By Joseph Nicholson
San Francisco's best hotels are top-notch.
When you're talking about the best in
San Francisco, you're talking world class. As an international city renowned for its prominent place in the technology industry, San Francisco is a frequent destination of business travelers. But it's also a cultural center and one of the country's most beautiful and relaxing places to visit. The hotels in San Francisco reflect this wide variety of attractions, from the first-class shopping on Union Square to the conventions at the Moscone. The best hotels in San Francisco are well-located, luxurious and offer every amenity.
Palace Hotel
The Palace Hotel is, well, a palace. It's also a part of the city's fantastic history, having been gutted by the 1906 earthquake, rebuilt and subsequently restored in 1989 to its 1920s opulence. The most famous feature of the hotel is its naturally lit Garden Court restaurant, covered in antique glass and elegantly decorated. The Palace is located on Market Street near the corner of Montgomery, a safe neighborhood that borders both the Financial District and the SOMA District, where you can find such attractions as the Moscone Center, the Metreon, Yerba Buena Gardens and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SF MOMA).
Palace Hotel
2 New Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94105-3402
415-512-1111
sfpalace.com
Westin - Market Street/Westin St. Francis
For those who prefer a more modern ambiance, The Westin - Market Street offers a sophisticated, metropolitan atmosphere that attracts the top business travelers. Located directly across from SF MOMA, and close to the Moscone Center, The Westin - Market Street has a top-notch staff and a comfortable atmosphere. Many of the rooms on the upper floors boast fantastic views of the city. Amenities include high-speed wireless Internet, a spa, a gym and airport shuttles. If shopping is your primary goal, there is no better place to stay than the Westin St. Francis, located in the heart of the Union Square shopping district. This historic hotel is close to great food and nightlife, and features afternoon tea at the elegant Compass Rose Lounge.
The Westin San Francisco Market Street
50 Third St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-974-6400
westinsf.com
The Westin St. Francis
335 Powell St.
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 397-7000
www.westinstfrancis.com/
Hotel Drisco
If your visit to San Francisco is simply pleasure, the Hotel Drisco, in the luxurious Pacific Heights neighborhood, is your top choice. The quiet residential setting lends the charming feel of a bed and breakfast to this small luxury hotel. The nightly wine and cheese sampling features top wines from the nearby Napa and Sonoma areas. A mere two blocks away is the Presidio National Park for outdoor recreation. The hotel is located on a steep hill, which offers fantastic views, but necessitates a cab ride for most guests.
Hotel Drisco
2901 Pacific Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94115
415-346-2880
jdvhotels.com/drisco
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
No list of San Francisco hotels would be complete without mention of the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental, located at the top of Nob Hill. The Mark Hopkins overlooks Chinatown and the Financial District, with easy access to the Powell Street cable car. The panoramic view from the Top of the Mark restaurant and bar located on the top floor is simply a must-see. Room service and a highly noted concierge service are sure to make your stay special.
Mark Hopkins San Francisco
One Nob Hill
San Francisco, CA 94108
877-270-1390
san-francisco.intercontinental.com
InterContinental San Francisco
The InterContinental San Francisco is one of the cities newest hotels, situated in the high-tech center of the SOMA district, near the Moscone Center. This 32-story tower boasts fantastic views, especially in the two-floor Presidential Suite. Every room features flat-screen plasma TV, wi-fi Internet, and iPod docking stations. The hotel includes 43,000 square feet of meeting and function space, as well as fine dining in the Luce Restaurant.
InterContinental San Francisco
888 Howard St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-616-6500
intercontinentalsanfrancisco.com
Resources
About the Author:
Joseph Nicholson is an independent analyst whose publishing achievements include a cover feature for Futures Magazine, and a recurring column in the monthly newsletter of a private mint. He received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Florida and is currently attending law school in San Francisco.
Photo Credits:
san francisco image by Tabitha Little from
Fotolia.com
