Taj Campton Place

This high-service hotel on Union Square feels more intimate than some other luxury properties in town.

• The location in the heart of San Francisco at Union Square
• Impeccable service
• Smaller size than many other luxury hotels in San Francisco

Seamlessly run by Taj (the Mumbai-based brand that also manages and operates The Pierre, in New York), Campton Place has one of the city’s most enviable hotel locations. It is in close proximity to Union Square, high-end shopping, such museums as the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the entrance to Chinatown and the Financial District. You can walk to the Ferry Building in twenty minutes, and the major public transportation lines run along nearby Market Street.

There are, however, some drawbacks to the 110-room property, most related to its somewhat quirky layout. Two historic buildings, dating from the early 1900s were merged to create the hotel, making for some rooms that are on the small side. The Asian-inspired decor, complete with embroidered silks, a rich gold-and-olive color scheme, an abundant use of warm woods and the sliding paneled doors that separate bed- and bathrooms, is lovely. Details like Molton Brown bath amenities, Egyptian cotton linens and Bose surround-sound system are all top-notch. But fashionistas will be troubled by the limited closet space; couples with a lot of luggage might trip over each other in some of the smaller rooms; and those wishing for a view should book on a higher floor. The lobby area, complete with a cozy bar and sitting lounge, was also revamped by Taj and now features contemporary art by local artists and adorned with gorgeous oversized flower arrangements.

The Taj Campton is a good choice for those who prefer superlative service in a more intimate environment. The Taj is also the choice for shoppers who want immediate access to Union Square’s high-end stores, but they should be sure their room is big enough to stash their purchases.