Place to sleep: Hotel Metropolis, San Francisco, California, United States

About this place:

Hotel Metropolis is an oasis of style in the part of San Francisco with the least of it. Located right next to Market street but only a block or two from the Tenderloin, this is not the best place to bring a family. But for the young (and less financially endowed), Metropolis is a great find. Reasonable rates (I stayed two nights for two for about $250), great service with valet parking, and free WiFi internet add to the package. They offer weekend wine-tasting in the their tastefully modern lobby and over-hanging library. The rooms are clean and themed on one of the classical elements (earth, wind, fire, and water) depending on your floor. A great hotel from which to discover San Francisco on a budget.