Offering some of the finest luxury hotel suites in San Francisco, the Hotel Monaco features 201 exquisitely decorated guest rooms, including 35 spacious suites. This remodeled 1910 Beaux Arts building near Union Square has plenty of atmosphere thanks to a whimsically ethereal lobby with a two-story French inglenook fireplace, whimsical frescoed ceiling, and an elegant painting of the Celestial Lady welcoming guests over the grand staircase.

The guest rooms, which were upgraded in 2006, follow suit, with canopy beds, Asian-inspired armoires, bamboo writing desks, lively stripes, and vibrant color. Everything is bold but tasteful, and as playful as it is serious, with nifty extras like flatscreen TVs, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access and Wi-Fi, and two-line cordless phones.

The decor, combined with the truly grand neighboring Grand Café restaurant that's ideal for cocktails and mingling (but also serves breakfast and lunch), puts the Hotel Monaco on my top-10 list of favorite San Francisco hotels (I particularly like the sophisticated and inviting Living Room where morning coffee is served and afternoon complimentary wine and cheese tastings are accompanied by shoulder and neck massages).
Tip: If you were/are a big fan of Jefferson Airplane, inquire about their Grace Slick Shrine Suite.