San Francisco has fabulous hotels, some at the base of its legendary hills, some halfway up and some at the very top of famous Nob Hill itself. Here are three that are most convenient for Union Square, the hub of the city’s justly renowned retail.

Taj Campton Place is one block from Union Square, plus Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks and Victoria’s Secret – and, also, one of the biggest Apple stores. Not surprisingly, considering the location and its boutique feel, 40 percent of guests are regulars, and stay an average of three nights. Of its 110 rooms, a favourite is loft-look number 901, next to the terrace-set gym, or try 712, a long narrow C-shape which overlooks the Square. The restaurant is ideal for quiet breakfast meetings (many, keen to get to shops or other commitments, do head next door for a quick Starbucks). At night, the restaurant comes into its own, primarily because of the superb wine service. All beverages are in the care of Richard Dean MW, whom some may remember from his days at The Mark in New York. Here he hosts regular wine dinners and tastings. The adjacent bar is a hangout for local residents and business people before their commute home. GM is Ashrafi Matcheswala.

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, three blocks away, is for top business travellers, and for leisure and families too – it’s also for serious fitness. Guests have access to the integral Sports Club/LA, which oers two floors of workout space, swimming pools, basketball courts, boxing, you name it – 118,000 sq ft in all – and open from 5am. If you get bored with this, cards in the bedrooms suggest jogging routes, say a little waterfront trip to the Golden Gate Bridge, a mere 6.2 miles. Courtesy of the hotel’s developer, Millennium Partners, there are over 50 stunning modern paintings and sculptures throughout the public areas. Particularly eye-catching is Marie Rafalko’s Dark Oval #4 2001, simply a big black oval shape in a heavy gold frame. Of the 277 bedrooms, you might opt for the elegant #1703, the Presidential Suite, a palette of soft moss and gold, and not too intimidating. Try the all-day restaurant, if only for breakfast – the Salvadorean omelette by chef Elvis Ramirez is one of the best. GM is Doug Horsley.

St. Regis San Francisco, also three blocks from Union Square, is in the Museum Tower that also hosts the city’s MoAD, Museum of the African Diaspora. Stay here for design – Yabu Pushelberg’s interiors include a silver and purple airy lobby with two-way working fire. Be sure to enjoy the signature Golden Gate Mary, a version of a basic Bloody Mary, done with tequila. Definitely dine at Ame, a restaurant that many do not realise is connected with the hotel. An oshoot of Terra in Napa Valley, the restaurant is run by the same pair, Hiro Sone and his wife Lissa Doumani of the Stag’s Leap winery family. Dishes range from Kaisen sashimi salad with Japanese cucumber, hijiki seaweed, tobiko (flying fish) caviar and soy vinaigrette, through to beer doughnuts with chocolate stout ice cream and chocolate fudge sauce. Of the 269 hotel rooms, the best views are from the higher floors, say 1808, looking over the Jewish Museum. The 24-hour gym is complemented by an admirable 60-foot pool. GM is Toni Knorr.