4th Of July Weekend Amtrak San Joaquin To San Francisco (Video With Ch

Part 1: Amtrak San Joaquin train 711 from Bakersfield to Emeryville.

Our train had two engines. The second engine was a Charger Locomotive and the lead engine was a GE Genesis. Outside of Fresno, the CAHSR tracks being built is clearly visible. The bullet train is coming! Last year on the SWC from Albuquerque, our train was delayed 5+ hours due to engine trouble with the lead engine. I was given $200.00 voucher for that tardy arrival into LAUS and had to use it by the 4th. We departed on the first train out of Bakersfield on 7/1 and returned on 7/3 which gave us still a one day cushion with the voucher. I was able to cover the whole roundtrip for 3 adults with the voucher since the San Joaquin is currently offering buy 1 full fare and get up to 5 companion tickets at 50% off.



I also have the full writeup and pictures here: http://seat38a.com/amtrak-san-joaquin-train-711-bakersfield-to-san-francisco/

Part 2: Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel



At the Temp Transbay Terminal I hailed Uber to take us to our hotel, the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins. As a member of Intercontinental Ambassador Program, we were upgraded to the 15th floor, which is the highest non suite floor at Mark Hopkins. Even though we arrived at the hotel before noon and their check-in time of 3:00PM, our room was ready for us. Our room had the best view of San Francisco that we've ever seen from any hotel that we have stayed at in the city before.

The California Street Cable Car runs right in front of the hotel and due to the prime location on Nob Hill, many tourists tried to brave it and take pictures in the middle of California and Maison Street creating traffic issues and angry drivers. The first night, we went up to the Top Of The Mark Lounge, which is located at the top floor of the hotel. While the hotel did not give priority seating for hotel guests, a $15.00 per person non hotel guest cover charge kept the wait for a table short. During our 10 min wait for a table, many people came up and turned back after hearing about the cover charge. The system at Top Of The Mark was much better than the free for all cluster f#$% system that I experienced at "The View" at Marriott Marquis.

From the hotel, we could walk to many of the attractions in the city. The incline of the street could be a problem for seniors but my parents did not have any issues going up or down. Other than the Lyft Service we took to and from the Mission District, we walked to Chinatown, Ferry Building, Fisherman's Wharf, and Union Square area all from the Intercontinental without any issues.