Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square

Both a hotel and private residence club, Fairmont Heritage Place is housed on the corner of Ghirardelli Square. It's so discreetly built into the historic factory that it could easily be overlooked if you didn't know about it. Opened in 2008, this property is a polished gem in one of the city's oldest landmarks -- a former chocolate factory built in 1893 and placed on the National Historic Register in 1982. It stopped operating as a factory long ago, but it's still best known for its chocolate and ice cream shops, and is marked by huge, lit Ghirardelli signs.The chic interiors are what you might expect from the Fairmont brand. Sleek furnishings in the lobby include yellow velvet chairs, orchids topping coffee tables, and elegant black-and-white framed prints on the walls. There's not much in terms of common spaces to congregate in, but the large rooftop terrace is a highlight. It has stunning bay views and two fire pits that make for some cozy alfresco lounging. Despite the lack of features (no restaurant, pool, or spa), the property still comes off as a wonderful combination of the best of both worlds: a fully furnished apartment with the kind of pampering service you usually only find at luxury hotels.

The Fairmont Heritage Place is a beacon of luxury on the fringes of the otherwise kitschy Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco's most infamous tourist trap. It's built into Ghirardelli Square, full of highbrow shops and restaurants, and, though the Ghirardelli factory has long since changed addresses, there's no shortage of chocolates in the city's flagship store and ice cream shop. The Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood is loaded with cheap souvenir shops, seafood stands, street performers, and aggressive salesmen pitching boat tours to overwhelmed crowds of tourists, but Ghirardelli Square is generally out of the way of the area's most trying crowds. It's also conveniently located near the docks where ferries leave for Alcatraz, Sausalito, and Tiburon, and about two blocks from the terminus of the Powell-Mason cable car line, which connects to the farther reaches of the city, like Union Square and Nob Hill.- Located in historic Ghirardelli Square, a chocolate factory in 1893, now full of high-end restaurants, cafes, and shops

• Near the Cannery at Fisherman's Wharf, an outdoor shopping and dining complex
• Lombard Street is a 12-minute walk (uphill)
• A 30-minute stroll on the boardwalk or a quick ride on the F-line streetcar (one block from the hotel) to fancy waterside restaurants at the Embarcadero
• Golden Gate Bridge is about a 10- to 15-minute drive or 20 minutes by public transportation
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about a 30-minute drive or an hour via public transit

The Fairmont Heritage's one-, two-, and three-bedroom units are right up there with some of the best luxury rooms in San Francisco. They feel more like apartments -- with full kitchens, dining tables, and fully furnished living rooms featuring gas fireplaces -- and are impeccably styled. The modern amenities and decor avoid a cookie-cutter effect thanks to the building's beautiful exposed brick walls and hardwood floors. Views of the city or bay provide excellent light and atmosphere -- plus some rooms have private terraces.The units are spacious at an entry-level 850 square feet, with three-bedroom units measuring up 1900 square feet, and high ceilings make them feel even larger.  Full kitchens have near-professional quality appliances, including wine refrigerators, laundry machines, J.A. Henckels knives, and Wolf gas ranges, plus dishwashers, microwaves, coffeemakers, and full sets of cookware and dishes. All units have large living rooms with 42-inch flat-screen TVs with DVD players, while the bedrooms have super high-end beds and linens. Large master bathrooms feature soaking tubs and separate rainfall showers, plus there are separate rooms for toilets and large vanity areas. Molton Brown toiletries are supplied.

Though there aren't many features here, especially for a luxury hotel (no restaurant, pool, or spa -- though massage services can be booked), a slew of free services and perks are offered that enhance the experience. The continental breakfast is free and impressive, it's served daily in the inviting lounge. There's also a late afternoon wine and cheese reception that's a nice touch, encouraging camaraderie among guests. Guests get 24-hour butler and concierge services, as well as luxury house car service. Pre-arrival grocery shopping is available for a fee, and room service from a couple of nearby restaurants can also be ordered. The hotel does have a fitness room that offers a good selection of Technogym cardio and strength-training machines, as well as a business center with computer and printer. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.