The Clift Hotel

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.

The Archbishop’s Mansion

If you’d rather nestle into a cozy, private bed and breakfast, we recommend the Archbishop’s Mansion, perched opposite of Alamo Square. With a lovely view of the park and the famous row of Victorian houses affectionately called the “Painted Ladies,” it is a wonderfully serene and romantic place to stay. The building is named after the Archbishop of San Francisco, who commissioned it in 1904 to look like a French chateau. There are 15 rooms to choose from, each named after an opera. Some even have Jacuzzi’s, so be sure to ask for details when you call. A twilight stroll in the park before dinner sounds like a lovely idea, don’t you think?

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.
 

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.


 

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.