White Swan Inn

The White Swan Inn dates back to 1915. The decor of the five-story hotel is a visually striking tribute to the mod look of the ‘60s and to London’s old-fashioned hotels. The Victorian London vibe starts with the deliberate clashing of floral wallpaper in the common spaces and suites with couches and chairs that don’t coordinate, and a heavy reliance on dark wood furniture, like the many hutches and buffet cabinets that display teacups. The ‘60s retro feel is evident in the parlor, a relaxing seating area with a fireplace, with pink and green chair-rail-height wall paneling, a celery-colored couch, and black-and-red hexagon-patterned rugs. The colorful theme extends toward the lending library, with its whimsical artwork on the walls and accent-lit bookshelves that give off a warm, salmon-colored glow. The inn celebrates its name with swan images spread throughout the property. For some, the mismatched floral look is a nice stroll back in time, while for others, it's as if Laura Ashley exploded in the inn (in a bad way). It’s a romantic getaway for some, but families with children come here as well due to the many nearby attractions.

The Nob Hill White Swan Inn is a nine-minute walk to Union Square, which contains the largest number of upscale department stores and chic boutiques in the city, and a 13-minute walk to Fisherman's Wharf, which features many water activities on boats and cruises, and family-friendly sites such as the Sea Lion Center and Ripley's Believe It or Not!, among others. Bike rentals are available at the wharf, providing a scenic option for exploring Golden Gate Bridge. Chinatown is a five-minute walk from the hotel. The inn is next door to its sister hotel, The Petite Auberge. Local transportation includes the Powell Street cable-car stop, which is a two-minute walk from the hotel. The San Francisco Airport is a 23-minute drive from the hotel. There is no free shuttle to the airport.

Rooms here are surprisingly spacious for a bed and breakfast, and feature ample seating areas near the windows and welcoming fireplaces. The rooms have the same floral-heavy and homey Victorian decor that saturates the entire inn. Though the design style harkens back to another time, the rooms are outfitted with modern amenities, including 32-inch flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docking stations, and free Wi-Fi throughout the inn. Wet bars have sinks, tea- and coffee-makers, and mini-fridges. The black-and-white bathrooms, with white tiles in the shower/tub combos and black-and-white, hexagon-design flooring, give off a clean feel. One downside is that rooms lack air-conditioners. The rooms are stylish rnough, but not luxurious.

Served daily in the cozy parlor and dining area are free breakfasts that feature hot foods and free evening receptions that feature appetizers and some of the best local wines. Free, fresh-baked cookies and free tea and biscuits, a nod to the inn’s English theme, are served every day in the afternoon. The inn serves free coffee and tea all day, and free soft drinks and bottled water are replenished daily in the in-room mini-fridges. There’s no in-house restaurant, but there’s so much food timed during eating hours that it’s easy for guests to forget about having lunch or dinner. The inn includes a cozy garden courtyard with tables and chairs, a sliver of quiet ambience within the city. A  24-hour business center are and a 360-square-feet meeting space are available. The hotel lacks a fitness center, but discounted passes to an off-site gym are offered at the front desk.