Hotel Monaco vs Ritz in San Fran?
 

Which one? We can't figure it out.

Figure it out how? Cost? Location? Amenities?

Different. The Ritz is more classically elegant, the Monaco is "upscale cool". The Ritz is in a standalone location, a block or two from the entrance to Chinatown, the Monaco is in the heart of Union Square. I think if you look at the pictures of each on Tripadvisor, one of them will be more your style than the other.

I also love the location on the Vitale that Michelle mentioned - great spot right on the Embarcadero.

thanks for your great information...

We stayed in the Monaco last August and were very happy with the location, the hotel, the service. We had a great price (I'm a Kimpton member so they send me offers every so often) and, although our room was a bit small, it was comfortable and fine for the little amount of time we spent in it. The lobby area is large and very comfortable and I like the free morning coffee and tea they serve.

The ambiance between the two is so different I would think if you look at the pictures you could tell which one would suit you more. I don't think the Ritz is out of the way and really, San Francisco isn't terribly huge.

I always stop in at the Ritz and have a drink. It's nice and quiet. I've stayed at the Monaco and while it was very cool at night, in the morning it's glitzy-ness made me feel like I was in a nightclub before anyone showed up. Also, as mentioned by theatrlover, the rooms are small. It's pretty much just the bed. And perhaps because of the "livelier" clientele that the nightclub atmosphere attracts, it is a bit noisy. So, it was nice when I initially went, but now that I'm traveling with children, I'd stay at the Ritz.