Wary of reviews of boutique hotels in San Francisco that read "charming, stylish, but don't even think about trying to sleep," I opted for an off-track choice in lofty Pacific Heights, the Drisco. As a stressed-out journo, all I wanted was a few tranquil nights, expecting little more than calm surroundings.
The Drisco was all that and much, much more. Having travelled half the world, I had reached my hotel nirvana.
As I checked in, the hospitable manager dispensed with the usual brisk "name, rank, credit card number" routine and greeted me with a fragrant hot towel. The bell man dived under the desk of my room, unasked, to make sure my fast internet line was working properly. And a soft-spoken chambermaid arrived with a little tray of shortbreads to tide me over unpacking.
My room was spacious, elegant and with a view of the roiling SF fog atop one of the city's highest hills. (The down-side for the vertically challenged). The helpful staff suggested I acclimatize by following a "flat" route printed out for new guests, touring the historic embassy district with minimum effort.
During my four-night stay I had nothing but good experiences. To be picky, the breakfast buffet lacked a fresh fruit tray, and the renovated century old building lacked heat during my summer sojourn, during which the weather was unusually cool and blustery. But the down comforter was quite cozy, and the large bathroom had very hot water for baths and showers.
Would I stay there again? I'm already planning next year's trip!
One caveat: this is not for people who are afraid of heights, or unable to walk very steep hills. Or those who just can't bear to be out of the action of downtown or Union Square. They have plenty of choices there. I've already made mine.