Baina

Hello Fodorites! I always love the tips given in the forum, so I'm looking for your ideas about two hotels in San Francisco.

I am deciding between the Chancellor (Union Square) and the Marriott Courtyard Downtown (SoMA). Both hotels have been given positive traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, Expedia, and in the Fodor’s forum.

I will be attending a conference in August. Events will primarily be located at Moscone Convention Center. As a San Francisco first-timer, I want to stay at hotel that is walking distance to Moscone but that is also located within easy reach (walking or public transportation) of non-conference fun and food.

So, here’s my first question: In which neighborhood/ or at which hotel would you want to stay?

Second: What one or two things do you recommend to San Francisco visitors?

And finally: What are one or two things you think are overrated and recommend that visitors skip?

Woo hoo! I am so excited to be going to San Francisco! Thanks in advance for your ideas

dovima

Hello Baina,

Can't speak to the amenities of your hotels, as I live here. However, Powell Street along Union Square (Chancellor) and SoMa (Marriot Courtyard) are two very different locales.

Both have good transport links. If this were a seminar where I was making a return trip to S.F. and concentrating solely on work (in meetings all day, room service dinner, fall into bed, etc.), I'd choose the Marriot for the ease of getting to and from the conference.

The Chancellor would give you a better taste of "classic" San Francisco for a first look, given that it is on the very edge of Union Square and on the cable car route. It IS an older hotel, and some folks have commented that updates seem to be lagging - who knows, it may add to the charm.

All in all, I'd think the Chancellor would be a nicer 'hood to go "home" to at the end of your days for this trip anyway. Just my opinion, and I hope it helps!

SAB

The Marriott Courtyard is in an area full of office buildings, lots of people around during the day--dead at night once people have gone home. It is within walking distance of Moscone however.

SAB

Oops in response to your second question: I would, like most SF residents, recommend you skip the Wharf, however like a moth to flames many visitors flock there in the apparent belief it must not be missed. I would also skip dining at any chain restaurant such as the Cheesecake Factory. There ae many wonderful places to eat in SF, why go to some place that can be found in many shopping malls.

It may be touristy but try a trip to Alcatraz, a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, ride a cable car, walk up Nob Hill or any hill (so you can really talk about the hills!!!). Go to Pacific Heights and look at the houses and the views, visit Chrissy Field and walk on the beach and see some more terrific views.

dovima

I also would discourage you from Fishermans Wharf. If you really must go there, just pop in to buy a tacky trinket or two but for gods sake don't spend all day or have dinner at the Wharf

For a first-time visit, a tour via motorized cable car might be fun. Then of course a ride on one of the "regular" cable cars. The Hyde-Powell line has some of the more dramatic views - try my oft-repeated tip of making this an evening activity (after 7:00 p.m.) to avoid crowds.

You don't say if you will have companions to dine with, but rest assured that most restaurants are nonplussed at seating a single diner - just try not to go at the very peak times.

If I was staying at the Chancellor, I'd walk into Bar Crudo at 603 Bush Street, sit at the counter, and have a bowl of their seafood chowder and maybe a lobster salad, washed down with a Belgian ale.
http://www.barcrudo.com/

If I had a small group wanting to go out after a workday, I'd call up CoCo 500 or Oola and see if they had a table.

http://www.coco500.com/

http://www.oola-sf.com/

nancy1652

A ferry ride to Sausalito or Tiburon is always fun, and there's lots of good restaurants in both towns.

GP

Hi Baina

Over the last two months I have spent 3 weeks in SF on business. I did not stay at those hotels but I did stay in both locations. Do yourself a favor and stay at the Chancellor. Even if you get a cab every day your in a much nicer local.

Have Fun
GP

ice_leopard

Just got back from 4 days in SF. Love it there. Union Square is much more fun than SoMa. You can easily walk to Moscone from US. Cancellor was one of our choices but we decided against it because of no air conditioning. We stayed at Westin St. Francis instead(won a bid on Priceline for $95/night. With $35 upgrade to new tower and two beds. Very spacious and still cheaper than Chancellor). Love the location. It's also nice to come back to an a/c room after walking all the hills in SF.

Lunch at the Ferry Building (Slanted Door if you can get in) is really really nice. Also liked shopping at Haight-Ashbury.

Baina

Thanks to everyone - locals and recent travelers - for the great recommendations about where to stay and what to do. Now I'm even more excited about my trip to San Francisco!

I'll be doing some solo and some group activities - so thanks for both types of restaurant and outdoor activity ideas.

Sounds like either neighborhood will have similar access to public transportation. Although Union Square sounds and looks a little more fun, the Marriott Courtyard would be more immediately convenient for the four days I am at the convention. The a.c. will also help me stay cool after walking the famed hills

I'm planning on posting a trip summary after my travels in August. Thanks again and happy travels for all of you!

jtrandolph

I agree with almost all of the above and I spend at least 8 weekends a year in the City. Please don't worry about air-conditioning. Even if you walk hills the cool air, nay, even cold air, will have you cooled off just fine. It does not get hot in San Francisco unless you consider 70 degrees F. hot.

You really want to be around Union Square, unless you plan to leave your meetings and go to your hotel and read a book for the rest of the day/night.

DCar

I've attended many conferences at the Moscone Center. The closest hotel is the W on the corner across from Moscone. I've never stayed there, but have attended many drink receptions in the evenings after days at Moscone. It's trendy and the lobby bar is usually packed. Across the street is a chain Mexican restaurant and a tapas/beer place (called Thirsty Bear) that is really popular. Just around the corner from the W is SFMOMA (if you're into art and can get away during the day). I've stayed at the Courtyard Downtown, and it's pleasant enough. It's just down the street from Moscone and the W, but previous posts are correct in that there isn't too much w/in a few blocks around it in the evening. I usually try to stay at the Westin St. Francis in Union Square. It's a longer walk to Moscone, but not bad at all. (I've walked it in heels.) If you're running late one morning, you could catch a cab easily for about $7.00. There's definitely so much more going on in the evenings around Union Square. Another alternative is the JW Marriott which I've walked past on my way to Moscone. Have fun! I love that city!