Fairmont San Francisco

Heads of state choose the Fairmont for its grand hotel swagger – magnificent marble lobby, opulent mosaic penthouse suite, bacchanalian brunches – plus San Francisco eccentricity, including tiki Tonga Room and deco circus-mural Cirque bar. Guest rooms offer business-class comfort, but comparatively less character and luxury than public spaces. For historic appeal, reserve in the original 1906 building; for jaw-dropping views, go for the tower.