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.

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.

This Starwood means business. With classy, spacious meeting rooms, a happening lobby bar, and a location in the heart of the Financial District, the Meridien caters primarily to individual and small-group corporate travelers. But its stylish, well-appointed rooms, some with panoramic views, make it a good luxury option for tourists as well.

The 362-room Omni has spacious standard rooms and terrific service that's on par with some of San Francisco's best (and most expensive) hotels. While the tasteful decor isn't as contemporary as you'd find at the nearby Le Meridien or InterContinental San Francisco, this hotel is still a solid Financial District pick, near Chinatown, Nob Hill, and public transportation.

The 342-room Club Quarters can be a fine alternative to other, more costly business hotels in the quiet, skyscraper-lined streets of the Financial District. But with the drop in price come smaller standard rooms, cheaper bedding, scarce service (no doorman or concierge), an older fitness center, and a less-than-exciting restaurant.

Gracious service makes the towering, austere 802-room Hyatt Regency feel almost cozy. The rooms, while not new, are large and comfortable. And the location near the scenic Embarcadero and bustling commercial artery of Market Street is convenient for exploring the city. But this largely business hotel is light on amenities and in a dull part of town at night.