W San Francisco

The W hotels were some of the earliest evidence that the boutique-hotel trend was having an effect on the big corporate chains, as Starwood (now Marriott) began re-branding existing properties under the fun, vibrant, youth-oriented W label. The W San Francisco was the first one to be purpose-built from scratch, and the extra care shows in the end product: two decades on, the W is one of the pillars of San Francisco’s always-busy hotel scene.

Its location certainly doesn’t hurt, in SoMa close by to the Moscone convention center and literally right next door to the newly expanded Museum of Modern Art. And its enduring appeal probably stems from the fact that it’s equally well suited to both business and leisure travelers. The public spaces are decorated in a futuristic style, fitting given San Francisco’s status as a high-tech capital, with electronic art and unusual lighting effects throughout.

If there’s anything to criticize, it’s the rooms, which were designed in keeping with the 1999-vintage enthusiasm for minimalism but now feel utilitarian and under-decorated. They’re being renovated on a rolling basis, converted to a style that’s more glam-futuristic, in keeping with the rest of the hotel. Meanwhile the comforts are faultless as ever, with those signature plush mattresses, and the views are impressive as well.

To all of this you can add TRACE, a modern Californian restaurant serving locally sourced and sustainable fare in an impressive atrium space, and the Living Room bar, for a cocktail, a beer, or a bite in the lobby. In the two decades since it opened, the W’s neighborhood has only become more desirable, and this hotel remains one of its sturdy anchors.