Designed by Julia Morgan (the architect of Hearst Castle), the 35 rooms and dazzling common areas of this refurbished 1929 historic landmark building (which is also a private club) feel like a glorious time warp into a more refined era. The hotel contains lush and serene Italianate courtyards, gardens and terraces and a stunning indoor pool. Parking is $20.
Elegant Old World rooms contain no TV, and those with numbers ending in 4 and 8 have to-die-for views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.