The Clift, San Francisco, United States

With more than a few world-class design hotels to choose from, why not base your stay at Clift, which has become a centerpiece itself for San Francisco's dynamic mix of traditional grandeur and contemporary techno-experimentation? A nearly century-old building today Clift retains its original stone and brick façade, but its interiors are a journey into international hotelier Ian Schrager's balancing act between grand hotel detail and innovative design. Working with world-renowned designer Philippe Starck, he's created public and private spaces at Clift that harmonize reality and fantasy in ways you don't find in most big city properties.

The facilties

The Clift's lobby retains its original soaring ceilings and proportions but is now the backdrop to a provocative collection of furniture th