San Francisco
The digs and public spaces are small, but for the younger crowd, the Union Street Inn's location can't be beat: Many of the city's most popular restaurants, boutiques, and bars are on nearby Union, Fillmore, and Chestnut streets. There's a well-tended garden in back, and robes in the rooms. In addition to hot breakfasts and afternoon wine and cheese, you'll find fresh fruit in your room and sweets in the parlor all day. Strength: There's a private carriage house for lovebirds. Weakness: It's hard to sleep late in this neighborhood. Room to avoid: None (415-346-0424; unionstreetinn.com; doubles, $189–$329).

The Parsonage is a rambling, antiques-filled Victorian on the edge of Hayes Valley, a chic district of clothing boutiques and art galleries. The place is more home than hotel, with family photos framed on the walls. The five guest rooms are up at least one flight of stairs, although an elevator will be installed in February; all have large bathrooms with marble showers, and two have working fireplaces. There's a hot breakfast each morning, and brandy and chocolates in the evening. Strength: A beautifully maintained nineteenth-century gem. Weakness: Close to some unsavory neighborhoods. Room to avoid: None (888-763-7722; theparsonage.com; doubles, $180–$220).

Since the Washington Square Inn is in the heart of North Beach—the city's Italian district—but still close to downtown, it attracts both business and leisure travelers. Some of the 15 rooms overlook a park and an impressive church, others survey Coit Tower or an inner courtyard. All have flat-screen TVs, iPod/CD players, and plush robes. Continental breakfast is served in-room and at the communal dining table; wine and hors d'oeuvre are served each evening. Strengths: Lots of hotel-like amenities; ceiling fans for the rare Fog City heat wave. Weakness: A bit more institutional than the typical B&B (415-981-4220; wsisf.com; doubles, $179–$329).
–Brook Wilkinson

Seattle
Shafer Baillie Mansion, on Seattle's original Millionaires' Row, transports guests back to a more elegant time the moment they walk through the carved-oak doors of this 1914 Tudor Revival home. The impressive entry hall leads to a salon paneled floor to ceiling in oak and mahogany and furnished with comfortable velvet chairs and a grand piano. The sunroom is a perfect spot for relaxing, with its bank of windows welcoming Puget Sound breezes. Guests may choose from two suites or three rooms, all with private baths and furnished in antiques. Strength: Near Capitol Hill's trendy restaurants, cafés, and clubs. Weaknesses: Breakfast is basic, as are the toiletries. Room to avoid: None (206-322-4654; sbmansion.com; doubles, $139–$219).