When I read about AAA’s decision to honor 31 Ritz Carlton properties with five diamonds in this USA Today story, I wasn’t surprised. Just last night, I stopped by the Ritz Carlton San Francisco to meet some family friends, I was shocked by the level of high-quality service displayed in the few minutes I was there. Not only did all the doors swing open before me as if by magic, not only did everyone say hello and look me in the eye as we walked towards the elevator, but my friends’ suite had softly playing jazz music humming when we stepped in, the lights were dimmed just perfectly and a handwritten welcome note sat just inside the door to their room. Once we headed back outside to get a bite to eat in SoMa, the valet returned our car and left two bottles of water in the cupholders even though we weren’t even guests. All little things, but lovely little things nonetheless…. Now, if only I were the one staying there….

[Ritz Carlton San Francisco hotel reviews on TravelPost.com]