Hotel Vitale

San Francisco

From any floor, you could chuck a sustainably farmed oyster shell and hit the waterfront's Ferry Building–the gourmet hub of the city–across the street. Plus, many of the lavender-scented rooms have dazzling views of the Bay Bridge. But location isn't the only reason the Vitale edges out the city's other great hotels–there's the buzzy bar, rooftop spa, and great design that gives your room a "chic little urban pied-à-terre" feel. As our scout says, "even locals want to stay here." $279/$399; 200 rooms & suites; hotelvitale.com

SCORE: 83