I actually found a thread similar to this from 2003, so I thought I'd ask for an update.

My wife and I will be celebrating our tenth anniversary, and my parents have graciously offered to babysit our children for 2 nights.

So here goes. I'm looking for an upscale, very romantic, "my-wife-deserves-the-very-best-hotel" experience we can afford.

We'd like a centrally located (Union sq, I think, according to most of you fodorites), romantic, charming, "boutique" style (ie no big Hyatt type chain hotels), with luxury amenities (beds, bathrooms, service) for a good bang for your buck price. Money is no issue but realistically the Ritz or Four Seasons is just over the top for us (and our wallet). Can you recommend an upscale luxurious boutique (smaller and charming) hotel near Union sq?

I know this is a little confusing, but perhaps you can help me better narrow down my choices?

Thanks.

oops. I'm sure this is obvious, but I meant to say Union Sq in San Francisco.

My husband and I visit SF frequently and we do enjoy fine, small hotels. On our next trip, I plan to try the Orchard Hotel at 665 Bush Street. Check it out online at www.theorchardhotel.com. Happy Anniversary!

The Orchard on Bush is a good choice or perhaps the Huntington on Nob Hill.

Four Seasons
Ritz
Palace

You might also inquire at the Westin St. Francis. But don't take the std.
double room. Ask for a room in the old tower -very romantic - and ask for an upgraded room of some sort. This hotel is terrific and very well located right on Union Square. Have fun.

i'd say the ritz carlton- beautiful place i know it's a chain but it's still very old and romantic.

Huntington is super but not RIGHT on Union Square. However, it is a wonderful place to stay and close to everything.

The St. Francis is also great IF you are in the original building. Try to get a room overlooking the square ... perfect to see all the goings on and hear the ding ding ding of the trolleys.

The Kimpton Hotel Chain have quite a few hotels in SF.

I wouldn't know which one to choose - Perhaps The Serrano - according to their website it's 3 blocks from Union Square

http://www.serranohotel.com/html/kgsf.html

Good luckand let us know

I like the Hotel Palomar or the Hotel Monaco (both Kimpton properties) for smaller hotels...maybe check out their suites.

The Hotel Vitale is a fairly new one down in the Embarcadero area that I have heard good things about. I love the Embarcadero area-it is very easy to get to the Union Square area and you are right near the Ferry Building for some good dining options. Good luck!

Thanks everyone for your great ideas!

Based on your recs, I've narrowed it down to:
1. The Orchard (thanks Iregeo and je) which looks great on the website,
2. The Campton if I can somehow find a good internet deal, and
3. The Westin St. Francis (thanks Jenn and Curt). My only concern about the Westin is that I just read tripadvisor and was surprised to see so many negative comments on the hotel having poor service or old carpeting or paint, etc. Is it really that "out of shape"???

The Monaco (thanks alya and Shoe 75) and The Ritz (thanks coolcamden and toncasmo) would be nice too, but I'd prefer to be even closer to the sq (I'll explain why in a sec).

One more caveot I forgot to mention. My wife is pregnant, and as we'd like to stay around Union Sq, it's probably best to be as close as possible. Of course walking up and down hills is ok in moderation, but I'd like to make it easier on her as much as I can, and take a taxi when needed.

So of the three, any more insight you could share?

Pal - I have not stayed at the Westin for about 3 years. But I don't recall
the place being shabby at all. I planned a company party there and we used about 20 guest rooms. Certainly there were no complaints. And I do think it is a great location. Just be
very firm with them that you want an
upgraded room in the old tower.

I don't know anything about this hotel personally but this offer just came on Travelzoo and I thought I'd pass it on. Ellen

$175 -- B&B Package at Ultra-Hip San Francisco Hotel *
San Francisco, CA
Travel dates: December 15-January 7
Top 20 deal - sells out quickly!
From December 15-January 7, you can stay at the sophisticated CLIFT in San Francisco for just $175 per night. Not only do you get these luxe rooms for 30% OFF what they typically go for, but the hotel is also including FREE continental breakfast for two at Asia de Cuba, as well as a FREE upgrade to a Superior Room (reg. $255)!
Described as "a magnet for visiting celebs and notable San Franciscans" by USA Today - Weekend, the CLIFT is located just two blocks from popular Union Square. In 2001, the property received an extreme makeover by celebrity designer Phillipe Starck and today is a place to "see and be seen."

The hotel is also offering larger Deluxe Rooms for just $20 more per night as part of this special. You must book by December 21.

Blackout: December 30, 31

To Book: Call the CLIFT at 800-652-5438 and mention Travelzoo. Or, click here to book online directly with the Morgans Hotel Group.


CLIFT

Campton Place fits your description very well. It's very elegant, not a chain and not huge. It also has a very nice restaurant.

My first choice would be Campton Place. I just think it's a little more intimate, elegant, and not right in the shopping hubbub. Lots of little boutiques and galleries right around the locale, very close to the Chinatown Gate. In addition to the rightly famous Campton Place Restaurant, there's a very nice small bistro called Anjou which is on the side street with the same name as the hotel. Funny co-incidence: Someone returning from a holiday business luncheon at Campton Place yesterday brought me a little box of goodies that was handed out at the end of the affair. It contained all manner of house-made sweets, including....get this....homemade marshmallows! It says something about the pastry chef at Campton Place, nicht wahr?

Second, I'd recommend the Huntington. A lot of people think the Huntington is kind of sedate and old fashioned, but they sure know how to do things right (from long experience, I'd imagine). And there's nothing chain-like about the place.

Cheers and happy holidays,
dovima

I travel all over the world. Just stayed at the Westin St Francis for two nights last week. It is not run down and shabby. It is a very nice, well located hotel. Service was fine. We stayed in the new tower on the 29th floor overlooking Union Square, Coit Tower, etc. Great views and the rooms were good. Do not avoid the St Francis if you want prime Union Square location.

We got such bargains at the Vintage Court leaving for China and the Chancellor returning that we passed on the Orchard which would have been our obvious choice.
We like the Stanford Court, but have not stayed there since '02. Their breakfast Lemon Souffle Pancakes with fresh raspberries and raspberry sauce feeds two and are world class.
M

Thanks for all the great advice. Well we decided to splurge a bit and got a reservation at The Campton. However, based on traveldawg and Jenn we still may check out the St. Francis.

Thanks again for all your help!

Oh and by the way, to whoever recommended hotelres.com on another thread (I can't remember which one), thanks! They had great deals on their website.

Pal