Everything you'd expect from a Ritz -- formal, doting service; cultivated decor; tasteful, tasty dining; a luxury spa -- all in the ritziest of San Francisco neighborhoods. But while luxury competitors offer free limo rides, 24-hour butlers, or panoramic views, the Ritz lacks a wow factor. It's largely a matter of taste, of course, but we prefer the St. Regis and Mandarin Oriental.

The Four Seasons' huge, well-outfitted rooms and attentive service are among the city's best, but the 277-room property falls a bit short of expectations. Its pool and fitness center are outsourced, and its business-centric SoMa location lacks the prestige of Nob Hill, where some if its strongest competitors reside.

Luxury vacation rental meets upscale hotel at the city's best, if most expensive, residence-style lodging. The Ghirardelli Square factory setting has plenty of character, while modern one-, two-, and three-bedroom units feel like designer model homes with top-of-the-line amenities. Maserati car service, personal grocery shopping, 24-hour butlers, and free breakfasts are among service highlights.

Near the designer shops and theaters in Union Square, the 400-room San Francisco Marriott reopened after renovations in 2009 to show off new guest rooms and a new fitness center. It can be a great deal, especially when it's compared to the two other Marriotts in Union Square, but unlike many mid-range hotels, there is a pesky fee for Wi-Fi.

With 1,908 rooms and meeting space galore, this is the largest hotel in town. Business features are impressive, the restaurant is surprisingly nice, and the gym is well equipped. But rooms vary from impressive to so-so. Crowds of convention goers and business travelers make it difficult to find peace and quiet, or to get help without waiting in a long line.

If you can get past the Handlery's misrepresentation of itself as a European boutique hotel, you'll find it a solid choice among Union Square's cheaper offerings. The hotel is divided into two distinct sections, and it's worth shelling out extra for the larger, amenity-laden Premier Section rooms.

Renovated in 2008, this 531-room Sheraton has large, comfortable, and colorful rooms. Outdoor firepits, an outdoor heated pool, and a spacious, modern gym are nice touches. Overall, the hotel is nothing special, but it's a solid choice for tourists exploring Fisherman's Wharf.

After finishing its renovations in 2011, this 285-room Marriott is one of the freshest-feeling hotels in kid-friendly Fisherman's Wharf, and is located three blocks from the shops and attractions along the waterfront. It has up-to-date guest rooms and a spacious fitness center, but unlike the Sheraton, Radisson, Hilton, and Hyatt, it lacks a pool.

Converted from an old canning factory and reopened with 252 nautical-themed rooms and suites, the Argonaut is one of Fisherman's Wharf's best options. Spacious rooms, which underwent soft renovations in 2012, have more character than the nearby Radisson or Hyatt, special features include a free nightly wine reception, and the location makes some of San Francisco's most popular attractions easily accessible.

Spacious, apartment-like rooms, loads of free perks, and basic but stylish decor distinguish the 49-room Laurel Inn. Located in Pacific Heights amid upscale galleries and boutiques but away from the tourist frenzy, it's an ideal spot for long-term visitors or travelers who who don't require a full array of services.