San Francisco - Alison Bing [185]
The top hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf was built as a cannery in 1908, and has century-old wooden beams and exposed brick walls. Rooms sport an over-the-top nautical theme, with porthole-shaped mirrors and plush deep-blue carpets. Though they’ve amenities of an upper-end hotel – ultra-comfy beds, stereo CD players – some rooms are tiny and get limited sunlight. Pay extra and you’ll get light and a mesmerizing bay view. Kids love the playful aesthetic and meet other kids in the big lobby.
TUSCAN INN
Map Hotel $$
415-561-1100, 800-648-4626; www.tuscaninn.com; 425 North Point St; r $169-229; 47;
Just because you want to stay at touristy Fisherman’s Wharf, it doesn’t mean you have to settle for a plain-Jane chain, such as the nearby Marriott or Hilton. The Tuscan Inn – managed by fashion-forward Kimpton Hotels – is just as comfortable, but has way more character, with spacious rooms done in bold colors and mixed patterns. Who says stripes and checks don’t match? Kids love the in-room Nintendo; parents love the afternoon wine hour.
WHARF INN
Map Motel $$
415-673-7411, 800-548-9918; www.wharfinn.com; 2601 Mason St; r $139-189; F;
This standard-issue, two-story motor lodge has clean, simple rooms, ideal for kids who make a mess. Rates fluctuate wildly with the tourist tide. Free parking.
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DOWNTOWN
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
Map Hotel $$$
415-276-9888, 800-622-0404; www.mandarinoriental.com; 222 Sansome St; r $295-375, ste from $875; 1; & Montgomery St; California;
Occupying the top 11 floors of the third-tallest building in SF, the Mandarin has sweeping, unobstructed views from every room. There’s nothing risky about the classical decor, but we love the luxurious beds and bold Asian-accented color schemes – gold with cinnamon-red – and oh, those vistas. If you can swing it, book a ‘Mandarin King’ room (from $500), which has an oversized bathtub surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows with views of either the Golden Gate or Bay Bridge. Alas, there’s no spa or pool (hence the four-star designation). But the service, particularly at the concierge desk, equals or betters the service you’ll receive at any of the city’s three five-star hotels.
PALACE HOTEL
Map Historic Hotel $$$
415-512-1111, 800-325-3535; www.sfpalace.com; 2 New Montgomery St; r $199-329; & Montgomery St;
The 1906 landmark Palace stands as a monument to turn-of-the-20th-century grandeur, aglow with century-old Austrian crystal chandeliers. The cushy (if staid) accommodations cater to expense-account travelers, but prices drop on weekends. Even if you’re not staying here, see the opulent Garden Court, where you can sip tea beneath a translucent glass ceiling in one of Northern California’s most beautiful rooms. There’s also an on-site spa; kids love the big indoor pool.
HOTEL MONACO
Map Boutique Hotel $$$
415-292-0100, 866-622-5284; www.monaco-sf.com; 501 Geary St; r $199-269; 38;
The Monaco maintains its playful spirit, though the vintage-1990s rooms are starting to look dated. Still, we love the opulent lobby, the guestrooms’ bold colors and fabrics, and the goldfish available on request to keep you company in your room. Front-desk reception could be warmer, but evening wine hour and free wi-fi compensate for occasionally lackluster service. Don’t miss the lobby’s walk-in fireplace, a cool place to sit with a book.
HOTEL PALOMAR
Map Boutique Hotel $$$
415-348-1111, 866-373-4941; www.hotelpalomar-sf.com; 12 4th St; r $199-299; & Powell St;
The chic and stylin’ Hotel Palomar is decked out with crocodile-print carpets, stripy persimmon-red chairs, chocolate-brown wood and cheetah-print robes in the closet. Hugh Hefner would definitely approve. Beds are sumptuous, with feather-light down comforters and Frette linens, and there’s plenty of floor space to stretch out for in-room yoga (ask at the front desk for a mat and yoga DVD). Though the hotel sits smack in Downtown, rooms have soundproof windows so you can sleep late. Don’t miss drinks at the swank on-site Fifth Floor restaurant.
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