nancyjacky

Hi!!
I could use a little help on pinking the best hotel in San Francisco for 2 nights for my parents in November. We were having a hard time deciding between the Fairmont in Nob Hill, the Ritz Carlton, the four seasons and the Mandarin Oriental. If possible, but not essential, they would like to be able to leave the hotel and be in a nice neighborhood to walk around a little. They are only able to walk within about a 4 block radius. Department store type shopping is not important since they live in New York City, but boutique type shops and restaurants would be nice. A good spa would also be a plus. From what I can see, the one that is the easiest to walk around outside would be the four seasons. I would love to know any favorites of the fodorites.
Thanks!!!!!!!!

sf7307

The Four Seasons is in a shopping district (boutique shopping would be a couple of blocks away, on Grant, Post, Geat and Stockton)

The Mandarin Oriental is in the financial district so no real shopping in the immediate vicinity, but only a few blocks away from the above boutqiue shopping.

The Ritz-Carlton and Fairmont are both on hills and there is no shopping around them at all. The Fairmont is at the edge of a very upscale residential neighborhood (think Upper East Side).

StuDudley

If you want a nice area that is flat & lots of non-NYC stuff in the immediate area - how about the Hyatt Regency at the foot of Market St.

Stu Dudley

Tomsd

Having lived in SF when Market St was pretty rough - I am still not a big fan of staying near there if it's down toward the Civic Center - but the Hyatt Regency is pretty interesting - and it's down at the other end - by the docks/Ferry Building - where you can take the ferry over to Sausalito or Tiburon.

For old world elegance - the Fairmont - or the adjacent Mark Hopkins were the place (yes - they are up on Nob hill but you can ride the California Cable Car down - as well as the grand dame - the St. Francis - which has a "new" tower with some nice views.

The St. Francis is adjacent to Union Square and a lot of shopping - although there seem to be a numbr of panhandlers in the Square now - more than in years past?

Across Market - also toward the Bay Bridge end - is a newer/very highly rated hotel - whose name escapes me at the moment.

You might also consider some Botique hotels - such as the Kimpton Chain or these, and there are others: http://www.expedia.com/San-Francisco...-Filter-Hotels

Tomsd

Here is a list for quick reference of 32 Luxury Hotels in SF - and it is the 4 Seasons that SF7 menitoned that I was thining of as the one on the other side of Market, but in a good area.

http://www.fivestaralliance.com/luxu...n-francisco-ca

janisj

tomsd -you haven't lived in SF in decades. Nice to reminisce and google but how about providing info re things you actually do know about- OK?

(The 'new' St Francis tower opened more 40 years ago)

Nancyjacky: The Hyatt Regency isn't quite as posh as the places you mention but I do love its location across from the Ferry Bldg and wonderful views across the bay. Of the 4 on your list I've only stayed at the Fairmont-but for walking/shopping IMO the Four Seasons would probably be best.

MichelleY

The Four Seasons is on Market Street and they could ride the historic trolleys on the F Line down to the Embarcadero and beyond.

traveler24

Another vote for the Hyatt Regency--great for "limited" walkers"

nancyjacky

Thank you all so much. Its so nice to have all these posts to ponder over. The Hyatt would have been great for me, but they really want a real luxury hotel. With the other choices, I think that the Four Seasons will be the best bet for them. My mom can't walk very far and I think it will be nice for them to be able to step out of the hotel and walk around. So, thank you all, all your posts really helped me to decide!

tom_creans_daughter

@Tomsd - thanks for posting the five star alliance website - I was not familiar with that one!

Tomsd

You're welcome tom_creans_daughter. At one time while we lived there - we pretty much had stayed in or been to banquets in all the major/luxury hotels (many times for UC Hastings functions - and guests came in from out of town to stay at them) - yet my sentimental favorites remain the St. Francis and the Fairmont. Used to love to go to the Fairmont for Ghiradelli Hot Fudge sundaes - but that ice cream shop is also gone.

A friend of mine when he attends Nuerosurgery conventions in the City loves to stay at the Kimpton Group - smaller/Boutique Hotels, so different preferences for different folks.

Also loved a hotel over in Sausalito whose name escapes me at the moment - but it's no longer open (was up on the hill - and it had incredible views of the bay and the SF Skyline) and the best one over there now is probably the Casa Madrona, which could make for a nice change of pace for a couple of days/nights. Just take the ferry over and back. http://www.casamadrona.com/

easytraveler

If they're going to stay at the Four Seasons, tell them not to go too far south on Market Street, i.e., better no further than 5th Street, particularly at night. Market and 5th is the Westfield Shopping Center with many many stores, mostly on the upscale end. They can also wander over to Union Square via Grant, etc. If in doubt, take a taxi. San Francisco is relatively small and taking a taxi isn't all that costly.

StuDudley

>>they would like to be able to leave the hotel and be in a nice neighborhood to walk around a little...... Department store type shopping is not important>Westfield Shopping Center with many many stores, mostly on the upscale end.

sf7307

Like I said, the Four Seasons is only a couple of blocks from very upscale boutique shopping - some chains and many designer shops. The rest of the city's boutique shopping areas don't have hotels at all, let alone luxury hotels. For what this couple wants, I think the Four Seasons is the right choice.

mjs

I have stayed at all three hotels and my favorite is the Ritz, especially with the club level. It is close to Union Square and China Town. It is only up one flight of stairs and a little uphill walk from US. The Fairmont is way up a steep hill and a pain to walk to. I generally prefer Four Seasons but do not care much for the location of the San Francisco branch unless you are really into the shops nearby. The Mandarin is in the financial district which is dead during the weekends but not too far from most things downtown. The Fairmont G Sq is IMHO by far the nicest hotel in the city but not in downtown. I think what four blocks you are most interested in since walking is an issue should best guide your decision.

NeoPatrick

While the Hyatt Regency may not be quite the luxury hotel that some of the others are, there is always the possibility there of getting a special suite or at least the concierge level -- bringing it to or even above a standard room at one of the other places -- or were you going for a "top" room at one of those anyway?