Hotel Metropolis in San Francisco, CA 94102

When my son and I walked into the kids' suite at Hotel Metropolis, he said, "This is the best room ever!" No doubt, because not only did he have a bedroom (stocked with toys and games) to himself, he also had his very own bathroom, completely decked out in SpongeBob SquarePants decor.

By the time we got to the room, I was already sold on the hotel because I loved walking in the front doors off of busy downtown street and immediately feeling a sense of calm from the Zen fountain, simple and clean lobby design, and the extraordinarily friendly front desk staff.

Hotel Metropolis is a boutique hotel with the flair of a small European hotel.

No question, families traveling to San Francisco (or locals wanting a weekend getaway) can stretch out and relax in the home-away-from-home feeling of the three-room Urban Explorers Kids' Suite. The children's room can sleep three - with a pair of bunk beds as well as a trundle bed. The room also has a television, computer, some Legos and other toys, a couple movies, refrigerator, and lots of fluffy pillows. (That last fact is important in our family because my son loves a good pillow fight!).

The family living room boasts a pull-out queen sofa bed, refrigerator, sink, microwave, coffee maker, desk and chair, closet, and television. Large windows give a bird's eye view of the bustle of Market Street below. This room could serve as a bedroom for a couple older kids or teens.

The third room has two queen beds, yet another refrigerator, a flat screen TV, desk and chair, and closet. There is an en suite bathroom with shower and tub, luxurious bath products, and even a goodie bag with product samples.

This huge space, bigger than most one-bedroom San Francisco apartments, could comfortably sleep a family of seven or eight. Or two small families. And if you do bring that many kids, you'll want to escape to the lovely Wellbeing Center on the 6th floor - it's a silent room with just a fountain, some meditation cushions, and simple chairs. Ahhh.

Other amenities: A cozy library, a business center with a computer and printer, fitness center with treadmill and stationery bike, video games, rooftop deck, internet data ports, complimentary wireless, complimentary coffee and tea in morning, babysitting referrals, assistance with airport transport, and Farmer Brown Restaurant conveniently located next door.

One drawback: The hotel is darn close to the Tenderloin, which may be more urban than is comfortable for some families. Smack in the middle of the part of Market Street still waiting to be "revitalized," the neighborhood feels slightly sleazy. But just two blocks over in the other direction is popular Union Square, the cable car turnaround, Yerba Buena Gardens, and lots of shopping. The Westfield Shopping Center is easily within walking distance - and while there, we suggest a visit to Bristol Farms to stock up on breakfast and lunch items to eat in the room.