What would be your choice of accommodation in LA and San Francisco if money was not an issue?

Presidential Suite at the Ritz-Carlton SF?

Are you serious?
Anyone would be happy if he/she can afford any of the FS, RC, MO or the St. Regis suites. In SF, the RC is on top of a hill, whereas the others are more in the flat.

I haven't had a chance to stay there yet, but I did get to see one of the Golden Gate Bridge Mandarin rooms at the Mandarin Oriental in SF, and it was pretty spectacular. The tub in the bathroom even has a view! If my budget ever permits that would be among my top choices just for the view.

NWWanderer, I've got an upcoming trip to CA, so I've been exploring SF hotels non-stop......Those rooms @ the MO that you were describing would also be my pick!! Alas...after a week in wine country, I know my budget would not allow that extravagance....so I'm gonna be happy w/my Pricelined Hotel Palomar (with a view of Macy's I assume)

We went to a gathering once at one of the Suites at the Mandarin Oriental in San Francisco and that would be my choice. This one was huge and had a gorgeous patio with a spectacular view of the city.

In LA, Shutters in Santa Monica is a popular splurge. The Peninsula in Beverly Hills is another good choice.

The Montage in Laguna Beach is an amazing resort, we booked on lagunabeach dot com. ***kim***