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Thanks to hotelier Ian Schrager and designer Philippe Starck, the once-stodgy Clift has morphed into Alice in Wonderland at her jet set best. The surreal lobby is a mix of modern colours, ultra-rich textures and sculptural furniture; guest rooms are infinitely more minimalist, purple wing chairs and white linens casting a soothing spell while guests play with CD and DVD players and log on via hi-speed net to their pals back home. The Redwood Room now sports a stunning etched glass bar while at Asia de Cuba, the latest food inspiration is happily served to those who place looking good above eating well. Meeting rooms for up to 150.
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The Monaco’s colour scheme and style points make for some very tasty eye candy. Deep blue velour couches in the various 'living rooms’ invite you to sink in while upstairs it’s the melon-coloured love seat at the foot of your bed that will prove irresistible. The cool-heavy staff offers fresh-baked cookies in the afternoon, a prelude to the tasty wine and cheese reception replete with head, neck and shoulder massage. More pampering can be had at Spa Equilibrium on the lower level. Consider ending your day at the Petit Café’s raw bar. A top choice in its price range. Meeting and function rooms for up to 250, fully wi-fi.
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The premier San Francisco property of the Kimpton Hotel Group, the Palomar provides intimacy and luxury amid a slew of business perks. That said, it’s the black- clad set that hangs here, so leave the rep tie at home. Guest rooms are done in rich emerald green and silver tones with a leopard-print carpet as whimsical counterpoint. They also have large windows and especially large desks. Check in is at ground level though the lobby is on the fifth, as is Fifth Floor restaurant, where top toque Laurent Gras is doing French-y California cuisine. Meeting rooms for up to 160, wi-fi throughout.
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Janis Joplin would have felt right at home at the Triton, but so would Austin Powers – it’s that zany. Expect a hallucinatory smörgasbord of styles and colours in the common areas and a room that might include a zebra-striped headboard and tomato-red walls. It’s the LA film set and advertising mavens that frequent the place who are likely flipping to the 24-hour yoga channel on their flat-screen TV. The more adventurous (and musically inclined) should ask for either the Jerry Garcia Room or the Carlos Santana Room whereas Zen types will favour the EcoRooms; nightly tarot card readings take place during the hosted cocktail hour. There is a meeting room and restaurants nearby.
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These sleek, fashion-conscious properties lure customers into their modern and comfortable 'living room’ and if they make it upstairs, well, they’ll never leave. The W sports a black/brown colour scheme with shots of red, yellow and royal blue, one of the best hotel beds anywhere and a window seat or divan for lounging. Meals are taken at XYZ restaurant although you can snack at the W Café; XYZ Bar packs a dot-com crowd at cocktail hour. The 'whatever/whenever’ staff takes care of everything else. Fun and functional, loaded with tech toys and close by the MoMa and the Moscone Convention centre. Meeting rooms for up to 200, totally wi-fi.
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