Out-of-town friends or relatives looking for a hotel recommendation? Well, the Westin St. Francis, one of downtown's poshest hotels, just got a facelift. And it's an A+ in our book, a nod to present-day San Francisco while still preserving the building's history. 

The $40 million renovation--$12 million of which was delegated solely to the guestrooms in the Main Building--was manned by Kevin Joyce Designs. It incorporates new custom-designed dark wood furniture pieces with original elements like the curved high ceilings, ornate moldings and crystal chandeliers. But worry not, those insanely comfy, signature Westin Heavenly Beds™ remain. Finishing touches include velvety chaise lounges, contemporary abstract artworth, flat-screen TVs and ergonomic desk chairs.

The remaining funds went into such additions as hotel-wide free wireless, revamped function spaces, new locks on all the rooms, an enhanced hotel carriage entrance, an upgraded security system and modernized elevators. This transformation is the most extensive the property has undergone since its restoaration following the 1906 earthquake.

If you can swing a room in the Main Building overlooking Union Square, it's worth it. They're surprisingly quiet, save for the welcoming tinkle of the cable car bell in the morning. But c'mon, tourists love that.

And there's also Michael Mina, one of the city's finest dining institutions, and the venerable Clock Bar, a perfect spot for a night cap. Can't go wrong here.