Rating:
Price:

This remodeled 1910 Beaux Arts building made its debut in June 1995 and instantly claimed title as one of the divas among Union Square's luxury hotels. For $24 million, the Kimpton Group did this place right -- from the whimsically ethereal lobby with a two-story French inglenook fireplace to the guest rooms with canopy beds, Chinese-inspired armoires, bamboo writing desks, bold stripes, and vibrant color. Everything is bold but tasteful, and as playful as it is serious, with nifty extras like flatscreen TVs, Web TV, and two-line phones. The decor, combined with the truly grand neighboring Grand Café restaurant that's ideal for cocktails and mingling, would put this place on my top-10 list if it weren't for rooms that tend to be way too small (especially for the price), the lack of a sizable gym, and the 2001 arrival of the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. That said, this place has great character -- especially in the common areas. If you stay here, take advantage of their nightly complimentary wine service accompanied by shoulder and neck massages.

© 2005, Wiley Publishing, Inc.