Phoenix Hotel, a Joie de Vivre Boutique Hotel

Tropical, urban-chic motor lodge for rock stars

This two-story, 1950s-style hotel, with its own hip nightspot, is in the Tenderloin district, close to Civic Center.

The 44 tropically theme guestrooms feature bamboo furniture, works by local artists, and wooden xylophones.

Playful sculpture surrounds the courtyard and pool, where guests get exotic drinks from the adjacent Bambuddha Lounge.