Where to stay in San Francisco

Why we picked it

We would book it for the most classic San Francisco address there is: the top of Nob Hill, cable cars at the door and Huntington Park as a front garden. The 1924 building keeps its plasterwork and big windows, the suites are the size of city apartments, and the Big Four and the spa mean an evening in can be as good as a night out. It is the place for a slow, grown-up city break.

• A 1924 Nob Hill landmark reimagined by San Francisco designer Ken Fulk, facing Huntington Park and Grace Cathedral
• The three-level Nob Hill Spa with a soaking pool, terrace, steam and sauna, plus a 24-hour fitness center
• The Big Four restaurant, Arabella's cocktail salon, two cable car passes and a house car for drop-offs within two miles

• Nob Hill SpaThree levels with soaking pool, terrace, steam and sauna, for guests with a treatment
• Fitness center1,800 sq ft, open 24 hours, Peloton bikes, classes and personal training
• The Big FourBreakfast, lunch and dinner daily, jazz brunch at weekends
• Arabella'sLobby cocktail salon, 21 and over
• Clefs d'Or conciergePlus a Majordomo who prepares rooms to guests' tastes
• House carComplimentary drop-offs within a two-mile radius, subject to availability
• Cable car passesTwo complimentary passes, part of the residential fee
• Morning coffee and teaIn the lobby; breakfast itself is not included
• Climate controlIndividually controlled in every room
• FamiliesCribs, rollaways and connecting rooms on request
• Dogs welcomeUp to two dogs, $250 one-time fee, dog walking available
• EV chargingComplimentary, across the street at the Masonic Center
• Valet parking$100 per night plus tax, unlimited in and out

Why we picked it

We would book it for a family trip or a first visit built around the waterfront: Pier 39, the streetcars and the Alcatraz area are outside the door, and the kids get The Yard's fire pits and giant games in the evening. It is also one of the easiest places in the city to arrive with a car, which makes it a good first or last night of a California road trip.

• The Yard, an outdoor play area of about 8,000 sq ft with fire pits, giant games and a periscope, plus an indoor game room
• Many rooms with views of the Bay, Alcatraz or the Golden Gate Bridge, and select rooms with balconies
• Pier 39, the Alcatraz area, the F-line streetcars and cable cars all around, with on-site parking for road trips

• Bay viewsBay, Alcatraz and Pier 39 from the Bay View rooms; balconies in select rooms
• The YardAbout 8,000 sq ft of outdoor games, sculptures and four fire pits
• Game roomPool table, ping pong, cornhole and a photo booth
• Wi-FiComplimentary in rooms and public areas
• Fitness centerOpen 24 hours, LifeFitness machines and free weights
• Air-conditioningIndividually controlled in every room
• Mini fridge and coffeeRefrigerator and Keurig coffee maker in every room
• Zephyr WalkBistro Boudin, Scoma's, Socialite Crafthouse and an IHOP off the lobby
• ConciergeOpen 8 am to 8 pm for tours and advice
• Self-parkingOn-site garage, $65 per night plus tax, no RVs
• EV chargingOn-site chargers
• Dogs welcomeOne dog per room, $50 per night