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Beauty Is Facade-Deep at the Intercontinental San Francisco

Where: 888 Howard Street [map], San Francisco, CA, United States, 94103

The New York Times knows that it's what's on the inside that counts. Which is why despite vehement dislike of the 32-story Intercontinental San Francisco's architectural attributes (our favorite: that its turquoise and glass make it look like "a deodorant stick"), the Times bestows the new hotel with a rave review. Writes Chris Colin:

"...[T]he view from the inside is quite different. The muted beige interiors are well proportioned and calming. The service is polished. And many of the hotel's 550 rooms offer spectacular views of the low-slung city."

Colin particularly enjoyed the hotel's "cozy" lounge, "airy" fitness center and "large and inviting" rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. (He recommends paying more for a king bed superior to be guaranteed a room above the 12th floor, which apparently offers killer views of San Fran and all the way out to Oakland.)

Room rates start at $229, a pretty reasonable rate that will likely attract business travelers and shoppers alike, given the hotel's SoMa (South of Market Street) location, within walking distance of the financial district and "gobs of shopping," according to Colin.

So unless you're really shallow, sounds like this purported Ugly-Betty building may be worth checking out.

Photo: [NY Times]

Chris Colin / Malibu-Beach-Hotels-Map / Malibu Beach Hotels / → All Tags

Malibu Beach Hotels Guide :: The Monied Malibu Beach Inn

Where: 22878 Pacific Coast Highway [map], Malibu, CA, United States, 90265

This week, we're kicking off our Malibu Beach Hotels Map. For those of you who didn't know it, Malibu's scenic coastline isn't just dotted with surfers, celebrities, mansions, paparazzi and Britney Spears' children. There's actually a bunch of low-key hotels, motels and inns just off the Pacific Coast Highway. We're taking a look at which ones are worth a stay.

Ahh, Malibu. The land of bathing beauties, surfers and wildfires and also where the New York Times checked into this weekend, holing up in the recently renovated Malibu Beach Inn, off the coast nicknamed Billionaires' Beach.

The Times tells us that Hollywood mogul David Geffen reportedly spent over $10 million sprucing up the 47-room hotel and this is much to writer Chris Colin's delight. He lovingly writes:

...From my simple, inviting balcony I could peer south down the curve of the beach and north at the iconic Malibu Pier. My oceanview queen room was snug but never cramped.

The California artist Glenn Ness's Hockneyesque pool paintings help create a light, summery feel, and the cozy gas fireplace is a happy extravagance against the Pacific backdrop.

At night, with the sliding glass door open, the thump and wash of the surf below wipes away all unnecessary thoughts."

Plus, free Wi-Fi! We'd immediately make a reservation if it weren't for that $675 per night price tag--this is unless Colin is willing to divulge which web site he booked the hotel on for the rate of $385.

[Photo: NY Times]