After our arrival from Hawaii, Roy and I have spent our first restful night at the Marines’ Memorial Club, our “temporary home in San Francisco.” When Roy retired from the Army in 1982, I presented him with a life membership to this wonderful non-profit Veterans organization which is a living memorial. “It is a tribute to those who have gone before, and a service to those who carry on.”

Located in the heart of San Francisco just a block off Union Square at 609 Sutter Street, the Club offers a whole host of things to save military guests money as well as help keep them involved with others with a similar background. Their rates are the lowest in San Francisco for similar facilities.Extras included with the nightly room or suite rate include free local phone calls, newspaper and breakfast buffet in the morning, happy hour on select beverages, broadband Internet access, business center and the use of Club One Fitness, including the swimming pool, located on the lower level, during your stay.

The Club is open to any veteran who was discharged honorably. This includes veterans of all ranks and all Services. Thanks to Regular and Associate Membership support, Active duty do not need a membership to enjoy lower room rates.

This year is the club’s 60th anniversary, and Roy and I have been coming here for almost fifty of those years. We stayed here when they still offered small single rooms with a twin bed for military folks passing through. We have enjoyed the many improvements over the years and were surprised once again to find some excellent new ones since our last visit in August 2005.

A new security system has been added to the elevators which requires your room key to go to the third to the ninth floors with rooms and suites. The key is also used to access the business center which is now located on the ground floor near the front desk. Early each morning, you will find fellow military, active and retired, checking their e-mails and sipping the complimentary coffee and taking bites out of the most scrumptious maple scones.

Near the end of April 2006, the Club opened its new Leatherneck Steak House in the Sky Room which offers fabulous views of San Francisco. Even when the fog rolls in, it is still awesome. Of course, the logo will be the famous Marine Corps dog!

Learn more about the Marines’ Memorial Club at www.militaryliving.com and click on Military Lodging Links. To reach the Club by phone, call 415-673-6672. If you are interested in inquiring about membership, you may write to Ann at militaryliving@gmail.com and I will assist you in getting the info you need, or you may go to the MMC website at www.marineclub.com.