The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

Description:

• Ranked among the top hotels in the world, The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco has been the benchmark for the city's luxury hotels since it opened in 1991. A Nob Hill landmark, the former Metropolitan Insurance headquarters stood vacant for years until The Ritz-Carlton company acquired it and embarked on a $100-million, 4-year renovation. The interior was completely gutted and restored with fine furnishings, fabrics, and artwork, including a pair of Louis XVI blue marble urns with gilt mountings, and 19th-century Waterford candelabras. And just to make sure they stay on top, the rooms were completely upgraded last year to the tune of $12.5 million, and now include 32-inch LCD TVs, DVD/CD players, Wi-Fi, and two cordless phones. The Italian marble bathrooms offer every possible amenity: double sinks, telephone, name-brand toiletries, and plush terry robes. The more expensive rooms take advantage of the hotel's location -- the south slope of Nob Hill -- and have good views of the city. Clubrooms, on the top floors, have a dedicated concierge, separate elevator-key access, and complimentary small plates throughout the day. No restaurant in town has more formal service than this hotel's Dining Room, which serves modern French cuisine with a Japanese influence. The less formal Terrace Restaurant offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine and the city's best Sunday brunch. The Lobby lounge serves classic afternoon tea and cocktails with low-key live entertainment daily, and sushi Wednesday through Saturday.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Travel + Leisure 500

•  Best Hotel 2008
•  Best Hotel 2009

CitySearch

•  Hotel Staff 2006 – Editorial Winner
•  Hotel Staff 2007 – Editorial Winner
•  Luxury Hotel 2006 – Editorial Winner
•  Luxury Hotel 2007 – Editorial Winner

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010

ForbesTraveler

•  Forbes Traveler 400 2008

Other features:

For food and entertainment, the Dining Room offers exquisite decor, top-of-the-line wine list, ultra-professional service, live dinner music, and superb food. The Terrace offers an outdoor dining area, with both an innovative menu and live jazz. The Ritz Bar and The Lobby Lounge offer luxurious liquid refreshment.