Kate_W

My sister and I are spending the 1st and last nights of a trip to wine country in San Francisco - my treat. I've got a reservation at the Juliana for the first night ($109), and was trying to choose between the Crowne Plaza Union Square ($119) and Pan Pacific ($149) for the last night. For hotel prices, I have to tread the fine line between "affordable" and "treat", without looking like I'm spending too much (so $149 is about the max I can pay for a room-only rate). Has anyone stayed at these hotels, and is the Pan Pacific worth the extra $30 (I know it's not a lot of money, but the trip costs are adding up)? For example, will this hotel seem really special to my sister (who doesn't stay in hotels often), or is it about the same as the Crowne Plaza? Also, should I consider switching the Juliana first night reservation to either of these other hotels? My sister will be arriving first, and she's a novice traveller (although she's been to SF before), so I want it to be easy for her to get to the hotel from the airport and easy/comfortable for her to walk around in the city in the early evening before I arrive (about 10 pm).

kikahead

If I were you I would bid on Priceline.com. People have been getting 4* for less then $100 (i.e., Marriott, Omni, the Hyatts). Since you seem open to various hotels, I would go that route. Look at biddingfortravel.com.

Since there are so many hotels here, San Francisco is one of the best places to use Priceline.

FainaAgain

If I remember correctly Juliana is on Bush street on a steep hill, if this is important.

Kate_W

Priceline's not an option, so any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Kal

KW, Stayed at The Pan about 8 yrs ago. Very nice back then.

We had friends come out last year and stayed at The Juliana and they liked it.
No raves but liked it.
Not familiar w/ the Crown Plaza.

Priceline and Hotwire are always our option in SF. We always get good deals in the Embarcadero and FWharf areas the past few years, but it's a personal choice and once you've bought, you've paid/non-refudnable downsides.

Good luck!
Kal
Had good luck

mjs

Stay at the Pan Pacific. If you have a car you may need to factor in $30+/night parking for SF downtown hotels.

Kate_W

Reporting back on our trip:

First night at the Juliana Hotel. We liked it for the price (about 110 US). Pretty room, reasonable size, relatively basic bathroom, surprisingly good exercise rooms, coupons for a discounted meal at nearby restaurant, and a block away from Alamo (where we rented a car the next day).

On our return to SF, we stayed at the Pan Pacific. A terrific deal at US $150 and worth the small splurge. Large, well-appointed and stylish room, wonderful bathroom, good service and very convenient location.