San Francisco: 5 Places to Stay

In 2001, Ian Schrager took over this 1915 Theater District landmark (it's also close to the not-so-scenic Tenderloin), and the entire city agonized over what he might do to the beloved Redwood Room. Today, the bar looks better than ever, and the 363-room hotel (now part of the Morgans group) has been fully Schragerized: a dimly lit lobby littered with art furniture, lavender-hued corridors, and guest rooms done in restful beiges, grays, and more lavender. (The orange Lucite cubes flanking each bed echo the color of the Golden Gate Bridge.) The old TV's have been switched out for flat-screens, which helps dispel a faint 1990's air. Perhaps the miniblinds could go, too.

Insider Tip: Pack portable speakers for your iPod—the clock radios don't have hookups.

Room to Book: Rooms with numbers ending in 32 have views with a slice of Union Square, as well as separate dressing areas.

• 1. Clift Hotel
  495 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94102; 415-775-4700 37.78701-122.411357 clifthotel.com