After some research I have narrowed the field to the following hotels for our trip and would appreciate any criticism, good or bad, you might have. HALEKULANI,Honolulu, ST. FRANCIS,San Francisco, PALMER HOUSE, Chicago and either RENAISSANCE TIMES SQUARE
or WALDORF ASTORIA, New York.

Dear Prue:
I've stayed at the St. Francis. It's big, noisy, and boring. I much more prefer staying at the Inn at Union Square across the street.

The Palmer House in Chicago os OK, but certainly not outstanding in any particular way. Have you checked for specials at, say, the Omni on Michigan Avenue (not the other one)? It's relatively new, all suites, good location. Several hotel brokers offer deals (180096hotel.com, etc). You should be able to get a better hotel at a competitive rate.
As for the Halekulani, you aren't going to top that in Honolulu. It's the best in my opinion.
I would also look at alternatives to the St. Francis IF your budget permits (staying at the Halekulani suggests you may have the freedom to upgrade). There are 7 or 8 better properties if staying someplace really nice is important.

With regard to your NY hotel choice, both are good choices, but it depends on the type of hotel you prefer, snice they are at either ends of the spectrum.
The Renaissance is a newly constructed hotel in Times Square. Yes it is safe to walk around day & night, and it is in a convient location. But you will be right in the middle of all the lights, sounds and action of times Sq., so if you want a quiet location, this is not it. That's not to say that you will hear noise from your room, everyone I know who has stayed there has enjoyed it. You are within walkin distance to all the Broadway theaters, and a great selection of restaurants.
The Waldorf, on the other hand is a classic old world NY hotel on Park Ave & 50 St. It is in a must quieter location, especially at after the end of the workday, but still is very safe to walk around at night. It has a lobby with old-world elegance;but that also may mean that the bathrooms may have older plumbing. Rooms will have high ceilings and traditional furnishings.

Just returned from NYC. Stayed at the Waldorf. We reserved a mini-suite which was absolutely wonderful. Old world charm at its finest. Very classy....I felt like a queen. Upscale in every way. This is not an inexpensive hotel. If cost is a factor this is not the hotel for you. I would check the internet on several sites and check with the hotel for special package rates. I must say however, it is worth a stretch....... As far as
San Francisco, there is a posting re: The Prescott Hotel. You might find it an interesting read. Actually I think it was within the last ten to twelve days ..... certainly done in February. It talks about the Prescott in detail. I think it be worthwhile for you to read that posting.

Enjoy.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to answer my query - I have noted all your suggestions and will do some further research before making a decision. It is so good to hear from people who have actually been to these places.

Check out these guys if your thinking of going to nyc. I got a good deal last time i went there. www.natravel.com