Palace Hotel, San Francisco (San Francisco, USA)

In 1875, the Palace Hotel debuted as the world's largest and most luxurious hotel, towering eight stories over San Francisco. A bridge from the old world to the modern city, the Palace recreates the elegance and glamour of 19th century high society, with its beautiful vaulted ceilings and original Austrian crystal chandeliers. Host to presidents, royalty and giants of industry, the Palace has been lavishly restored with loving attention to its rich past. Centrally located downtown and adjacent to the Financial District, the Palace indulges guests with modern conveniences and the quality of service that gave the Age of Elegance its name. It's no wonder this elegant hotel was named to CondA© Nast Traveler's 2002 Gold List.