Fairmont San Francisco

Above the cable car turnaround on Nob Hill, the Fairmont San Francisco crowns one of the city's most recognizable addresses — the same 1906 site that survived the earthquake and opened its doors exactly one year later. The tower addition and original 1907 building together hold over 590 rooms, making it one of the largest hotels on the West Coast by room count.

The Tonga Room, a tiki bar inside a former indoor pool with a floating stage and simulated rainstorms, has operated since 1945 — a detail absent from most hotel aggregators. The Laurel Court restaurant anchors the lobby level beneath a glass-domed ceiling. Spa, fitness center, and live music round out the amenity list.

Grace Cathedral sits one block uphill; the Financial District is a ten-minute downhill walk. Cable cars to Fisherman's Wharf stop directly outside.