San Francisco: Smart Splurges

InterContinental San Francisco Opened in February 2008, the 550-room InterContinental is the first new hotel to come to San Francisco in three years. The eco-friendly, 32-story building’s modern, turquoise façade is a prime example of the city’s progressive attitude towards art, as is its minimal, yet inviting, neo-Japanese style interior with its dark polished wood walls and marble floors. SoMa; 888 Howard St.; 888-811-4273; www.intercontinentalsanfrancisco.com
luxury | hotel | trendy | views | expensive | spa

Jack Falstaff Occupying one of South of Market’s industrial spaces, Jack Falstaff’s plush, olive-toned interior is the perfect backdrop for his unforgettable New American cuisine. The $85 tasting menu is the best deal, as it allows you to sample some of the restaurants finest and most creative fare for one price, including yellowtail with jalapeno granita, quail stuffed with foie gras, and an amazing trio of desserts. SoMa; 598 Second St.; 415-836-9239; www.jackfalstaff.com
luxury | restaurant | expensive | restaurants | editor pick

Mandarin Oriental San Francisco Contemporary-feeling rooms with superb city, bay views are elegantly decorated with Asian accents and feng shui principles. Amenities include WiFi, binoculars, Frette Egyptian cotton sheets, daily newspaper, and welcome tea and cookies. Financial District; 222 Sansome St.; 415-276-9888; www.mandarinoriental.com
luxury | hotel | expensive | view | editor pick

One Market Restaurant Bradley Ogden’s restaurant has long been a hotspot for American cuisine. For the ultimate experience, pay to sit at the “Chef’s Table” where you’ll interact with the chef while enjoying exquisite cuisine. Embarcadero; 1 Market St.; 415-777-5577; www.onemarket.com
restaurant | expensive | notable chef | open kitchen

San Francisco Seaplane Tours A Golden Gate tour is nice, but a Champagne Flight is spectacular. Passengers sip champagne at sunset while soaring above the coastline – the most romantic 30-minutes of your life, guaranteed. Sausalito/Mill Valley; 242 Redwood Hwy.; 415-332-4843; www.seaplane.com
romantic | tour | things to do | view | airplane

Tampico You wouldn’t know it from their website, but Tampico is a top destination for antique or vintage jewelry. Their sales staff is known for their attention to detail, knowledge and assistance. Pacific Heights; 2147 Union St.; 415-563-3785; www.tampico.us
shopping | jewelry | antiques | specialty

The Ambassador The current, swanky hotspot for locals and out-of-town A-listers has exposed brick, lots of black, and rotary phones in the booths to connect you to others in the bar, including the bartender. Civic Center; 673 Geary St.; 415-563-8192; www.ambassador415.com
nightlife | dancing | open late | bar | local favorite | editor pick