Review of Huntington Hotel, by John Borthwick

The elegant 12-storey luxury hotel Huntington (named after Wild West railway baron, C. P. Huntington) has been one San Francisco's best retreats since it opened in 1924.

Many of the gracious buildings on Nob Hill (once known as "Snob Hill"), where the hotel is situated, carry a pedigree.The most notable structures are Grace Cathedral, the wedding-cake-like Fairmont Hotel, the Pacific Union Club and of course The Huntington Hotel.

The facilities

In the luxury hotel's Big Four Restaurant, the combined effects of a log fire, a cocktail or two and the pianist's spell can almost carry you back to the roaring days of the "big four" robber barons who built their mansions on Nob Hill.

This Huntington Hotel's Spa is a reason to come in itself. Hop into the infinity pool, have a massage and full body treatment, then finish the job with a manicure or pedicure. You can buy deluxe body products at the spa boutique, then keep up the good work by eating from the spa cuisine menu at the Big 4 restuarant.

The rooms

Of the Huntington's 136 rooms, many look out across a skyline of spires, gargoyles and a patriotic flap of American flags. From your suite at the luxury hotel you may be able to see framed blue panes of the bay and a checklist of San Francisco's icons: the cat's-cradle spans of the Bay Bridge and infamous Alcatraz.

Due to the old apartment-style architecture of the building, no two rooms are exactly the same, and suites often have a lot more space than similar luxury hotels do. Guests are also pleased with their complimentary wi-fi and king beds.