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Best Hotel Bets
Best for Families: Kids like the Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell St. (tel. 866/500-0038 or 415/397-7000), because upon arrival, children under 12 get the travel-themed Westin Kids Club backpack filled with a make-your-own postcard kit, colored pencils, a travelogue, a map of the world, and a safari hat. Parents with babies get a rubber duck, a night light, and an emergency kit. At the nautically themed Argonaut, 495 Jefferson St. (tel. 866/415-0704 or 415/563-0800), kids get to pick a toy out of the "treasure chest," and parents will appreciate the free cribs and strollers. But the place kids will probably love the most is the Hotel Del Sol, 3100 Webster St. (tel. 877/433-5765 or 415/921-5520), with its "Kids are VIPs" program that includes a lending library of books, toys, and videos; evening cookies and milk; and a plethora of toys to use by the heated outdoor pool. Parents will love the bonded babysitting services and the three baby-proofed rooms, among many other perks for families.
Best for Romance: Oozing with bohemian romance is the Hotel Bohème, 444 Columbus Ave. (tel. 415/433-9111).
Best Public Space in a Historic Hotel: The Palace Hotel, 2 New Montgomery St. (tel. 888/625-5144 or 415/512-1111), the extravagant creation of banker "Bonanza King" Will Ralston in 1875, has one of the grandest rooms in the city: the Garden Court. Equally eye-catching is the magnificent lobby at Nob Hill's the Fairmont San Francisco, 950 Mason St. (tel. 866/540-4491 or 415/772-5000).
Best Trendy Scene: If you want to shack up with the tragically hip, head to Clift Hotel, 495 Geary St. (tel. 800/697-1791 or 415/775-4700), which promises upscale flirting at its bar, the Redwood Room. Less chichi and funkier in style and location is the Phoenix Hotel, 601 Eddy St. (tel. 800/248-9466 or 415/776-1380), where guests lounge poolside or hang at the too-cool Bambuddha Lounge.
Best Service and Amenities: As usual, the Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton St. (tel. 800/241-3333 or 415/296-7465), corners the market in ultimate luxury, from its stunning ground-floor bathrooms to its fabulous restaurant to everything in between. Of course such pampering comes at a cost, but if you can afford it, it's worth the splurge. While it doesn't have quite the number of perks that the Ritz has, the St. Regis Hotel, 125 Third St. (tel. 877/787-3447 or 415/284-4000), is a fabulous place to stay. From its state-of-the-art rooms swathed in browns and creams to its huge spa, gym, hopping bar scene, and destination-restaurant Ame -- not to mention its location next to the Museum of Modern Art -- it's one of my favorite hotels in the city.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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