The Hotel Majestic, Pacific Heights
Built in 1902, the Hotel Majestic is the oldest hotel in San Francisco and is a welcome respite from the lively energy of the city. Ornately decorated, the Majestic harkens back to a bygone era, with opulent rooms, high ceilings and luxurious furnishings. Entering the dining room in the hotel, feels as though you traveled back to the romance of the 1900's. Chandeliers hang down from the ceiling and a grand piano stands at the back of the room, providing musical accompaniment to dinner. Located in the Pacific Heights area, the hotel is a short step away from Union Square, a mecca for shopping and dining. A train ride away is the Golden Gate Park, where you can rent boats on Stow Lake or wander through the Conservatory of Flowers filled with orchids and exotic flora. The daily room rates start at $140 but need to be booked early as it is usually very busy, especially in the high season.
Hotel Majestic
1500 Sutter St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel: (800) 869-8966
http://www.thehotelmajestic.com/
Petite Auberge, Nob Hill
If you associate romance with European places such as Paris, Rome or Venice, then the Petite Auberge is the ideal place to stay. With a distinctive French atmosphere, the Petite Auberge feels like a rural inn in Provence rather than a boutique hotel in downtown San Francisco. Rooms are available at an average price of $170 per night which include fireplaces and each evening complimentary wine is served in the hotel parlor. A short walk from the hotel you can catch a cable car and explore the city and its many districts. Visit nearby Chinatown for authentic Asian markets where customers barter with vendors for the best prices, or take a walk up Lombard Street, known as America's most crooked street with its steep inclines and incredible turns. Whether you are staying for just one night or for a long romantic weekend, the old world country charm of the Petite Auberge will make it one to remember for a very long time.
Petite Auberge
863 Bush St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
Tel: 415 928 6000
http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/petite_auberge
Hotel Monaco, Moscone Center
Glamorous and luxurious are two words that can be used to describe Hotel Monaco. The ornate architecture complements the world travel theme of the hotel with sculptures and frescos recalling a time when travel was seen as the height of sophistication. Each night there is a reception where the guests can sample one of the many wines from the hotel's Wines of the World collection. The Grand Café is the perfect venue for an intimate dinner for two. Complete the weekend by indulging in the hotel spa where you can get a full body massage and a variety of facial and beauty treatments. Set within the heart of downtown, Hotel Monaco is just moments away from many of San Francisco's attractions. From here you can take one of the many walking tours of the city or board a train to the Japanese Tea Gardens for peaceful reflection amongst the landscaped grounds. The average room at Hotel Monaco is about $180 and it is a popular hotel, so it is worth planning your romantic break several months in advance to ensure you can get a room.
Hotel Monaco San Francisco
501 Geary St. at Taylor
San Francsco, CA 94102
Tel: 866 622 5284
http://www.monaco-sf.com/index.html
