The 40-story St. Regis Hotel – in a building the architects claim evokes Rodin’s bold, overcoated sculpture of Balzac – arguably re-defines the word luxury, making it one of the top hotels in San Francisco. From custom-designed Barcelona benches at the foot of every bed to lush leather wall coverings, huge plasma TVs, Pratesi linens, deep soaking tubs and separate showers, and 24-hour butler and room service, all the rooms at the St. Regis San Francisco offer serious decadence. The light-filled palette is done in many shades of cream, an effect both relaxing and uplifting. The top 18 floors are devoted to permanent residences, but most of the guest rooms feature fine views of the city, the bay or Yerba Buena Gardens across the street (the St. Regis is also next door to SFMoMa). Ask for one of the Grand Deluxe rooms, which are located on the higher floors and boast views of Yerba Buena Gardens and the San Francisco hills. Downstairs is the impeccable restaurant Ame, serving fine Pan Asian food. In addition to an exclusive fitness center, there is the lavish 9,000-square-foot Remède Spa.