Atop Nob Hill, the upscale 134-room Scarlet Huntington has a classic pedigree with a new look. One of San Francisco’s old-school favorites, this property was purchased by a Singapore group that updated it in 2014 with a sexy, ritzy aesthetic heavy on lush red velvet, silk, and leather. Some of the spacious guest rooms have a new modern look, while many maintain their Old-World charm. The Nob Hill Spa is one of the most popular in the city, and the clubby Big 4 restaurant retains its classic atmosphere. Nob Hill has great city views, and the hotel is walking distance to Union Square, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Be aware, though, that any walk includes very steep hills. For true old–San Francisco elegance at the same price point, consider the nearby Fairmont San Francisco.

This 104-room hotel between Union Square and Nob Hill boasts LEED certification but not much else. It's eco-friendly -- and proud of it -- but that's about as special as the hotel gets. Rooms are comfortable and clean, and amenities are nondescript. It's a fine but somewhat boring choice with affordable rates in a central location.

If cookie-cutter chain rooms aren't your thing, this mid-range family-owned boutique hotel is a good pick for francophiles and art lovers. The lobby and restaurant take the French theme to an extreme with displays of swords, shields, tapestries, and statues, but the 50 individually decorated guest rooms are serene and full of light. Travelers will likely appreciate the lobby stocked with tourist brochures, free coffee, and an honor system cookie jar. Jeanne D'Arc, the cozy medieval restaurant in the basement, offers a reasonably priced four-course dinner with both ambiance and good food. The location is close to Union Station and the cable car to Fisherman's Wharf. The hotel is not air-conditioned; those who prefer a modern vibe and air-conditioning, try Hotel G.

The Mayflower Hotel dates back to 1929 and offers clean, budget-friendly accommodations in an historic building with some modern updates and artsy murals. Some travelers find the property tired-looking, while others consider it charming. It’s a good value for basic rooms and a free breakfast in a convenient downtown location.

The 161-room upper-middle-range Hotel Carlton is a comfortable property located located near Polk Street and Union Square in Lower Nob Hill. Built in 1927, the Carlton has an eclectic decor, with Middle Eastern and Asian influences. The fusion theme continues into its restaurant, Saha, which blends Yemenese and Arabic cuisine with California and French touches. The hotel also has a meeting room and a 24-hour business center. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs and Keurig coffeemakers, and offer city views. Be aware that rooms are not air-conditioned, and some receive noise from the street and adjacent rooms. The Galleria Park, also a Joie de Vivre hotel, offers quieter internal rooms with minibars.