Sitting at the peak of Nob Hill, this lavish hotel aims to dazzle you from the moment you step into its palatial lobby. Its Old World ambience extends to the rooms, where marble baths and chaise lounges invite lazy lingering. Things are livelier, but not as swanky, at the Tonga Room, a tiki restaurant with decorative indoor rain showers. The Laurel Court offers a more refined atmosphere to take in fresh seafood dishes. Higher tower rooms have good views, but the view in the lobby isn’t too shabby, either—it’s recently been through a beautiful restoration that makes it one of the city’s most opulent.

The Fairmont San Francisco Amenities:

• 591 rooms, 62 suites. High-speed Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness center. Business center. Pets accepted.