When I saw that Hotel Vertigo – which got its famous namesake from starring then as the Hotel Empire in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film – was offering an exciting package for thrill-seeking cocktail enthusiasts, it was kind of a no-brainer. San Francisco is notorious for being one of those cities that you just need to escape from once in awhile, even if the escape is just across Market Street, and as someone who tends to rest a little too much on her Mission District laurels I was excited at the idea of being a tourist in my own town and decided to check it out.

(That’s my suite!)

Vertigo-go is one of seven customized vacation packages offered by the newly renovated hotel on the edge of Union Square (there’s a pooch-friendly one in case you’re bringing along your canine companion and Stim-U-Late, which comes with caffeine, candy, lotion and a mini-vibrator – you supply the bedmate!), and with your stay includes perks like a gift upon check-in, free snacks, a pair of tickets for a Rocket Boat tour on the bay, two signature Vertigo cocktails at the nearby Rye bar and lounge as well as VIP access to The Ambassador nightclub, located across the street from Rye.

(Interior of Rye from their Yelp.com page!)

I skipped the boat tour and made my way to Rye. Firstly, Rye is gorgeous. Exposed brick walls lined with a massive cage filled with bottles resembling server blades, the bar itself comprised of gorgeous, honeyed wood paneling mirrored by identical slabs hanging from the ceiling. A glass wall separated the indoor seating area – small tables and cozy nooks with leather benches – from the smoking section outside, also caged off from the sidewalk with bistro tables. Though we were early the place is popular and filled up quick, but the bartender was really pleasant and served us rather quickly. She actually seemed excited about making the Vertigo cocktails, which made the anticipation that much sweeter. I can’t tell you what’s in them, but they were shockingly delicious. Next up was The Flash, with Distillery 209 gin, pummeled kiwi, cucumber, lemon juice and cane sugar, really fresh and crisp. Kiwi and cucumber should go steady! Last but not least, I was brought a shot of their special house-made rye, which may just be house-spiced or -infused, I’m not sure, but it’s incredibly smooth and perfect for sipping on a crisp Autumn night. My date and I fought over the last drops it was that good.

Difficult as it was to tear ourselves away from Rye, we popped into Ambassador, which was ever-so-slightly terrifying as one of those party buses had just spewed its contents out into the street and then were corralled into the club. Once inside and having recovered from the carpet flooring, the decor was actually quite nice; a massive cluster of vintage chandeliers that looked like something from the deep sea, sexy leather booths, art deco mirrors hung along the walls and a tall, stately bar which had prompt, precision service. The crowd was a little nuts that night, so we just ordered our old standbys, a Bulleit sidecar and a Knob Creek Manhattan, and they were excellent. I can see some rather intriguing cocktails on their cocktail menu, which I didn’t realize existed that night, so it’s too bad because I’m not sure when I’d return.

A bit more about Hotel Vertigo: Standing at the top of the 7th floor stairwell looking down makes you completely and totally dizzy in the best way. If you’re a Hitchcock fan (who isn’t?), this is a must. The concierge plays the movie 24/7 on a great big flat-screen television and staff are very helpful and accommodating. The lobby is sprawling and wonderful – you know when a lobby is so good you’d almost rather stay in it than your room? A stark white porcelain menagerie of stately creatures crouch in the windows, and unexpected textures like leather, gnarled wood and acrylic are thrown together in a sleek, modern and haphazard way. The executive suite was top-notch – fluffy bathrobes, an immaculate bathroom I wanted to steal for myself, cozy bed, pony lamps at your bedside and a pair of handsome leather chairs. The roomy fridge kept our bottle of cava nice and cold for a nightcap looking out over SF. Plus, Bourbon & Branch is right around the corner from Rye. Put that with the late-night pizza slice place next door with the friendly Tunisian and really, what more could a girl ask for?