Offbeat Shopping
If shopping is more important than sightseeing, the Laurel Inn -- located close to the high-end boutiques, galleries, and antique stores of Pacific Heights -- is a great base of operations. Start walking along Sacramento Street, just half a block to the north, for pricey (but special) stores, from original women's clothing designs (and usually, the designer herself) at Catherine Jane, to ribbons from around the world at The Ribbonerie, to 18th and 19th century European furniture at T. Reggiardo Antiques. Then head east along Sacramento until it meets Fillmore Street for more upscale shops, and continue north toward Union Street, a long stretch of boutiques, jewelry, beauty, and home decor stores that could justify another full day of shopping. Fortunately, The Laurel Inn is not only one of San Francisco's best boutique hotels, it's also one of its best values, leaving you with more spending money.