Place to sleep: Hotel Phoenix, San Francisco, California, United States

About this place:

As I'm walking out the door of San Francisco's Hotel Phoenix, I hesitate for a second and then run over and jump up on the bed--I can't bare to part with the mattress. Their king-size bed is the most comfortable place I've ever had the pleasure of resting my head--and the perfect end to a tiring day of exploring the city. It's pretty good for jumping on, too, but don't tell the management.
They're probably used to such antics, though--the hotel bills itself as the hot spot for up and coming bands to crash on their way through town. Did James Mercer from The Shins spend the night on that very same mattress? Possibly, but I didn't run into anyone famous during my stay. In fact, it felt as if I had the place to myself.
The boutique hotel is situated around an intimate pool-side courtyard that feels far removed from the bustle of the city. Sipping coffee and nibbling pastries from the free continental breakfast with my feet dangling in the heated pool on a sunny San Francisco morning was just about as good a start to the day as I could imagine.
The hotel rooms are stylish, but feel homey and welcoming--like I'd imagine my house would be if I were only hip enough to pull it off. With rates starting at $139 a night, I can easily pretend to fit in with the rock stars and trend-setters.
It's fun to imagine myself brushing by the members of The Killers on the way to my room, but in the end, I'd still go back just for the bed.