$150–250

An unlikely hotel in the midst of the stuffy suit-clad Financial District [1], the Hotel Triton (342 Grant Ave., 800/800-1299, www.hoteltriton.com [2], $170–400) welcomes guests with whimsical decor and an ecological theme. Jerry Garcia and Carlos Santana both decorated guest rooms here, and the environmentally friendly practices developed at the Triton are being adopted by sister hotels all over the world.

You’ll find the rooms tiny but comfortable, and well stocked with eco-friendly amenities and bath products. The flat-panel televisions offer a 24-hour yoga channel, and complimentary yoga props can be delivered to your room upon request.

For the most eco-zany experience at the Triton, book a Celebrity Eco-Suite. Or if you’re traveling alone, consider reserving a Zen Den—specially designed for solo travelers and offering the finest Buddhist-inspired amenities. And don’t forget to adopt a rubber ducky for the duration of your stay!

For something posh but not overwhelmingly huge, check out Hotel Griffon (155 Steuart St., 800/321-2201, www.hotelgriffon.com [3], $185–450). A boutique business hotel with a prime vacation locale, the Griffon offers business and leisure packages to suit all travelers’ needs. They’re a bit pricier, but the best guest rooms overlook the Bay, with views of the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island.

It may be part of a chain, but at the Westin San Francisco Market (50 Third St., 415/974-6400, www.westinsf.com [4], $182–600) you’ll find plenty of San Francisco [5] charm at your doorstep. Guests stay in pleasant rooms with pretty cityscapes at this large hotel (formerly known as The Argent). Amenities mimic the more expensive SoMa [1] hotels, and seasonal special rates dip down into the genuinely affordable. The attached Ducca restaurant serves three meals each day, and the lounge is open until midnight for nightcaps.