Clift Hotel was one of my favorite stays in San Francisco, especially knowing it was designed by Philippe Starck. It’s always a treat walking into any Philippe Starck design and the Clift was no exception. Located near Union Square, open the doors to this historic 372-room Art Deco building for a truly opulant experience.

Dark, sexy, overly high ceilings — this bold lobby is filled with surrealist-inspired furniture, including an original table designed by Salvador Dalí. There’s also a giant-size wooden chair in the middle of the room, cozy fireplaces, sitting areas, etc.

The famed Redwood Bar is also located here and I was there almost every night for a Malbec, olives and a charcuterie board. BTW, I highly recommend the charcuterie board for the variety. This one had different cuts of meats, pickles + pickled veggies, grainy mustard, grilled artisan bread and homemade honey (from their rooftop bee farm!!).

The room…

My room (a generously sized 740 sq ft one-bedroom suite) was very clean, airy and gorgeous. Not too much adornment (nothing on the walls, for example) but the very tasteful and chic furniture becomes the statement. I loved all the sunlight pouring in and the pups loved how roomy it was! Oh, did I mention, dogs stay free?! Yes, no charge for a pet (under 20 lbs)!