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A large part of my childhood was spent in deep regret that unlike that lucky little witch Eloise, I lived on a smelly goat-ridden, chore-choked farmstead instead of in a swank hotel penthouse. So it comes as no surprise that now, my favorite part of traveling, besides eating, is staying in hotels. Here are a few good beds to lay your heads in San Francisco.
I could not love this hotel more. In the heart of the Union Square action, utterly charming space with beautiful decor, great adjoining restaurant/bar, and a hot chocolate bar in the morning. I want to move in.
You'll get a healthy dose of the surreal with your lodging at this Philippe Stark-designed hotel, including giant lobby furniture and holographic portraits in the uber-swanky hotel bar, the Redwood Room. Rooms are a soothing cream & purple palette, with lots of light.
The epitome of elegance, this grand palace atop scenic Nob Hill is renowned for its Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar, an island-themed classic complete with faux thunderstorms & pu pu platters, which draws locals & tiki-happy tourists alike.
This landmark beauty clings to Nob Hill, affording you excellent hill-climbing opportunities and stellar city views in addition to old-fashioned elegance & great service. Carve out a few hours to hang out in the spa (one of the city's best) with a hot tea & those mesmerizing views.
If you tend to spend a lot of time at the Ferry Building when in SF, this hotel's just a few blocks away AND has a BART station a few steps from the front door. Request one of the balcony rooms, they have roomy balconies & bay views.
Very well-located with charm to spare, this quaint downtown boutique hotel is a good value and a fun stay, with lovely European decor and bustling Kuleto's restaurant onsite. Request a spacious, airy corner room--they're my favorite.
This stately city icon has loomed over Union Square since 1904, so you'll get some serious history with your stay. Take a break from sight-seeing and enjoy a glass of wine & excellent people-watching in the Clock Bar.
Vaguely resembling a giant concrete Foursquare game, this Hilton is an excellent home base for city explorations--it's just a short walk from Chinatown, North Beach, downtown & the Embarcadero. Rooms are good-sized and have big windows with exceptional views (request a high floor and you'll feel like you're in the clouds). There's also a snazzy on-site spa, Tru.
I've always enjoyed my rooms at this centrally-located Hyatt towering over Union Square. Request a room on a high floor overlooking the square for awesome views of the city scenery.
Luxurious rooms, a hip vibe and location location location make this Embarcadero hotel popular with well-heeled chic sorts. If you want to dress up and hit on people/get hit on, hang out at the bar at its Americano restaurant around quittin' time.
