- View of the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.golden gate image by Albo from Fotolia.com
San Francisco is bursting with landmarks and culture. The Golden Gate Bridge, Transamerica Pyramid, Coit Tower and Alcatraz symbolize achievement, posterity and a little nostalgic seediness while the people who make up its neighborhoods fill out the scenery. Several notable neighborhoods include Chinatown and North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf and the Presidio, Haight Street and the Castro, the Mission and the Tenderloin. San Francisco can't help being a beautiful city for exploration---and several hotels are located right in the heart of it all. - The Mark Hopkins became a luxury hotel in 1926 and has epitomized San Francisco high class ever since. Set atop the tony Nob Hill, the restaurant avails sweeping views of the bay and skyline from both standard rooms and executive suites. Outside the lobby, tourists can walk just a few blocks and enter the bustle of Chinatown and North Beach or ride the cable car down to Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf.
Hotel amenities include concierge service, 24-hour lounge, Internet, fitness center and child care. For dining and entertainment, the Mark Hopkins is home to the Top of the Mark, offering a 360-degree view of the city while enjoying a four-course meal. It also treats you to world-class jazz and big band and the perfect cocktail menu, including 100 martini varietals. Pets are not allowed at this hotel, although service animals are always welcome.
Mark Hopkins San Francisco
One Nob Hill
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 392-3434
ichotelsgroup.com - On the other side of the tracks, the Phoenix Hotel celebrates a grittier, wilder side of the city. Known for putting up some of the more well-known acts in the music industry, the Phoenix is popular with the younger set. The courtyard with its jungle themed landscaping and large pool with a painted mural bottom becomes a natural place for guests to mingle and enjoy impromptu parties.
A smaller boutique hotel, the Phoenix has 44 rooms---standard, deluxe and multi-room suites---with select accommodations offering balconies that look over the courtyard. Amenities include a daily complimentary continental breakfast, a free, guided tour of the city, passes to the nearby Kabuki Hot Springs and Spa, complimentary on-site parking (a big plus in this city) and free Wi-Fi access. The hotel is located within walking distance to the Great American Music Hall and the Golden Gate and Orpheum theatres.
Phoenix Hotel
601 Eddy St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 776-1380
jdvhotels.com - The Hyatt rises above the Embarcadero Waterfront and looks out over the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island. It's located on a public transportation hub, with a cable car turnaround, BART line and a trolley service all running outside the lobby doors. The Ferry Building, Farmer's Market and Union Square are all within walking distance and Fisherman's Wharf is just over a mile and a half away.
This four-diamond hotel greets guests with a 17-story atrium lobby and offers more than 800 rooms with either city or bay views. Hotel amenities include an on-site restaurant, executive rooftop lounge, concierge service, passes to a nearby full-service fitness club, assistance with car and bicycle rentals and childcare services.
Hyatt Regency
5 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 788-1234
sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com
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