Where to stay in San Fran for best location?

Union Square if you, like me, prefer being in the heart of a city.

Fisherman's Wharf if you, like others, prefer being away from the heart of a city.

I've stayed at both Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square, and liked Union Square better. It was just more in the middle of things and had a better "vibe." I am OK with touristy and Fisherman's Wharf was even a little too much for me.

I really liked Hotel Carlton (www.jdvhotels.com). Boutique hotel in Lower Nob Hill neighborhood - about 5 blocks to Union Square, 2 blocks to cable car stop.

JDV has other hotels scattered around San Francisco as well.

Union Square.

Carlton????? Why not to move 3-4 blocks down to the square, closer to restaurants, theaters, shopping, night life?

i agree with union square... i just got back from staying at the Hotel Adagio (also a boutique hotel run by "joi de vivre" -- JDV). we loved it, as it was reasonable ($180/night), very centrally located (short walk to cable car, market street where lots of buses run), and had a fantastic restaurant downstairs (Cortez). the staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable.

couldn't wait to get away from Fisherman's Wharf!

We like the area between Un Sq and the Embarcadero.

A bit quieter than being close or in Un Sq area.

On Priceline it's the Un Sq East/Embarcadero area.

Union Square is more SF. I really don't like the Fisherman's Wharf area at all- gets more touristy every day.

If "City Center" refers to an area near the Opera House or city hall, it's a bad area full of homeless and panhandlers.

So Marg...you're telling us you don't like panhandlers, homeless and tourists?

I liked the Hotel Serrano. I used their website and got a room for $99 a night. It's close to Union Square and the Bart. Really nice hotel.

It's a Kimpton Hotel - there are many in the SF area.

I can recommend the Beresford Hotel on Sutter Street near Union Square, which is reasonably priced. Or if you really want to save, try Grant Plaza near Chinatown

Stay NEAR Union Square. Recommend the Dontello Hotel. It's reasonable, very close to the square and the cable line. Also just around the corner from the top of the Hilton where you can have the best view and Sunday brunch in the entire city. Wish I could be along....love San Francisco!!!

I agree with the recommendation of staying near Union Square and for staying at Hotel Carleton. The hotel is centrally located so you can walk to Chinatown, SOMA, Buena Vista Gardens, Mission Street and the Embarcadero and the cable car stop is just a few blocks away to go to Fisherman's Wharf. The staff at the Hotel Carleton are wonderful and it deserves its reputation as one of the top boutique hotels in SF. We always use the HC whether by ourselves for a weekend getaway or with out of town guests.

Union Square area definitely! There are plenty of good hotels in all price ranges. You can walk to many of the attractions.

Fisherman's Wharf area is very ticky tacky tourist-y - lots of noisy action. Fun to visit, but I wouldn't choose to stay in that part of town.

We live a couple hours from SF, and often go up for a few days at a time ... we love the museums, restaurants, etc.

For what you wish to spend, you might try Priceline - name your own price. Just be sure to specify Union Square, and request a 4-star. We use Priceline to book our hotels in SF, and we have never been disappointed. I have found that waiting until closer to the time we are arriving (we have even used it same day with great results !) gives better prices, but you are coming from further away and may wish to have your plans in place sooner, of course.

Hotels we have especially liked include Orchard, Serrano, and other Kimpton hotels in the area.

Just be sure to specify Union Square

I think you want to specify Union Square - East.

I'm partial to Union Square area myself.

hi here in Monterey and heading to the last 3 nites of vacation.

want to try Priceline for the first time to book this fri,sat and sun for san francisco union square neighborhood.

in regards to options should i go with union square east - embarcadero or
union square west

and what is a good bid for 4star??

many thanks for this last minute help
wintkat

Yes, you want Union Square East - Embarcadero.

Sorry, I don't know what a good bid is.

Grand Hyatt Unuin Square..it is by far the best location right on Union square...and I can usually get good rates..
we stay every Thanksgiving and just love looking at the Square when they light the gigantic xmas tree, all teh store windows dreseed for Christmas.. so close to the restaurants of Maiden Lane, theater district, China town cable as go right by etc
Cafe Expresso down the street 1 blk perfest for breackfast, lunch or supper and the cable car right outside..

Union Square...The St. Francis...charming, beautiful, especially the front older part of the hotel. Great history, close to everything..we have gotten great rates there over Thanksgiving weekend...