Hotels

Location. Built in 1928, the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco, Calif., is one of the city's most revered properties. Positioned on Union Square, this downtown hotel is located within one-half block of many fashionable shopping boutiques, nightclubs and entertainment venues. The business district and Moscone Convention Center are within one-half mile. Chinatown is five blocks away and the Opera House is one mile from this hotel.

Hotel Features. Doormen in full Beefeater regalia offer assistance at this landmark hotel, home to the famous Harry Denton's Starlight Room, a 1930s style nightclub featuring dancing, live entertainment and a 180-degree view of downtown San Francisco. Renovated in 2007, the hotel features Grand chandeliers and pallets of gold, purple and red that welcome guests into the lobby area, complete with plush seating and paintings of Sir Francis Drake. Seared salmon fillets, paper-thin carpaccios and boeuf bourguignons are showcased at Scala's Bistro. The property also features a renovated Starbucks. A winding marble staircase leads to the mezzanine lounge, which overlooks Union Square and the cable cars below. The hotel hosts conference rooms, a business center with three high-speed Internet computer workstations and complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access. Guests have access to the fully-equipped fitness center.

Guestrooms. Accommodations at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel are embellished in neo-classic décor, antique reproduction furniture and bold interior fabrics. Windows frame downtown views and bathrooms contain eco-friendly Aveda toiletries and bathrobes. Rooms offer cable television and complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access. Guests' pets receive welcome kits that includes toys, treats and loaned dog beds.

Expert Tip. Cable cars provide cost-effective transportation in San Francisco to popular destinations such as Fisherman's Wharf. The cable cars stop directly in front of this hotel.