Encore San Francisco

I was somewhat surprised that Robert Scheer failed to mention the superb, deluxe Campton Place Hotel, just half a block north of Union Square. Campton Place, facing the Hyatt on Stockton Street, is a discreet, smaller, European-style hotel (it is owned by the German Kempinski group), such as our L’Hermitage used to be before it went out of business.

The service is understated while omnipresent. One is welcomed with a handwritten note from the manager. Bottled water and wine are provided with compliments of the house--the latter in an ice bucket that seems miraculously refreshed at all hours of the day. At night, wicked little chocolate bonbons appear at bedside. There is a special menu for room service, operating in the middle of the night when the hotel’s famous restaurant is closed.

PETER HAY

Los Angeles