Union Sq hotels-ask for a high floor and you have to request a room with a view (perhaps from hotel website). Grand Hyatt on Stockton should offer pretty good view rooms and so does the Marriott on 4th and Market. The Hilton Union Sq should have nice view rooms as well-too many Japanese there however Union Square is fairly close to China town.
I personally like the rooms at Intercontinental (Mark Hopkins) and Fairmont on Nob Hill. Fairmont also recently went through major rennovation. Nob HIll, being a high point in the city, should provide stunning views. It is a few blocks from Chinatown and on cable car line. Drawback (or advantage for me) is if you need to go down to Union Sq, you have to walk very steep hills. The Union Sq shops do close 8:00pm. Another drawback is, if you plan to eat at the hotel, be prepared to pay a hefty price tag. And I have paid over $20 for a good looking bagel and tea at one of the hotels. Since there was no coffee shops close by, I was stuck with this cheapest breakfast on the hotel menu! Any be prepared for $45 valet parking at some of these hotels. So don't get a rental car.