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Hotel Majestic
Located on the crest of hill between downtown and Pacific Heights, the Hotel Majestic is the Grand Dame of San Francisco hotels. The building is a delight to look at, an Edwardian masterpiece festooned with architectural bits and pieces and topped with flags that whip smartly in the wind.
Inside, you’ll find a lovely collection of French and English antiques, heavy draperies and old-world touches that speak volumes of grace and quiet glamour.
Many of the rooms have canopy beds and wonderful views; all of them have turn-down service complete with cookies.
This is a spot where you can feel like you’re hidden away from the hustle and bustle, yet have access to a full suite of amenities and only moments from downtown.
The neighborhood is delightful, full of beautiful homes and lush gardens; it’s perfect for a casual afternoon stroll. Be sure to stop by the Avalon Bar for a peek at the stupendous butterfly collection, one of the largest in the world. Oh, and just a little word of advice as you’re packing: grab those satin gloves and that fur-lined hat. This is just the sort of place where you’ll feel like pulling them out. |
The Clift Hotel |
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In a city so obsessed with brand-building that yuppie kindergartners have been overheard discussing “the brand called me,” Ian Schrager of Studio 54 fame sashayed through with a brilliant object lesson. First, he purchased the historic Clift Hotel; next, he enlisted the help of uber-designer Phillipe Stark to re-invent it for the Prada-wearing jetsetter crowd, or anyone with aspirations thereof. The buzz was palpable in the weeks just before the opening; afterwards, there were lines around the block. It’s easier to get in now, and while the crowd might not be as glamorous as you might hope, the place is still undeniably sexy.
Once you get past the earpiece-wearing doormen, you’ll encounter a feast for the senses; stark modern elements are brazenly paired with dark, polished woods and dim lighting for a feeling that is part hunting lodge, part swanky metropolitan chic. We love the lobby, with its funky assortment of chairs and enormous fireplace, though we’ll warn you: there are so many posers here on Friday and Saturday nights that other nights of the week are generally more fun.
In the hotel bar, called the Redwood Room, you’ll pay more for a cocktail than anywhere else in town, but the scene is worth it; check out the photos on the walls and note how the eyes rove throughout the room… there’s a whole story of the love triangle between the various photographic subjects, but we’ll let you figure it out for yourself. Before or after drinks, have dinner at Asia De Cuba, where Chef Maria Manso combines Cuban flavors (think shellfish, dark vanilla and sticky tropical fruits) with high-glam presentation. Don’t be surprised at the check, though, darling: those big brand names don’t come cheap. Consider yourself inspired.
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Hotel Palomar
The Hotel Palomar is a luxurious retreat smack in the middle of the city, perfectly situated just a few blocks from the Museum of Modern Art and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. With its gleaming mirrors, polished woods and plush carpets, it feels both sophisticated and subtle, the equivalent of a well-cut tuxedo. The rooms are furnished with Aveda products and delicious down comforters, and the luxury suites have deep spa tubs where you can soak away the stress for as long as you’d like.
But the best part of all might be the Fifth Floor restaurant, where chef Laurent Gras has created an exquisite menu that is one of the most talked-about in town. Get ready for a fabulous experience: from the moment you walk in, you’ll be treated (and fed!) like royalty. The pork belly is utterly amazing, paired with bits of black truffle for a symphony in your mouth. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Crepes Suzette, prepared tableside, for a special treat. Whatever you select, you’re almost assured of giving one or two sighs of delight during dinner… |
