gapper

For location to all the sights of San Francisco which hotel would you recommend, the Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton or Westin St. Francis? How far is the four seaons from fisherman's wharf and union square? Thanks.

Mauialan

All three are about equal in location with the St Francis being probably the slightly better location. If you're going soon though, there may be picket lines at the St Francis. I suggest the Hyatt on Union Square, across from the St Francis.

LoveItaly

Hi, if there are pickets at the St. Francis there will be pickets at the Grand Hyatt also.

At this point, thank goodness, there is no talk of another stike, but the issues have not been settled.

The SF Chronical's website is www.sfgate.com. You might want to check that daily to keep abreast of the labor/management problem.

gapper

We are going in August. Do you think there will be a problem?

Sobehappy

The Ritz Carlton, and you can forget the others ... you did specify luxury. That's the Ritz!!!

Gekko

Also check out the Palace on the corner of Market & Montgomery. Old-school opulence.

simonv

From Four Seasons it's only a couple of rather flat blocks to Union Square. St. Francis is right on the Union Square, and the Ritz also isn't far but involves a very steep hill up or down. St. Francis isn't in the same league as in Ritz or Four Seasons. Below these two would be Fairmont which has a commanding location and the views from some rooms. The Ritz restaurant is excellent. The new restaurant in St. Francis is one of the top ones in the city, forgot the name, but you need to reserve about a month ahead on this one. None of them is too close to the Fisherman's Wharf. You either take a cable car or vintage street car along Embacadero. It's a nice long walk, too.

LoveItaly

The new restaurant at the St.Francis is Mina's.

But IMHO they completely destroyed the old world charm of the lobby and the former location of the Compass Rose (now Mina's)Room at the St. Francis.
Another old SF landmark is gone.

Seamus

If you want luxury without the cookie cutter style, consider Sherman House on Green Street. World class!

seetheworld

Loved the Ritz during our stay in San Francisco.

Shar

agree about the Sherman House. It depends on If you like boutique hotels or larger ones. Personally I prefer the smaller more charming ones that are also luxury oriented.