Harbor Court Hotel

Originally an Army-Navy residence that dates back to 1926, this impressive eight-story red brick building has been home to a hotel since 1991. A $10-million renovation completed in 2018 redesigned all of the 131 guest rooms as well as the lobby into a stylish waterfront retreat. The chic, inviting lobby is one made for lingering with its grand white fireplace flanked by bookshelves and large flat-screen TVs. Chic armchairs and elegant tufted velvet and leather sofas offer seating, as does a long communal wooden table. Stylish lighting fixtures, colorful art on the walls, patterned area rugs, and orchids and succulents dotting coffee tables add style and charm to the space that's cloaked in cool blues and neutral hues. The front desk area doubles as a cafe -- baked goods stacked in display cases, an espresso machine whirring on the counter, a pantry case of snacks and drinks -- making for a cozy welcome.Most of the clientele here are leisure tourists visiting the city, though it's a great choice for business travelers as well thanks to its meeting space, high-tech rooms, and location near the Financial District. The intimate boutique feel of the place and the sense of camaraderie bolstered by initiatives like the evening wine receptions promote a welcoming, warm atmosphere. Rooms are small and cots are not available, so it's not a great option for families with kids.

The hotel occupies a waterfront location that offers scenic views over the bay and Bay Bridge from many rooms. It's a five-minute walk to the Ferry Building Marketplace, a foodie destination with gourmet shops and high-quality restaurants, plus there are many other dining options in the surrounding area. The hotel is well-linked by public transportation, with streetcar, cable car, a BART station, and bus options within a six-minute walk of the property, as well as the ferry port. The Financial District is around a 10-minute walk away, while Chinatown is around 20 minutes away on foot. Union Square can be reached in about 15 minutes by public transportation. The Golden Gate Bridge is around a 20-minute drive from the hotel, while Fisherman's Wharf is around a 15-minute drive, or 20 minutes by public transit. It takes 20 minutes to drive to San Francisco International Airport (depending on traffic) or about 40 minutes by public transportation, while Oakland International Airport is a 25-minute drive or 50 minutes via public transit.

Rooms reflect the stylish decor seen throughout the hotel's public spaces: blue and gray tones (accent pillows and patterned carpets) stand out against plush white Frette bedding and white walls, and are tastefully paired with rich chestnut-hued furnishings like large headboards. All of the rooms have work desks and handsome leather-backed chairs. It's worth upgrading to a room with a view (note that some rooms face the courtyard), especially one on a higher floor, as the vistas are scenic.Entry-level rooms are tiny at 165 square feet (15 square meters), while the largest offering here is the 425-square-foot (39.5-square-meter) Penthouse Suite, which has a living room with a sleeper sofa and great views. All rooms are well-stocked with modern amenities, including 42-inch flat-screen TVs, Soundfreaq radio alarm systems, Tuch tablets, safes, and free Wi-Fi. However, there are no tea kettles or coffeemakers (although free coffee and tea are served downstairs in the morning). Small and sleek bathrooms have white subway tiling in the walk-in showers, backlit mirrors, and upscale Malin + Goetz toiletries. A few units have shower/tub combos.

The hotel has an upscale Japanese restaurant, Ozumo, that serves sushi and other fare along with an extensive sake menu for lunch and dinner. There's also a cafe in the lobby selling coffee, tea, and snacks that's open 24/7, plus free coffee and tea are available for guests in the mornings. Free evening wine and beer receptions are a nice touch that encourages camaraderie among guests -- though the daily amenity fee that's added to rates here doesn't make this initiative feel "free." Though there's no gym on-site, guests get discounted passes to the neighboring YMCA, which offers a large gym, swimming pool, and fitness classes, plus steam rooms, saunas, and whirlpools. There are a couple of meeting rooms in the lobby -- glass cubes veiled by curtains -- plus Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Valet parking is available for a nightly fee.