Bijou

While waiting for a manager in the slick Art Deco lobby of the Hotel Bijou, we bopped our heads to Spanish pop music, watched a British father read to his daughter in a plush settee and fought the urge to strike a pose. Situated just two blocks from the popular Nordstrom Center and Market Street’s transportation hub, this three-star hotel celebrates San Francisco’s cinematic charm.

Though not as glamorous as the lobby, the hotel's 65 rooms are bright and comfortable. In recent years, rooms have been given a boutique hotel makeover, which means these spaces are clean, if not a little basic and uniform in design. All rooms are equipped with a television, phone and free Wi-Fi. Light sleepers should ask for interior rooms, as Mason Street is pretty but noisy.

The private bathrooms are clean and bright, with gray tiling or pale blue walls. Some have stall showers, but bathtubs are available (ask ahead). Toiletries and a hair dryer are standard.

A full breakfast buffet, complete with bagels, waffles, eggs and all the fixin’s, is available for $13.