For a special weekend in San Francisco with my husband. We enjoy large rooms, good service, and don't generally like enormous hotels. I think we won't go wrong with either but would like information that could help me decide.

The Fairmont has over 500 rooms, that is enormous in my mind. It is also in Nob Hill which involves a lot of hills to walk if you aren't using a car or cab.

The Drisco is pretty far removed from typical tourist attractions.

What about The Palace Hotel??

Agree the Fairmont location can be challenging, because it's at the top of the huge hill. Good exercise, though!

Frankly, both locations are "challenging". You can look at the street view of the Drisco on googlemaps and note that while Pacific Avenue is relatively flat, in both the north and south directions, you have to go downhill to get anywhere. So, it really depends whether that's a problem for you (it would be for me -- I would never recommend a hotel on Nob Hill for that reason, and also because I like to walk out of my hotel and "be somewhere" -- these two hotels could not be more different.

Thanks for the info. We are in SF regularly, our son lives in the mission so we often stay at The Inn San Francisco as it's very convenient. However, he's young and local and not helpful with hotel advice. I've also stayed in Union Square and wasn't happy at all. I'm looking for this to be more of an "us" weekend so wanted something more luxurious/romantic.
Walking hills isn't a problem, the Drisco looks very appealing to me but I have some concerns about it not being a full service hotel and I'm tempted by a spa. I'd actually ruled out the Palace because I don't want to be right downtown.

Are you going to have a car? Parking near the Drisco will be street parking (free, and according to their website, "plentiful" (which I find a little hard to believe)whereas the Fairmont has a garage).

How about the Embarcadero area? Look at the Hotel Vitale - I work in the area, and it's wonderful -- quiet (busy, but not frenetic like Union Square), right on the water, near the Ferry Bldg, lots of good restaurants.

I'm familiar with the Drisco from the outside. Yes, parking is free and plentiful. I like the location for the views and it is close to some favorite walks of mine, including the Lyon Street Steps. But it is a steep walk down to the wonderful shopping/restaurant area in the Marina District. We like it, but not everyone would. Hotel Vitale might suit you better. You can walk everywhere and can easily catch a streetcar, a bus or BART. My brother likes full-service and prefers the Hyatt.

Thanks. I've ruled out the Fairmont but now I'm stuck between the Vitale and the Drisco. Some of the more recent comments on trip advisor for Vitale are less than spectacular but I think it may be just right for us

We looked at these while in SF in October. They are beautiful rooms with spectacular views.

http://www.fairmont.com/ghirardelli

http://reservations.onlyinsanfrancis...ls_h38367.html