Hilton San Francisco in San Francisco, CA 94102

This is one hotel that works to make children, and their parents, feel welcome. Located just off Union Square, a district filled with theaters, art galleries, and elegant stores, the massive Hilton San Francisco is one of the very few hotels in town with a concierge service oriented toward helping families. On arrival, you'll get a packet of information about child-friendly attractions and restaurants around town, complete with phone numbers, hours, and admission prices. And in the summer (June-August), each child also receives a gift, such as a backpack or travel kit, and an invitation to check whatever they want out of the hotel's toys and games lending library. Other reasons we like this hotel: The nicely heated, outdoor pool, which can make staying here feel like a real vacation for kids. And the big, oversized rooms. You can stuff most families of four into one of these without too much trouble. Kids under 18 can stay free, and cribs are available at no charge. The Hotel itself is big. Made up of three buildings, with one towering 46 stories high, it contains 1,900 guestrooms. Furnishings are quietly elegant, and every one of its many lobbies is dominated by crystal chandaliers. The hotel has a fitness facility, plus a sauna and massage by appointment. In-room amenities include an iron, coffee maker, and hair dryer. The TV offers free HBO and Disney channels. Within the Hotel, you'll find five restaurants. Go to the Cafe for a kid's menu. The Impresario offers reasonably priced fare. If you're ready to splurge, take the elevator to the 46th floor restaurant called City Scape for spectacular views. (Our favorite breakfast and lunch spot is actually just outside the hotel - Lori's Diner.) In addition to comfort, the Hotel offers convenience. It is within easy walking distance of the cable cars, Union Square shopping, Yerba Buena Gardens, theaters, and the Metreon. The Hilton has hotels at two other San Francisco locations; Fisherman's Wharf and near the San Francisco airport.