Staypineapple, An Elegant Hotel, Union Square

Once run under the Best Western name, this appealing 1913 hotel has been renamed Staypineapple, An Elegant Hotel, Union Square. It's part of Pineapple Hospitality brand, which unites a small collection of boutique hotels along the west coast. From the outside, this seven-story building looks like many in the area, with gold-colored decorative touches on the bay windows and a series of fire escapes zig-zagging down the front. After the hotel's mid-2016 overhaul, a brand new lobby was revealed in sophisticated style that combines contemporary pieces with a luxe, old-Hollywood vibe. The color palette is grayscale with grand gold and yellow accents, while high ceilings and tall windows allow for lots of natural light. Marble floors, gray walls with black-and-white art, paneled columns with mercury glass mirrors, and chandelier and pendant lights create a high-end feel. There's a tastefully eclectic mix of seating (rectangular couches, chaise lounges with cylindrical pillows, U-shaped and high-backed armchairs upholstered in gray or velvety yellow) gathered around geometric coffee tables in white and gold. Nice touches include free pineapple water, plus free afternoon coffee complete with pineapple cupcakes, but the hotel lacks some amenities (like a full-service restaurant and fitness facilities) of higher end hotels.

Staypineapple, An Elegant Hotel, Union Square is located on the northern border of the gritty Tenderloin district, and while the area seems to be on the upswing, it's still an area inhabited by the homeless. There's a hip rooftop bar next door and several historical speakeasy-style bars around the corner along with the usual corner markets and nail parlors. The location is only three blocks from Union Square (a six-minute walk) and pretty close to Nob Hill and Chinatown (each about a 15-minute walk). There's also a main bus line running past the hotel, and guests can catch the cable cars from Union Street to access other parts of the city. Because of the high-traffic, downtown location, there can be a lot of noise at night, but if things get too loud, guests can ask the hotel for earplugs. Valet parking is available for an extra daily fee.

Staypineapple, An Elegant Hotel, Union Square's 93 renovated rooms are sophisticated and stylish though compact with hardwood parquet floors with graphic area rugs, Hollywood Regency furnishings, and a color scheme of black, white, and gray with accents in gold and yellow. Framed California-related black-and-white prints are on the walls. Beds are extremely comfortable, with ultra-plush bedding topped with a Pineapple-brand stuffed dog and two duvets per bed. Bathrooms are small, but modern and clad in Carrara marble, with walk-in showers and Tommy Bahama bath products mounted on the wall. 

All rooms are air-conditioned and have mini-fridges, free bottled water, and Keurig coffeemakers in addition to 48-inch flat-screen TVs, electronic safes, USB charging outlets, iHome Bluetooth docking stations, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Other extras include large yellow umbrellas, iron and ironing boards, playful seersucker bathrobes, and slippers to take home. Rooms are on the small-side, though, especially entry-level Persona Queens. Guest sometimes complain about traffic and street noise, but the hotel takes note offering earplugs to guests.

While the hotel lacks some of the typical upper-middle-range property features -- there are no wellness facilities, for example -- it adds some atypical amenities, and features the stylish Pineapple Bistro and Bar. The Bistro is a sleek spot off the lobby with large windows onto the street and bar and cafe-style seating. It offers drinks and light fare -- there's no real dinner menu, but there's good coffee and nice breakfast options, though breakfast costs an extra fee. As a bonus, the restaurant serves up free pineapple water all day, plus free coffee and mini pineapple cupcakes in the afternoon. Room service is not available. 

The hotel offers free bike rentals -- the bikes are stylish bright yellow cruisers and come complete with helmets and bike locks. The property is also remarkably dog friendly -- there's no weight restrictions, and guests can bring up to two dogs. While there's a daily pet fee, guests with dogs get free water bowls, treats, and bag dispensers with bags, all to keep. Dog beds are also available to borrow.

The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and staff can arrange for dry cleaning or luggage storage. There's a stylish meeting room, plus free high-speed Wi-Fi. Valet parking is available, but costs a pricey daily extra fee, though it's the norm in San Fran.