We will be going to San Francisco on Dec. 24th and staying 3 nights. I have reservations at the Hotel Rex near Union Square and the Park Hyatt near the Embarcadero Center. I am wondering which area would be better at Christmastime? Has anyone stayed at either hotel? What did you think? Will the Embarcadero area be totally closed down for Xmas? Does anyone know any restaurants that are open on Xmas Day?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

ttt

Personally, I think the Embarcadero Center buildings at Christmastime are stunning. They are outlined in lights, as though they were packages to be wrapped. If you got a good room at the Hyatt, you might have a view of the Bay and the Bay Bridge.

You would be close to the Ferry Building with its farmers market and the food hall (with some really good places to eat). Also the Steuart Street bunch of restaurants such as Boulevard, Ozumo, etc. This area may not be as lively as Union Square come Christmas day, but your concierge would be able to tell you of restaurants open on the 25th and then it would be a short cab ride away to your dinner.

Thanks for the info Dovima. I am leaning towards the Park Hyatt. Is there public transportation available nearby? How far is this from Union Square? Will the area be desolate or are there people walking around at night?

The Park HYatt has a mercedes and driver available for guests

Union Square area offers a bit more of the SF spirit, if the Rex is okay.

Hi Barb19,
The Embarcadero area is at the eastern end of Market Street. You will have your pick of transport options there. The F-line trolley will take you to Fisherman's Wharf and within a few blocks of North Beach. The Embarcadero BART and MUNI station is right on Market Street. Also numerous bus lines which would take you westward along Market to where you would be within a block north or south of Union Square.

Market Street at night is not really lively except for the area around the Powell Street cable car turnaround. Down there near the Ferry Building, it's not very trafficked late at night - not unsafe, just a bit quiet. If you were having dinner in North Beach, I'd take your after-dinner stroll in the North Beach area and then hop a cab "home".

Hope this helps.