Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Union Square

Tucked beside a money-exchange business along bustling Powell Street, this century-old hotel was erected for the 1915 Pan Pacific Exposition; behind the nondescript facade, design-centric interiors provide a dash of art deco-by-way-of-Egypt.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Bring ear plugs as the cable car dings (though lovely at first) and evening revelers might disturb light sleepers.

room

Compact rooms were spruced up in 2017 to offer recycled carpets and soundproofed windows to go along with the funky hallway lighting, and mod twists on classic noir style. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The one-of-a-kind suites include a Dashiell Hammett–themed suite and a cable car suite that feature private balconies. Premium rooms feature iPod docking stations, work areas, and velvet chairs ideal for lounging.

bathroom

Bathrooms feature rain shower-heads. Splurge on the Sleep and Soak rooms which, though small, feature soaking tubs.

lobby

The lobby gives voice to San Francisco's noir era (appropriate, as Dashiell Hammett once lived here), and it lures visitors to enjoy live music during wine hour.

gym

Guests receive complimentary access to a nearby fitness center.

dining

Nearby Tad's Steakhouse offers room delivery of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

drinking

Each night, a live acoustic guitarist performs during the evening wine hour(s).