I travel to San Francisco 4-5 times a year, and I've written before about the St. Regis San Francisco and the Orchard Garden Hotel and Hotel Whitcomb.  I have a new hotel to recommend: The Best Western Americania.  Recently taken over by joie de vivre, this moderately-priced hotel has been fully and thoughtfully renovated, with a whimsical, attractive decor that evokes America in the '50s and '60s, without feeling dated or kitchy. The SoMa location is two blocks away from the Muni and BART, and the hotel features free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, on-site parking, coin-op laundry, in-room coffee/tea makers, iPod docks, fitness room, sauna, and — a rarity in SF — a year-round, heated outdoor pool. Rates start at $109/night.