Review of The Clift, by Hal Peat

With more than a few world-class design hotels to choose from, why not base your stay at The 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 facilities

The Clift's lobby retains its original soaring ceilings and proportions but is now the backdrop to a provocative collection of furniture that includes pieces by 20th-century masters such as Dali and Magritte. It continues in the Schrager-Starck reinvention of the design hotel's legendary bar, the Redwood Room, which retains its original redwood hues but restated in a variety of leather, fabric, wood and metal surfaces. This huge room is further animated by a series of flat-screen televisions mounted vertically around the walls that play out endless moving images by some of the nation's leading digital artists.

The design hotel also has a 24-hour gym with private trainers and classes, a full-service business center, and if you don't want to go out to eat, then you can experience the fusion of Chino-Latino fusion cuisine downstairs at the Asia de Cuba restaurant right across from the Redwood Room.

The rooms

The Clift's 316 rooms and suites have a dreamy and mesmerizing feel, with their high ceilings, muted colors, enormous English sycamore sleigh beds (inspired by Man Ray), and equally large windows that afford you a panoramic view of San Francisco, taking in the Golden Gate Bridge and other landmarks.

The extensive guest services include a full range of entertainment and business connectivity from each room. High speed internet access and cable tv are included.