San Francisco Proper

"The San Francisco Proper is another spot beloved by T+L readers, winning a place in 2023's World's Best Awards. The hotel, which got a refresh in 2017, is revered for its exquisite rooms, each designed by Kelly Wearstler. The hotel's common spaces are equally alluring, including its lobby lounge filled with eclectic furnishings, and its rooftop bar and restaurant Charmaine, where you can order a cocktail with a side of fantastic views." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"In a landmarked 1904 flatiron-style building, designer Kelly Wearstler has drawn inspiration from Europe for her stunning San Francisco Proper Hotel, combining the expected Victorian and Art Deco currents with everything from Cubism to Bauhaus and beyond, paying special attention to the graphic arts, with bold patterns and vibrant illustrations adorning the walls." - Mark Fedeli

"In a landmarked 1904 flatiron-style building, designer Kelly Wearstler has drawn inspiration from Europe for her stunning San Francisco Proper Hotel, combining the expected Victorian and Art Deco currents with everything from Cubism to Bauhaus and beyond, paying special attention to the graphic arts, with bold patterns and vibrant illustrations adorning the walls." - Mark Fedeli

"The Proper Hotel is maybe best known as a dining destination for brunch at Villon or rooftop cocktails at Charmaine’s, but the modern hotel would not want any guests to go hungry between meals. Afternoon tea includes a selection of sandwiches, sweets, and scones, with the option to add on a glass of bubbles. For the holidays, they’re doing a Nutcracker theme, which seems particularly appropriate given the proximity to the Opera House." - Paolo Bicchieri, Eater Staff

"What's this place like? Give us the wide-angle view.Walking up to the Proper at 5 o'clock on a Friday night, there was an hour-long wait down the block to get into Charmaine's, the hotel's hip, swanky rooftop bar—who could resist firepits and views of the city skyline? The high-end hotel opened in November of 2017 to much fanfare; a month later, it was still tough to find a seat for a drink in the lobby, which is decked out in the artsy-cool stylings of designer Kelly Wearstler. Pattern and color reign supreme at the Proper, with bright florals on furniture, rugs, and pillows, mixing with mirrors, eclectic groupings of paintings running up and down the walls, and graphic black and white prints. It's a lot, but it's fun—and a serious shift from the neutral tones that run rampant in San Francisco's other hotels. What’s the crowd like?The Proper is the height of cool; on a Friday night, you can see cocktail dresses and blazers, leather and boots. When LCD Soundsystem performed in San Francisco, the band stayed there. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. Here's something you don't see at a lot of hotels: a bunk room, albeit way fancier than the one you had as a kid. At The Proper, these walnut double-deckers have built-in brass ladders, outlets, USB ports, and TVs with built-in headphones. If ladders to beds aren't your jam, don't fret. The Proper also has plenty of regular rooms, both standard size and junior and premier suites. Regardless of the size you choose, Wearstler's fizzy aesthetic carries into the rooms, with graphic and floral wallpaper—sometimes on adjoining walls—geometric lamps and tables, and patterned throw rugs on wood floors. The hotel was also able to preserve the original windows of the 19064 flatiron building. How's the bed situation? Did you get a good night's sleep?Guests in beds of all sizes sleep in California Aireloom king mattresses tucked in crisp Italian Bellino Fine Linens, topped with down comforters and striped Kelly Wearstler cotton blankets; the comfort factor is dialed way up. And the amenities? Anything you desperately wanted to sneak back with you?So much. Oblong marble coffee tables, tablets in every room, Bluetooth speakers, and Google Chromecast for streaming. Even the bunk rooms have rainshowers. All bathrooms are stocked with Aesop beauty products, Bellino Fine Linens towels, and Kelly Wearstler cotton kimono robes. I'd take one of everything, given the choice. Anything stand out about other services and features?The property has a complimentary car service for guests, that will take you anywhere in a 3-mile radius–but get in line early, as it’s first-come, first-serve. Bottom line: would you stay here again, and why?The location is going to be a turn-off for a lot of travelers, but it's very swanky and hip; it's also convenient for business travelers who need to run off to meetings in the Mid-Market neighborhood." - Elise Craig