The Hotel Del Sol stands in the heart of the picturesque Marina District just off Lombard Street. Nearby, fashionable Union and Chestnut streets offer some of the city's most charming restaurants, cafes, bars and great boutique shopping. Only a short walk or bike-ride away are the Marina Green, Fort Mason, Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio National Park. Lined with century-old eucalyptus and pine trees, the 18-hole Presidio Golf Course lies deep inside the city's verdant park near the Golden Gate.

Designed to celebrate California's lively culture, the Hotel Del Sol explodes colorfully with West Coast spirit. Once a 1950s motor lodge, the hotel was resurrected a few years ago into a boutique hotel with relaxing hammocks, sparkling pool, six-story palm trees and a definite feast for the eyes. Guests will enjoy light continental breakfasts beside the pool and the cyber aficionados among them will enjoy wireless high-speed Internet access throughout the hotel. Children receive complimentary kites, beach balls and sunglasses, while adults get discounted passes to two nearby health clubs. The hotel does not have its own restaurant, but several dining options in the area will surely tempt the taste buds of tourists.

Back at the Hotel del Sol, meanwhile, spacious guest rooms evoke the bright and airy interior of a California beach house. Most have courtyard views, but all feature brightly colored tropical bedspreads, wooden blinds, black-and-white photos of California, CD players, fancy Aveda soaps, data ports, cable TVs, VCRs, safes, irons and ironing boards.

, Sorry smokers, leave the cigs at home: the Hotel Del Sol is entirely non-smoking. The hotel is oriented to leisure travelers, and many guests are repeat customers. The hotel's staff members are so knowledgeable about the area that they wrote custom guides for sniffing out San Francisco's hidden sights.