San Francisco – Streetsmart : Hilltop Hotels, Traditional Hotels

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Hilltop Hotels


Unless otherwise stated, all hotels accept credit cards, and have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning


  1. The Ritz-Carlton

    If
    you want the ultimate in luxury and thoughtful service, this is the
    place to come. The views from the perfectly appointed rooms are
    magnificent, the staff at the top of their game, and the food sublime.

  2. Mark Hopkins Inter-Continental

    The
    Top of the Mark restaurant is a major pull, of course, with its
    360-degree panorama, and the service is genuinely caring. The rooms are
    provided with every amenity and achieve an excellent standard of
    comfort.




    Mark Hopkins Inter-Continental

  3. Fairmont

    “Opulent” and “palatial” barely begin to describe this grande dame of San Francisco hotels, taking pride of place on Nob Hill. The rooms and service are commensurate with its status.




    Fairmont Hotel

  4. Renaissance Stanford Court

    Long
    a business favorite, it’s just near the top of Nob Hill and handy to
    everything Downtown. The stained-glass dome in the lobby gives it a
    grand feel. Marble baths and canopy beds in some rooms, complimentary
    limousine service, and every comfort seen to.

  5. Huntington

    Situated
    at the top of Nob Hill, across from Grace Cathedral, this hotel is like
    staying in the clubby apartment of a rich uncle with impeccable taste.
    The rooms are luxurious, there’s an excellent restaurant, and a spa
    where you can get a champagne facial.

  6. Laurel Inn

    This
    stylish hotel is located in Presidio Heights, and is decorated in a hip
    mid-century fashion. The 18 bedrooms have kitchenettes and some feature
    CD players and VCRs. Breakfast is included and there is free parking.

  7. Hotel Drisco

    This
    Pacific Heights property is one of the Leading Small Hotels of the
    World, and, although the elegance is perhaps a little too understated,
    it delivers on service. Details include complimentary breakfast and
    morning newspaper – and some of the very best vistas in the city.

  8. Queen Anne

    Built
    in 1890, this old mansion has been lovingly refurbished according to
    Victorian taste. Rooms are all different and filled with antiques.
    Breakfast is complimentary, and your morning newspaper, too. The views
    are delightful.

  9. Hotel Sausalito

    This warm, inviting hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with park and harbor views.

    • 16 El Portal (at Bridgeway), Sausalito

    • 415 332 0700

    • Dis. access

  10. Claremont Resort and Spa

    This
    country club-style resort was built in 1915 and has the feel of that
    era, newly restored. There are business services, a fitness center, two
    pools, tennis courts, and views of Golden Gate Bridge.


Traditional Hotels


  1. Mandarin Oriental

    Located
    on the top 11 floors of Downtown’s third-tallest building, this is one
    of the classiest hotels in the city. Its East-meets-West decor is
    magnificent, its restaurant one of the finest, and the rooms, amenities,
    and service superb.

  2. The Pan Pacific

    Marble
    bathrooms, some with Jacuzzis, and the fluffiest bathrobes are just
    some of the comforts at this daringly designed modern hotel. The atrium
    lobby towers 17 stories high, with a glass elevator. Free use of
    towncars is a special plus.

  3. Palace

    Dating
    from 1875, this historic landmark emanates an aura of architectural
    splendor that nevertheless whispers refinement. The stupefyingly
    gorgeous Garden Court and the original Maxfield Parrish mural in the
    Pied Piper Lounge are national treasures. The rooms are wonderful, too,
    but sadly without views.

  4. Park Hyatt

    This
    is the smallest and most luxurious of the four city Hyatts, and it is
    situated very near the waterfront. Rooms have good views of the Bay
    Bridge or the city, if you get the right ones. You’ll find that staff
    greet you by name and the rooms have personal touches.

  5. Sir Francis Drake

    Where
    the doormen wear Beefeater costumes and the cable cars glide by
    constantly. This splendid Art Deco landmark is just a block off Union
    Square. All in all, a very festive and colorful feel, both in the public
    and private rooms.

  6. Hotel Nikko

    High-tech
    and minimalist white marble interiors radiate modernity in this
    Japanese-style environment. Its cool comfort and tranquil luxury, such
    as silk wallpaper, soothe the spirit and free the mind. The excellent
    Anzu restaurant creates the same peaceful atmosphere.

  7. Hyatt Regency

    The
    15-story lobby has long plants trailing down, a waterfall, and glass
    elevators. Try the revolving restaurant on the roof for its views.




    Lobby, Hyatt Regency

  8. Four Seasons

    Designed
    with the expense-account traveler in mind, this place has thought of
    every sort of business amenity, including two phone lines and a
    high-speed Internet connection in each room.

  9. The Westin St Francis

    This
    grand San Francisco institution still shines in its lovely public
    rooms, but it’s become a tour-group mediocrity otherwise. The tower
    rooms do have phenomenal views, however.

  10. Ritz-Carlton Resort

    A rambling mansion on its own verdant bluff, overlooking the Pacific. The perfect retreat from which to enjoy the Bay Area.