The setting for Hitchcock's thriller "Vertigo," the York Hotel is an Edwardian style boutique on Nob Hill, three blocks from the cable cars and a short walk to the financial district and Union Square's high end shopping, theaters, nightlife and dining. Recreational enthusiasts are three to 10 miles from biking, rollerblading, jogging, boating, fishing, sailing and surfing around San Francisco Bay and other locations. Golfers will find their oasis two miles away deep in the verdant Golden Gate Park in the form of the eucalyptus encircled Presidio Golf Course.
The York Hotel was born a "speakeasy," the term referring to the illegal bars during the days of Prohibition when bootleg liquor and great chanteuses ruled the roost. But today, guests can legally enjoy specialty martinis and a cabaret style show in the hotel's Empire Plush Room, where nationally known performers and up and comers entertain before usually sold out shows. Enjoy the Empire Plush Room's "Dirty Little Secret" as the roaring 20's return on Fridays and Saturdays.

When not taking in the entertainment, guests can start their days with complimentary continental breakfast buffets, work up sweats in the fitness facility and surf the 'Net throughout the hotel. The York doesn't have its own restaurant, but, this being San Francisco, guests can find plenty of dining options serving everything from steak to sushi to Starbucks.

Meanwhile, guest rooms offer walk in closets, data ports, safes, coffee makers, and complimentary coffee and tea. Superior King Room feature flat screen TVs.

For convenience to area attractions, accommodations and an interesting history, the York Hotel is a great option. Even Elliot Ness would agree. Smokers, beware: leave the cigs at home; the York is a smoke free environment.

By the way, the character played by Kim Novak in "Vertigo" lived in room 501.