Hilton San Francisco

Hilton San Francisco Review

With 1,908 renovated rooms and suites, this is the largest hotel in California—its lobby can sometimes feel like downtown at rush hour; its silvery tower rises 46 floors to a penthouse event space with awe-inspiring 360-degree panoramic views that rank among the finest in San Francisco. Handsome rooms, many with balconies and superlative views of their own, are either in the original 16-story building or in the tower, which was built in 1971. Accommodations on the 44th floor afford the most stunning views of the city and the bay. Thirty-five executive cabana-style rooms surround a sheltered courtyard by an outdoor heated swimming pool and whirlpool. "Sight and Sound" guest rooms feature plasma televisions and custom connectivity panels for digital cameras, iPods, and video downloads. In 2008 the hotel added 13,600 square feet of event space; a Starbucks; and a new restaurant, Urban Tavern, a place to enjoy a community table, charcuterie, and a simple menu. As the hotel is near the sometimes-dicey Tenderloin area, guests are directed toward Union Square (two blocks away) when venturing out on foot after dark.