Grand Dame of SF hotels
Right across the street from Union Square and looming over the city's shopping neighborhood is the elegant, brown brick St. Francis. It's on the expensive side, but a great place to enjoy the classic SF experience, where the cable cars hike up to Nob Hill and where the shopping can't be beat. A short trolly ride up Market Street is the Castro, so if you don't mind the back and forth, it's not inconvenient to the gay 'hood either.

Tags: $$$$ - Expensive , Mainstream Hotel , 4 star , Family Friendly , Gym / Workout Room , Spa