San Francisco - Alison Bing [187]
LARKSPUR HOTEL
Map Boutique Hotel $$
415-421-2865, 800-919-9779; www.larkspurhotelunionsquare.com; 524 Sutter St; r $169-199; 2, 3, 4; Powell St;
Built in 1915 and overhauled in 2008, the understatedly fancy Larkspur has a monochromatic, earth-tone color scheme and clean lines. Bathrooms are tiny, but have fab rainfall showerheads. There’s nothing risky about the Spartan aesthetic, but it’s smartly done and presents a soothing alternative to Union Square’s splashier boutique hotels.
HOTEL TRITON
Map Boutique Hotel $$
415-394-0500, 800-800-1299; www.hotel-tritonsf.com; 342 Grant Ave; r $169-239; & Montgomery St;
The Triton’s lobby thumps with high-energy music, and pops with color like the pages of a comic book. This was one of SF’s first boutique hotels, and every room is different. Some are tiny, but all have an aggressively whimsical design, ecofriendly amenities and shag-worthy beds. Bathrooms have massaging shower heads, but limited space. Suites are decorated in honor of celebs like Carlos Santana and Jerry Garcia. Don’t miss the tarot-card readings and chair massages during the nightly wine hour.
WARWICK REGIS
Map Boutique Hotel $$
415-928-7900, 800-203-3232; www.warwicksf.com; 490 Geary St; r $149-249; 38;
If you prefer high heels to hiking boots but can’t afford the Ritz, the Warwick Regis presents a (way) less-expensive alternative. Conveying discrete tastefulness, with European antiques and Chinese porcelain, it’s an ideal choice for debutantes and royalty on a budget. Beds are remarkably comfortable, and even have triple-sheeting, but you’ll have to request feather pillows.
PETITE AUBERGE
Map Inn $$
415-928-6000, 800-365-3004; www.jdvhospitality.com; 863 Bush St; r $169-219; 27
Petite Auberge feels like a French country inn, with floral-print fabrics, a sunny yellow color scheme, and fireplaces in many rooms. Though cheerfully decorated, several rooms are dark (especially tiny number 22) and face an alley where rubbish collectors rattle cans early in the morning (request a quiet room). Nonetheless, Petite Auberge remains one of Downtown’s most charming mid-price B&B inns, and we’d happily stay here ourselves. Breakfast and afternoon wine are served fireside in the cozy salon.
HOTEL DIVA
Map Boutique Hotel $$
415-885-0200, 800-553-1900; www.hoteldiva.com; 440 Geary St; r $159-229; 38;
Favored by mid-budget fashionistas and traveling club kids, the industrial-chic Diva’s stainless-steel and black-granite design aesthetic feels like a dot-com-era holdover, but still conveys a sexy urban look. Beds are comfy, with good sheets and feather pillows, but poly-fill duvets (a small reminder that this is a mid-budget property). Some find it cold, but if you like hard edges and you’re here to party, you’ll dig it.
HOTEL ABRI
Map Boutique Hotel $$
415-392-8800, 866-823-4669; www.hotel-abri.com; 127 Ellis St; r $149-229; & Powell St;
Totally renovated in 2008, the Abri has an up-to-the-minute design sensibility. Each snazzy room has a bold black-and-tan motif, a pillow-top bed with feather pillows, double-pane glass, an iPod docking station, flat-screen TV and a big desk with cordless phone. Few bathrooms have tubs, but big rainfall showerheads compensate. Best of all, everything looks fresh and clean, and staff are friendly and accommodating.
ANDREWS HOTEL
Map Hotel $$
415-563-6877, 800-926-3739; www.andrewshotel.com; 624 Post St; r incl breakfast $99-189; 2, 3, 4; Powell St;
Just two blocks west of Union Square, this 1905 hotel has friendly, personable staff, small but comfortable rooms (the quietest are in back) and a romantic Italian restaurant downstairs, where continental breakfast is served. Though it’s nothing fancy, we love the Andrews’ hominess – it’s like staying at your aunt’s house, without having to pet the cat.
HOTEL UNION SQUARE
Map Hotel $$
415-397-3000, 800-553-1900; www.hotelunionsquare.com; 114 Powell St; r $160-220;