The Carlton is a historic hotel - it was built in 1927, survived prohibition and a great earthquake and still maintains a beautiful decor and ambience that reflects its colourful past. The staff are very friendly and helpful and every evening there is an event in the lobby with live music and free wine. The restaurant, Saha, serves an amazing array of North African fusion dishes that are innovative and absolutely delicious.
On the downside, the rooms lack basic amenities like air conditioning and mini-fridge. This means that your sink is filled with ice to chill your wine and the whole night is spent adjusting the windows to control the temperature in the room. The downtown location of the hotel means that the slightest opening of a window lets in traffic noises and the frequent sirens and horn blasts of emergency vehicles throughout the night. Unless you have taken a sedative, you will not be able to sleep at all.
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