The Huntington Hotel, San Francisco

"True to its name, the Scarlet Huntington makes use of sumptuous reds throughout the hotel, from its brick facade to its Passion Suite decorated in shades of ruby. Formerly the illustrious Huntington Hotel, the Nob Hill property became the stomping grounds for San Francisco ’s artistic and financial elite after opening in 1924. Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Desmond Tutu all called the Huntington home at one point. After a change in ownership in 2011 and a $15 million renovation, the hotel reopened as the Scarlet Huntington in 2014. Now 20th-century Hollywood meets modern chic in this design-centric property. Antique mirrors and hand-carved lounge chairs juxtapose teal faux snakeskin-covered headboards and dramatic silk curtains. The union of history and contemporary luxury extends to the boutique hotel’s Big 4 Restaurant, named for the group of businessmen and philanthropists who built the Central Pacific Railroad and dominated Nob Hill in the late 1800s. Chartreuse leather-upholstered banquettes, nightly live piano music, and dark wood accents give the space an air of old-school glamour."

"How did it strike you on arrival?I'm a huge fan of the Huntington, mostly because of its Nob Hill location and its iconic bar and restaurant, the Big 4, as well as its large hotel rooms. Now under new ownership—it's a Highgate Hotel now—it's gotten a recent refresh. What’s the crowd like?The Huntington is an upscale hotel in Nob Hill, a swanky neighborhood, and the clientele reflects that. Picture older couples traveling together, and solo travelers in on business. A sport coat or a suit certainly aren't out of place in the lobby. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.We stayed in an executive room with two beds. It was so large, we could have practiced our cartwheels. Having that kind of space was fantastic, and there was enough room for a seating area with two large, purple and chartreuse chairs and a small table in front of the television. But it also meant the TV was awkwardly far away. The bathroom was set behind the wall where the headboards were—you walked past the beds and closet and turned left into the bathroom, which added extra privacy. We also had a beautiful view looking directly on to Huntington Park, on the top of Nob Hill. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?These beds were a delight. Very, very comfortable, with soft white coverlets and sheets. I'd sleep in those beds again in a heartbeat. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?They had great terry cloth bathrobes (which I would steal) and slippers (which you're invited to take with you). My favorite thing was actually an empty mini fridge, where we were able to stow leftovers. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The bathroom was great, with a large soaking tub and a long counter with shelves that made it easy to store all of our belongings. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wifi is included. Room service: Worth it?Actually, at the Huntington, I'd skip room service in favor of a drink and dinner in the bar area of the Big 4. Named after the tycoons of the Central Pacific Railroad—Huntington, Crocker, Stanford, and Hopkins—it feels like the kind of place where they might have hung out, with dark wood paneling, low lighting, green leather chairs, and a piano player who is happy to take requests. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The piano man (or woman—there was one of each) in the bar. There aren't a lot of places where you can get a drink and listen to live piano music, and theirs are great, and very amenable to requests. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Pool! The hotel's spa has a pool and hot tub, as well as a balcony overlooking the city. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The new decor really clashes with the hotel's elegant vibe. Bottom line: worth it, and why?The location is amazing, and the rooms are comfortable—but if you're a traveler who is a stickler for luxury, this might not be the best pick for you." - Elise Craig

"Huntington Hotel, a historic icon of Nob Hill is open." - Michelle Baran

"You gotta stay in one of California’s old-school hotels. The big four are The Scarlet Huntington, Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, Fairmont San Francisco, and the Palace Hotel downtown." - Andrew Parks