Galleria Park Hotel

Occupying a building that dates back to 1911, this upper-middle-range hotel is chock-full of style, deftly mixing a contemporary sensibility with historic touches. The chic lobby, illuminated by skylights, is a bevy of stylish pieces, from midcentury modern chairs to abstract art on the walls and funky zebra lampshade stands holding court on the white marble reception desks. But the most eye-catching of all is the grand Art Nouveau style fireplace that takes over one corner. There are plenty of comfortable seats to sink into and the inviting atmosphere incites lingering. The Gaspar Brasserie, on the other hand, takes a break from the lobby's calm hues and sunlit feel with a more dimly lit, seductive vibe. A darker color scheme here is complemented by tufted banquette seating lining the walls and mirrored columns.Guests here a mix of leisure tourists and business travelers. The hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere bolstered by such initiatives as an evening Sipping Hour that gives guests a chance to socialize over free wine. Note that a daily amenity fee is added to rates, a sour point for many guests, which seemingly makes perks like this one not entirely free. 

The Galleria Park is on bustling, posh Sutter Street and is within easy walking distance (seven minutes) of Union Square, which is famous for its shopping. Home to enormous outposts of Niketown, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany, Macy's, Louis Vuitton, and Neiman Marcus, among others, Union Square is to San Francisco what 5th Avenue is to New York. Locals don't hang out here much, but the square is great for people-watching nonetheless, and occasionally plays host to concerts, small festivals, and demonstrations. The hotel is also a 10-minute walk to Chinatown and a 12-minute walk to the Financial District. The chic Crocker Galleria mall, which has numerous restaurants and a weekly farmers market, is just steps away, while the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is an eight-minute walk away. The Golden Gate Bridge is around a 15-minute drive from here. The hotel is well-linked to public transportation: the Montgomery station is a three-minute walk from the hotel, as are several buses. San Francisco International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel or 34 minutes by public transit, while Oakland International Airport is about a half-hour drive or 40 minutes via public transportation.

Calming, light neutral hues cloak these stylish and inviting spaces. Abstract art on the walls adds bright pops of color to the rooms, all of which were fully renovated in 2017. Marble-topped work desks with built-in USB ports (nightstands have these too) paired with ergonomic chairs are available in all units. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, Illy coffee machines, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Free bottled water is provided, as are daily newspapers. Bathrooms are small but modern, with walk-in rainfall showers, Jonathan Adler toiletries, and robes. Gallery Suites have marble bathrooms with both soaking tubs and walk-in showers.There are several room categories here: Deluxe, Executive, and two types of suites. They're not too spacious -- the smallest rooms measure 220 square feet (20 square meters), while the largest suite is 530 square feet (49 square meters). Executive Rooms add pullout sofa beds, while suites have separate living rooms also with sofas.

Gaspar Brasserie is the hotel's restaurant, an atmospheric space with Parisian flair. It serves French classics like steak frites and duck leg confit, with a California touch. It has two bars: an upstairs one that specializes in cognac cocktails, and a downstairs one that focuses on champagne and often hosts live music. Room service is available for a fee. Evening Sipping Hour is a lovely perk with free wine and gin martinis (plus a chance to mix and mingle), plus the hotel also offers free tea and coffee in the mornings. Breakfast is not available on-site.The fitness room is open 24/7, but it is small and has just a handful of basic machines. The hotel provides free in-room fitness kits on request, and there's also a walking track around the lovely garden terrace on the hotel's third floor. It's a pleasant place for a stroll or to just sit and relax.There are a couple of meeting and event rooms available here, as well as a business center with computers and a printer. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there is an iPad for guest use in the lobby. Pricey valet parking is available.