Hotel Union Square

Description:

• After a $5 million dollar renovation in the spring of 2008, the Hotel Union Square has achieved that rare hotel hat-trick of history, style, and location. History: It's San Francisco's first boutique hotel, built in 1913 for the 1915 Pan Pacific Exposition. Style: The renovation has juxtaposed contemporary and classic San Francisco, with original 1915 Egyptian-motif mosaic murals, signature staircases, and opulent moldings contrasted by sleek furnishings, completely remodeled bathrooms, and state-of-the-art technology. Location: It's only a half-block from Union Square, in the heart of the city with the cable cars passing by your window. The guestrooms feel more like urban apartments, each outfitted with platform beds with custom-made leather headboards, 600-thread count linens, sleek dark-wood desks, velvety chaise lounges, flatscreen televisions, and custom lighting. Many have an open loft-like layout with exposed brick walls and floating white paneled ceiling installations, while the two rooftop penthouses are the ultimate in San Francisco chic with large living rooms, wet bars, and expansive redwood decks with city views. There's also a custom Kids Suite, a Dashiell Hammett-themed suite (the third man will cost you an extra $10), and "Sleep & Soak" rooms on each floor that feature spa-like bathrooms outfitted with corner soaking tubs and chaise lounges. The hotel lacks a fitness center, but guests have complimentary use of the adjacent Hotel Diva fitness center, and there's even complimentary room delivery from the adjacent Tad's Steakhouse.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2009
•  Highly Recommended 2010