Life Blog.

See photos of opening day and our hotel tour on the Perfect Escapes Flicker Photo Pool.

Find luxury hotels in San Francisco on Perfect Escapes.