Six of the best: San Francisco boutique hotels

Villa Florence

Situated smack in the heart of Union Square, San Francisco's central shopping hub, the Villa Florence has recently unveiled the first stage of a US$15 million renovation, beginning with a facelift for each of its 189 guest rooms. Aesthetically, the hotel puts a contemporary spin on traditional Italian flair, from the spiral topiary trees dotted around the front lobby, to the bold saffron peony designs on headboards and cushions throughout the spacious rooms. Downstairs, the European influences extend to the outstanding pasta dishes at Kuleto's Restaurant, (try the duck bolognaise) as well as the Italian-themed cocktails at adjacent Bar Norcini. Although the city's famous cable car line runs from right outside the front door, the hotel still feels like an oasis of calm in the midst of the action. Rooms from $US250 a night. See www.villaflorence.com

Hotel Carlton

From the wisecracking reception staff to the flickering gas fireplace that greet you the moment you enter Hotel Carlton, there's a welcoming atmosphere here that feels refreshingly uncontrived. Located in the once sketchy but increasingly gentrified Lower Nob Hill District, The Carlton is just a short stroll from the eclectic bar and restaurant scene of Polk Street and a 10-minute walk from Union Square. It's worth staying here for the nightly wine receptions alone, where an hour of complimentary booze and live music prove social cohesion among total strangers is not nearly as complicated as it might seem. Rooms from $US145 a night. See www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/california/san-francisco-hotels/hotel-carlton/

Argonaut Hotel

With its exposed brick facade and converted warehouse interior, the Argonaut could easily have gone for a more stripped-back, industrial feel but its location in the touristy Fisherman's Wharf district has seen the celebrated Kimpton group opt for a more nautical, family-friendly stylistic bent. It's borderline cheesy, though it just about works, and while this might be a property better suited to an older demographic or families with kids, the service is slick, the open fireplace welcoming, and the modern furnishings luxe. Try the famed crab and corn chowder at the onsite Blue Mermaid Restaurant. Rooms from $US271 a night. See www.argonauthotel.com

Cavallo Point Lodge

For more of an "out of the city" option, Cavallo Point Lodge simply cannot be beaten. Situated in Sausalito at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, the historic property served as a US Army base throughout World War II before the area was eventually converted to National Park land in 2002. Today, a mix of lovingly restored former officers' buildings are contrasted superbly by state of the art contemporary lodges, many of which boast among the city's best views across San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Set in a horseshoe formation facing the bay, the original properties maintain a wonderfully nostalgic, cosy feel, while the two-story modern lodges blend cutting-edge environmental building practices with James Bond-esque gas fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows and radiant heat floors. Rooms from $US369 a night. See www.cavallopoint.com

Scarlet Huntington