After reading so many hot and cold reveiews regarding accomodations at the Sir Frances Drake, we have decided to change to the Renaissance on California St.Could anyone advise as to whether the construction is NOW finished and IF that decision to cancel SFD is a wise one. We know they are both well located and are approx the same in price. Any thoughts please

I don't know about the construction, but you do know that the SFD is located just off Union Square, whereas the Renaissance is located at the top of Nob Hill? You might want to read this thread before making the change.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...e=dmlove&fid=1

Thanks for the reply dmlove BUT...not sure what I should be reading on that thread. Can you help? Yes, I do know the hotel is not in the same area but it does look close and also in a prime location...Yes???

Sorry, I just meant to alert you to the fact that the Renaissance is at the top of the hill, and in a hotel/residential neighborhood. Think of what a bell curve looks like - the Renaissance would be at the top of the curve. It's not a location where you just walk out the front door of the hotel and have everything at your feet. There are cable cars nearby, but otherwise, I suspect you'll be taking a lot of taxis to and from the hotel. And these are not gently rolling hills, these are very steep hills.

We like the Stanford Ren. a lot, particularly for the location. But it is true that the walk down to Union Square is a bit steep (just a couple blocks). You just need to be aware of that. We like to walk and this is not a problem to us.

Well, more like four blocks, straight uphill.

The Stanford Court is wonderful - but more than likely you will not be walking ANYWHERE. Literally everything is down a very steep hill and even steeper coming back up. There is a useful east/west cable car route (California line) but you'll probably take cabs everywhere else. The Powell Street lines' cars will be full to bursting by the time they get to Nob Hill so not easy to use from that location.

Thankyou everyone for this advice...It solved my dilemma and we shall stay booked at the Sir Frances Drake inspite of my misgivings.The Stanford Ren sounds much better but my feet just aren't up to that kind of walking.