This hotel was moderately priced.The beds were amazing. I didn't feel my husband move all night. They were actually MORE comfortable than being at home. However, the traffic outside our window was horrible. We heard sirens all night. The people at the front desk were not incredibly nice. They were more busy playing around than helping people. It took about forty-five minutes to get our car from the valet. I recommend staying closer to the piers. It's a lot safer down in that area also.

The Savoy is in a great location, right on Geary Street about a block away from the Theatre District and a few blocks away from Union Square and all the shopping on Market Street. We found that the closest bus stop was on Market Street, but that was according to our Frommer's. The hotel has two computers that can be used by guests for free, and is right next to the Millenium Restaurant. The restaurant offers a buffet-style breakfast for $7, but it only includes juice, coffee, cereal, fruit, bagels, etc. You might do betting by eating at one of the greasy spoons on Geary Street. Our room was a little on the small side, with a small closet and a bathroom. There was also a TV that had about 15 cable channels, included local stations, CNN, The Weather Channel, and TBS. Pay-per-view movies were available. The bed was amazing, with a Beautyrest mattress and Egyptian cotton sheets. The only downside to the hotel was that the noise from outside seemed to come right through the windows, especially if there were sirens going by. The fire department seemed to have a busy time during our stay, so that may not always be the case.

The Savoy Hotel is located in the theater district of the city. Built in 1913, it is a charming, intimate retreat from home. After a ride up the old-fashioned elevator to the seventh floor, I stepped into my small but provincially decorated room. I sat on the red and gold comforter. The bed was filled with goose down pillows; the mattress was made softer by a plush, goose down cover under the fitted sheet. Two fluffy, white robes hung on the bathroom door. The armoire revealed a mini-bar and television.

I noted that all of the regular amenities such as laundry services were provided for in the hotel along with a few extra luxuries such as a complimentary wine and cheese hour daily. A key can also be requested to enter the 24-hour business center: a small room with a computer and printer and fax machine.

I looked through a slat in the window blinds of my room to the twinkling streets below. I knew I was a short walk away from Union Square, an upscale shopping area. The SFMOMA is also in walking distance of the Savoy, along with shops, galleries, restaurants, cable cars and cafes.

One afternoon I got a good hair cut across the street from the hotel at Addy for Hair (531 Geary Street/415-441-4731) where I listened with rapt attention to the constant stream of good-natured banter between the two sisters who own the place. Apparently celebrities often walk on Geary in the mornings on their way to early rehearsals in the nearby playhouses; their most recent spotting was Olympia Dukakis.

I had a very comfortable stay in the Savoy Hotel. The staff was helpful and courteous. They arranged for a shuttle to pick me up on the morning of my departure to the airport (Shuttle=$12, Cab=$30). They were happy to offer suggestions about the city.

I would say if you stay at the Savoy that the continental breakfast served at the bar in the mornings is not worth the extra money if it’s not already included in your room rate. $8 is steep for dry cereal and orange juice. Just walk down Geary towards Powell Street, and you’ll quickly find places to buy bagels or pastries you’ll probably enjoy more. With that said, the rates for this Boutique Hotel itself are a good value. The location is near enough to area attractions to suit any needs. Nightlife can be found at a variety of bars such as the Red Room just a couple blocks away.

Bottom Line: The Savoy has personality, and I would happily stay there again.

Visit their website at www.TheSavoyHotel.com to check for rate specials and more information.