Since the 1920s the Huntington Hotel has stood on top of Nob Hill in San Francisco across from the imposing Pacific–Union Club, a second home for jet-setters, celebrities, society types and railroad barons. In 2011 it was acquired by Singapore-based hospitality group Grace International, and following a brief closure and $15 million in renovations, it re-opened last summer as The Scarlet Huntington.

The re-incarnation preserves the elegance and refinement of the original, but it now boasts an exotic side, courtesy of San Francisco architecture and design firm Forrest Perkins, who injected some Singapore-style, glamour and decadence into the public spaces and guest rooms.

A popping palette of scarlet, purple, gold, chartreuse and black are revealed in rich fabrics and textures, along with décor elements from Singapore’s rich artistic heritage, all against the background of the building’s stately architectural details. You almost feel as if you’d stepped onto a 1930’s movie set.

One element of the hotel that has remained essentially unchanged is its Big 4 bar and restaurant, an important part of SF’s social history. The Big 4, bedecked in dark polished wood and clubby green leather, is named for Nob Hill’s famed railroad barons and serves classic food and cocktails. The latter have been refreshed via new Executive Chef Kevin Scot, who is using fresher, local ingredients.

The Scarlet Huntington has 134 spacious guestrooms and suites and is also home to Nob Hill Spa, a plush urban escape with 10 treatment rooms, an indoor infinity pool, and an expansive terrace overlooking the city. Three signature suites with thematic designs include the leather-filled Mulholland, lacquered and gilded Opulent and Passion suites for a truly sensuous stay. The Scarlet Huntington is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.