USA / California / San Francisco / The gold standard / 2012 / The Palace Hotel / This historic hotel in downtown San Francisco will sweep you off your feet from the minute a bellman greets you, smiles handsomely then whisks you off to reception. It's hard not to trip while taking in the sumptuous garden court, with its glass ceiling, green palm trees and glamorous crystal and gold chandeliers. The gilded beau arts architectural details, sweet smells wafting from the heady bouquet of red roses in the lobby and every little golden flourish on the main floor are an layered sensory experience in itself. If the devil's in the details, this is certainly where Hades stays when venturing to San Francisco. This hotel is positively dripping in opulence and elegance. The staff is kind and attentive, the rooms are very sweet and well cared for and the Garden Court for High Tea is straight from a sparkling dream. © Leela Cyd Ross / Anzenberger