Built in 2005, the St. Regis offers the best in luxury: rooms with great beds and bathrooms, 24-hour butler service (for suite rooms only), Michelin-starred Ame restaurant, and Remede Spa and pool. Its business-heavy SoMa surroundings and modern building lack the historical grandeur of Nob Hill's grand dames, but otherwise it stands shoulder to shoulder with its hilltop competitors.

Built in 2008 near the Moscone Convention Center in the business-oriented neighborhood of SoMa, the modern, 550-room InterContinental's luxury-level service, high-tech guest rooms, lap pool, well-reviewed spa, and Michelin-star restaurant make it one of the best values in San Francisco. But it's worth it to also check rates at the comparable W San Francisco.

This luxurious, 110-room boutique one block from Union Square is an enclave of posh rooms and pampering service in a dense city. There aren't many features here -- just a gym and a small business center -- but its top-notch service and luxe room amenities make it one of the city's most special hotels.

The Fairmont combines the history, cachet, and decor of a turn-of-the-20th-century grand old dame with the amenities, technology, and corporate-dominated clientele of a large chain property. What separates it from its luxury competitors are its beautiful, well-appointed rooms, many with stunning views, and its location atop Nob Hill.

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.

With astounding views from elegant, spacious rooms high up in a Financial District skyscraper and the best in pampering service, this Mandarin Oriental lives up to its luxury reputation. The downtown location makes it best for business travelers, but the spa and fitness center are a draw for others as well. And the rooms and services are hard to beat.

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.

You don't get the service you'd receive at high-end area competitors, but the Westin Market Street does offer immaculate quarters with super-comfortable beds, solid amenities, and a business-friendly location two blocks from the convention center. For travelers seeking a more subdued environment than the nearby mega-Marriott and who aren't up for paying St. Regis prices, this is an acceptable option.

Clean, affordable and quiet, the Hotel Nikko seems more like a boutique hotel than the mid-size chain it is. Its cultivated Japanese-luxe image, apparent in the lobby and pricier suites, doesn't quite extend to all of its guest rooms (though most were renovated in 2012 and are more attractive than the older ones). On-site, for the business set, there's an excellent lap pool, fitness center, and ample business services.

Though last renovated in 2006, the 549-room Hilton Financial District still feels fresh, and its great beds, up-to-date electronics, and nice bay views from select rooms make it great for business travelers -- and leisure guests that don't mind walking 10 minutes to get to the interesting dining and culture in Chinatown and North Beach.