San Francisco Hotel

Many of the sights associated with the city are so ingrained into the public consciousness that they already seem familiar. Golden Gate Bridge, the steep hills and cable cars, the original Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, the Castro, Alcatraz; they have all left an indelible impression on American history and culture and have defined the city to the world. This is not bad going for a city which had a population of around 1000 people in the 1840s and was not just built, but built twice due to the infamous earthquake of 1906. In modern times a San Francisco hotel, like the rebuilt city itself, will be quake-proof and will continue to host countless visitors keen to enjoy the best of the city.

The rapid growth of the city was due to the California Gold Rush. Already a major port, based on the San Francisco peninsula, the city was well placed to provide the services and land required for the massive influx of people keen to make their fortunes. Chinese immigrants built the rail roads and Chinatown, the Italians built the banks, Wells Fargo was founded as was Levi Strauss and the city's future was secured. And still they come, with almost half of all residents in the city today having been born elsewhere. The city remains a major port and financial center but has added high technology industries to its considerable commercial canon.

Those arriving with business in mind will find the ideal San Francisco hotel for the purpose. The Bay Area is home to San Jose and Silicon Valley, both of which have a great many modern technology business and industries. The city is renowned as a favorable base for start up companies too and anyone visiting and staying within one of the business hotels will be well served with the necessary tools and facilities for conducting work during their stay. Common features in such hotels include business centres with access to computers, fax machines and copiers, and in-room technologies for internet access and international direct dial calling. Most of the larger hotels and luxury San Francisco hotel options will add business features to their existing leisure facilities.

For those who come for a short city break or holiday the list of San Francisco hotel options are almost limitless. The eclectic mix of Victorian and modern architecture houses some terrific hotels of every size and stature. The grand luxury hotels offer the type of accommodation to be found in most of the world's major cities, where opulence, elegance and style form the backdrop to a very comfortable stay. All the luxury features will be in place, from fine dining within superb restaurants to the latest technologies in in-room entertainment and climate control. Guests can make the most of room and concierge services to get the best from the hotel and city and there are often additional executive services available such as airport transfers and express check-in.

While the luxury hotels in the city certainly have a defined clientele, many visitors will want to experience some of the authentic culture and vibe for which some of the city's neighborhoods are so renowned. The Beat Generation and Summer of Love are both long gone from the streets of Haight-Ashbury, but the area retains its somewhat bohemian charm and remains a popular place for visitors to stay. Similarly the Castro remains the epicenter of liberal activism and gay and lesbian culture, and is one of the world's foremost destinations for those who support and identify with such lifestyles and causes.

The bars, stores, cafes, events and clubs in these neighborhoods reflect their histories and on-going cultures and this applies also to the San Francisco hotel options which will very much be a part of the local scene. What this means for those looking for something authentic in their San Francisco hotel is a wonderful selection of boutique hotels to choose from. These are a world away from the large and impersonal hotel chains, often locally owned and run and filled with character and unique style. As well as providing great rooms and suites, each individually designed and furnished, these hotels often incorporate some of the most fashionable eateries and lounge areas in the neighborhood, perfect for relaxing in and soaking up some of the ambiance.

In this respect, a San Francisco hotel need not be expensive or exclusive to be just right for a city break. Where freedom of expression and a tolerance of different lifestyles and cultures reign supreme it is easy to find superb hotel accommodation which offers easy access to the city's most popular areas and attractions and which won't cost the earth. There is so much to do and see in San Francisco, often all a hotel room need be is a good base in the city.