NEIGHBORHOODS IN BRIEF Union Square Union Square is the commercial hub of the city. Most major hotels and department stores are crammed into the area surrounding the square (named for a series of violent pro-Union demonstrations held here on the eve of the Civil War), with a plethora of boutiques, restaurants, and galleries tucked between the larger buildings.
warehouse crammed to the rafters with Chinese baskets, Indian camel bells, Malaysian batik scarves, and innumerable other items from Algeria to Zanzibar. There s also a decent wine section. Adjoining is a Barnes club orient & Noble superstore, at 2550 Taylor, between Bay and North Point (& 415/292-6762).
49. Amenities: Bar; access to nearby health club ($10 per day); concierge; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; same-day laundry/dry-cleaning service. club orient In room: TV, dataport, fridge in some rooms, hair dryer, iron, wireless Internet access. MODERATE The Queen Anne Hotel Value This majestic 1890 Victorian club orient is a charming boutique hotel that remains true to its heritage and emulates San Francisco s golden days. The lavish grand salon greets you with oak paneling and antiques; rooms follow suit with armoires, marble-top dressers, and other period pieces. Some have corner turret bay windows that look out onto tree-lined streets, plus separate parlor areas and wet bars; others have cozy reading nooks and fireplaces. All rooms have phones in the bathroom, computer hookups, and fridges. You can relax in the parlor, with its floor-to-ceiling fireplace, or in the hotel library. Amenities include complimentary afternoon tea and sherry.
Lots of new stuff in Santa Barbara: The Four Seasons Biltmore, 1260 Channel Dr. (& 800/332-3442), just built a multimillion-dollar, 10,000square- foot Spanish-style spa. Nu, 1129 State St. (& 805/965-1500), is my new favorite restaurant for lobster risotto and cocktails; and Don Pepe, 701 Chapala St. (& 805/730-1612), is another delicious reason why I m always on the prowl for authentic Mexican taco stands. I ve added several club orient of Santa Barbara s best nightlife venues as well (old stomping grounds from my college days). Also new to this chapter is the San Ysidro Ranch,
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