Suggestions for "Hip" SF upscale Hotel
 

Is it really possible that San Francisco doesn't have an upscale hotel that is more fun than business? I'm thinking of the Standard or the Mondrian in LA - both very nice without too much attitude. The only think I've read about in SF is the Clift - which gets pretty bad reviews. Any suggestions? Otherwise we'll stay at the Four Seasons which looks pretty spectacular, albeit a bit too business-oriented.
Thanks

golfin,
My Dad loves Four Seasons properties but was not overly impressed with the one in SF on a stay over the Christmas holiday. He said the service was not up to F.S. standards and it was just "so-so"...

The Clift Hotel.

I love the Hotel Monaco - my favorite hotel. Don't know if it is "hip" enough - but I love it.
http://www.monaco-sf.com/

starrs is right about the Hotel Monaco..love that place..
I agree with dawn on the FS in SF..
(have a great time in europe)
I always have a great time staying at the St. Francis Hotel but its far from hip but it has that certain charm for me..for one its across the street from Lefty's and second, I love drinking in the lobby bar..I feel so dignified while I'm throwing back a couple.
How about the Hotel Palomar..another great Kimpton hotel..

www.hotelpalomar-sf.com

SF, in addition to being a big tourist ciity, is a big convention city hence the more business oriented hotels. However, take a look the Hotel Vitale.
BTW we hate being compared to LA!!!! lol

We stayed at Hotel Vitale this past October and loved it and the location. The hotel and rooms are modern/zen-like but not stark at all. Great colors in the room, large walking open shower and Fresh bath amenities which I really enjoy.

The views from our room were of the Bay Bridge and we especially enjoyed the rooftop terraces they have which offer great views as well. Just pick up some wine and cheese from the Ferry Building across the street and take them up for your own happy hour. Not sure if they have service up there yet but could. They didn't hesitate to bring up an ice bucket and glasses for our champagne. They were most accommodating.

I highly recommend this hotel.
www.hotelvitale.com

Hotel Palomar fits the bill. Great place!

In SF, hotels are seldom described as "hip" in the LA style, the attraction is "charm", like the city itself.

Vitale, Monaco and Paloma are charming and upscale. Luxe upscale at the 4S level are the St. Francis (presidents stay there), Fairmont, Ritz, Mandarin Oriental and St. Regis.

I stayed at the Clift a few years ago, and it is undoubtedly the definition of Ian Schraeger "hip" and all that entails. I agree, though, that this style is really not in keeping with the city and comes of a bit like an imitation of a NY/LA/Miami wannabe. I think the others that were mentioned have a more organic feel, more stylish/boutique than hip. I'd add the Phoenix and the Tritton to the list.

I would say that the Redwood Room at the Clift is worth a visit nonetheless.

Several of the names that are being suggested are Kimpton Group hotels. IMO you can't go wrong with a KG hotel.

Here's a map with hotel locations that may be helpful as you make a choice -
http://www.kimptonhotels.com/hotels_sanfrancisco.aspx