Living off a legacy
Among the two grand legacy hotels atop SF's Nob Hill the Mark Hopkins promised to be a treat. It wasn't. 
The service levels at the front desk, the concierge and at the entrance were uninspired. Rather than a staff that is determined to please their guests, I found a staff that was focused on rules and was too comfortable with apologizing for underwhelming accommodations or service. Excuses were the norm.
The rooftop lounge Top of the Mark was a cavernous room that was not appointed. Yes the views of the surrounding city are wonderful but the room was sterile. It is also a magnet for tourists and so the crowd and the music reflects that - without the views, it might remind you of a suburban hotel ballroom with a wedding party.
While the location is good, the hotel was aged, the staff poor and overall the value not worth the price.