The Mark Hopkins and its Top of the Mark lounge need no introduction to travelers, nor to Bond martini lovers -- but for different reasons.  

The Top of the Mark was recently remodeled to a more contemporary style of room, perched at the top of highest building peak in San Francisco.  Unfortunately, that new focus on a different style also brought with it the regular presence of  loud bands performing pop music.  It has done wonders to make the Top of the Mark a destination for those seeking a good party on Nob Hill, but puts the place firmly out of the realm of the Bond atmosphere seeker.  

So loud was the room the barman apparently could not hear our order, so our martinis arrived with olives.  We also could barely hear his reply we asked what vodka he chose, indicated by the fact that some of us recall him saying "Chopin", others "Pearl".  No matter, an olive is like a foul ball in the world of 007-style martinis and we moved on, happy to be leaving an atmosphere redolent of the final hours of a too-long wedding reception.