Globalista

San Francisco is a city of writers and artists, a cultural cocoon with more high society than the rest of the west coast put together. The city sits at the edge, literally and figuratively, of cross-cultural movements in art, music, food, and style. But San Franciscans love it because it's also in some ways still a frontier town, meaning there's both a spirit of modern-day pioneerism (witness the tech community's boom-and-bust fearlessness) and a pronounced wild streak - you'll likely see at least one Hell's Angel, and he or she may well be rubbing tattooed shoulders with you at a sushi or wine bar. San Franciscans proclaim their love for their town in all sorts of ways: by quitting work at 4 pm to sail in the bay if the day is clear; by hitting the edgy Mission district in black tie for tacos and beer after an opera opening; by partaking of the city's embarrassment of natural beauty on foot, mountain bike, rollerblade and horseback; and by revelling in its still-young energy - just hit the SoMa (South of Market) scene on a Friday night to learn how to have a good time. Do what you like here - just don't call it San Fran or, heaven forbid, Frisco.

You can preview the Best Hotels featured in our Globalista Report below. Or buy the full Globalista Report for this destination, available at the bottom of the page.

In fashionable Yerba Buena, the latest St Regis, San Francisco property is a sleek, glass-and-steel take on the hotel group's usually traditional decor, but it doesn't miss a beat on the five-star luxury. The light-filled rooms are in soothing earth tones with cashmere throws on the bed, stitched leather walls and soaring views over the city. Plus the usual luxe touches - sophisticated electronics and butlers. The location of the Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco in the financial district makes it a perfect fit for business travellers but this is a prime destination for any visitor. The interiors are lush, with gilded cabinets and red and gold silk furnishings and the views are famous - make sure you’re on the Bay side to see the landmark Transamerica Pyramid and Golden Gate Bridge out the window, from your bed or bathtub.

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Globalista’s Pick of the Press

23 August 2009 - The New York Times - Food of the Andes by the Golden Gate
31 May 2009 - The New York Times - Store Review: Flax, Art-Supply Heaven in San Francisco
19 April 2009 - The Times - Yosemite: California's Playground
29 March 2009 - The New York Times - The Dogpatch
22 February 2009 - The New York Times - The Press Club, San Francisco
27 January 2009 - The Telegraph - San Francisco city guide: sights and attractions

See the full archive of travel press articles for San Francisco.

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