950 Mason St.
800/441-1414 or 415/772-5000
www.fairmont.com

Restored 1907 landmark with an ornate terra-cotta façade and soaring palm-filled lobby, atop Nob Hill.

ROOMS 591 with standard traditional décor and high-speed Internet; we like both bay and city views from upper floors.
SERVICE Staff-to-guest ratio of 1 to 1.
FOOD Laurel Court for updated classics like rack of lamb wrapped in ham with roasted garlic potatoes. Also one of our favorites, the kitschy retro-chic Tonga Room with simulated rainfall, a band that plays on a moving barge, and Chinese food.
FACILITIES Gym.
COST Doubles from $189