The Scarlet Huntington Hotel
1075 California St., San Francisco, California 94108, USA
Why We Like It
View galore, an outstanding spa, and massive rooms atop Nob Hill make this old gal shine.
Fodor's Expert Review
Stars from Bogart and Bacall to Picasso and Pavarotti have stayed in this venerable hotel, famed for its spacious rooms and suites, most of which have great views of Grace Cathedral, the bay, or the fog rolling across the city skyline. The Nob Hill Spa boasts an indoor pool with outstanding views and a slew of body treatments.
Tip You can occasionally find street parking near the hotel (or deals at nearby garages) for those not wanting to splurge on high parking rates.
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Room
Rooms blend Asian, Moroccan, and high fashion aesthetics without sacrificing class. Brightly colored textured headboards and puffy satin blackout curtains, golden detailing on furnishings and lamps, and high ceilings infuse fun and charm into this old gal.
Bathroom
Massive bathrooms feature tiled cream flooring, a glass shower, and a large soaking tub. Antique wood countertops hold double sinks and an array of luxe bath products.
Lobby
A glass chandelier above the lobby hints at the history of this grande dame, while the shock of red loveseats and glaringly white reception desk hollers the property's commitment to cool. Staff greets you with a warm towel and a beverage at check-in. The eastern edge of the lobby houses a light-filled spa store.
Pool
The indoor pool and hot tub offer a panoramic city view through a wall of windows. Sunbeds facing downtown, and white-jacketed waiters delivering healthy spa cuisine and champagne.
Spa
The elegant Nob Hill Spa complex offers access to the sauna and steam room, as well as the pool and hot tub. Massage treatment and facials are popular with lunching ladies often comparing notes on the size of their diamonds.
Gym
A decent fitness center offers state-of-the-art cardio machines, a TV, and free weights.
Dining
The Big 4 Restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine to folks making business deals on green-leather booths under a collection of San Francisco and Western memorabilia. Open for breakfast and dinner, this is the spot for hearty American fares like steak and potatoes.
Drinking
The Big 4 Restaurant bar appeals to those interested in San Francisco's railroad baron history, with cocktails that reflect the ages--think lots of bourbon and gin.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel will valet your car for a hefty price. The cable car stops right out front, delivering travelers to buses, Muni trains, BART, and trolley cars, purchase a day or week pass for unlimited rides. Walkers should reserve that last bit of energy to hike up steep Nob Hill after a long day of exploring.
Restaurants
Upscale Sons & Daughters (8-minute walk) dishes up a memorable tasting menu with seasonal treats like fiddlehead ferns with walnuts and lemon. Brandon Jew's Mister Jiu's (11-minute walk) honors the Chinese history of the city with a delightful take on bao or a salt-baked trout.
Bars
Hotel bars lure locals to the top of Nob Hill. The Intercontinental Mark Hopkins' Top of the Mark (1-minute walk) grants guests the chance to sip fruity martinis as you watch the fog roll in over the bay. At the Fairmont's Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar (2-minute walk) share a rum cocktail in a pineapple before getting out on the dance floor to boogie to disco classics.
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