Hotel Boheme

Immerse yourself in San Francisco history in this characterful and colourful small hotel in quintessential North Beach neighbourhood

In an age when monochromatic hotels vie with each other to offer the latest gadget gimmick and hospitality trend, Hotel Bohème serenely stands in contrast. You'll find no pillow menus, X-box consoles, shades of grey or private infinity plunge pools here. Instead, this intimate 15-room hotel artfully captures the Bohemian flair of the Beat era, with 1950s colours and fabrics and period black-and-white photos, put together by designer Candra Scott. Inviting rooms are cosy and comfortable with cast-iron beds, muslin canopies, and bistro tables with wicker chairs. Lights are shrouded by parasols or lacquered paper.

Hotel Bohème feels right in synch with the culture and history of arts, cafés, independent shops and jazz of vibrant North Beach. Take the hotel's excellent walking tour for an in-depth look at local history and landmarks involving known writers and musicians, movie sets and nightclubs. Browse in the iconic City Lights Bookstore. There's a huge choice of great cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops along Columbus Avenue, just a few steps away. Return to a glass of sherry in the lobby before turning in.

Highs

• Good location in the heart of fabulous low-slung North Beach community, which borders Chinatown and downtown including Union Square
• Friendly, helpful and relaxed managers Charles, Stan and Gigi, whose knowledge of the area and city is second to none
• Beautifully expressed homage to late 1950s/early 60s era
• Wonderful Jerry Stoll B&W photos of 1950s North Beach in all corridors
• Immaculately kept rooms and bathrooms

Lows

• No meals provided, but North Beach's great restaurant scene is outside the door
• No common rooms and bedrooms are on the smaller side
• Often noisy at night; request one of the 'inside rooms' if you're a light sleeper
• Decidedly eccentric character not for everyone
• Expect to carry your suitcase up 2 flights of stairs as no lift