Hotel G, San Francisco, USA

Upon arrival at Hotel G - part of the Hong Kong-based boutique hotel brand - guests are welcomed by G-Hosts at two brass-wrapped reception desks in the laid-back lobby. The storied building, which started life as the Fielding Hotel in 1908 and most recently was the Hotel Frank, has undergone a two-year restoration under the watchful eye of New York outfit Hun Aw Studio. Through the peeling away of extraneous layers of plaster and paint from previous constructions, the grand building, comprising of 153 guestrooms, has been restored to its former glory. New design additions include fog-coloured walls - perhaps a nod to the city's predominate weather conditions - wood finishes and earthy textiles, as well as Victorian settees, bankers' lamps and mid-century writing desks. An inspiring partnership between Hotel G and Creativity Explored, a non-profit arts centre that has outfitted the rooms with artwork (also for sale), is perfectly in-tune with the city's 'give back' ethos. The Technogym fitness centre and restaurant are set to open later this year.