I was really looking forward to this spot, as Hotel San Carlos is such a dynamic location and lends itself so well to a lounge environment. But my experience was less than stellar. Less than mediocre, actually. But I can see this turning into a prime night spot if some changes are made. Like: neutralizing that funky odor; lowering the bartender side of the bar area, so they aren't towering over you; banning staff from using cell phones on the job; discouraging staff from sitting on the bar (this should be alleviated once the leveling of the bartender zone is completed); educating the staff on the history of Hotel San Carlos [come on, people! You host a haunted hotel event every October. It's fun to learn the freaky side of the property along with the hip end of it.]
Will I be back? More than likely. But some serious attention needs to be paid here. Prior to being served, I envisioned this as a primo location for hosting a '30s gangster event, with cigar smoking on the patio, martinis, clappers and all the glamor of that era. I can still see it, just not as passionately. Fix your issues, or be prepared to vanish like a ghost after a proper smudging.