In my experience Kay's drive time to Monteey from SF of 3 hours seems about right. Just today I drove from San Jose to Monterey and it took 2 hours! From San Francisco to San Jose is another 1.5 hrs with normal traffic so 3 hours to Monterey from SF would be making good time.

I would stay @ the Westin, especially @ that rate! Beware, the parking fee is high (> $30/day w/ in/out priviledge). We got a room w/ the bay view; it was very nice. The lobby is nice; the location is great for getting around (shopping, eating) and the bed is wonderful.

I believe the building survived the great earthquake in the early 1900.

Pan Pacific in nearby area; has a great restaurant (good food and excellent service), and beautiful interior as well.

Hot Stanford Court and their wonderful Lemon Souffle pancakes with raspberry sauce and fresh raspberries for B'fast!
Great location @ CA and Powell.
M

Cerlaurie:

If you want a big, bustling, glamorous hotel, stay at the St Francis. If you are looking for a boutique, very comfy hotel with a world-class restaurant in the lobby (Postrio), stay at the Prescott. Both are great, and unique in their own ways. ALSO SAVE ON PARKING by parking in the Union Square garage. It is city-owned (hence much cheaper than the hotel garages) and located within 1 1/2 block of both hotels.

I have stayed at the Westin St Francis, the Prescott ( on Concierge level) anf the Monaco...

Of all 3 , I LOVED the Monaco--the rooms are designed quite unusually- and the restaurant connected to it is wonderful--Wine served in the lobby daily...

If you choose the Prescott, ask for Concierge level- the room rate includes Continental Bkfst ( granola,croissants etc), afternoon hors doevres and wine and they will make priority reservations for you in Postrio ( their fancy restaurant)...
Be aware that the rooms are incredibly small....

Forget the St Francis unless you are in a tower room...hotel is not fancy for the price you pay...rooms are small but have high ceiling to feel larger...did not impress me at all........

Do not rent a car unless it is you last 2 days to do Napa--as Parking at all 3 is exhorbitant...

Hi C-
I've stayed at all 5 of your hotel choices. The Westin is lovely. A very grand (and very expensive) piano bar. Aside from the bar, very cookie cutter. Nothing special about the rooms or lobby. Hotel Nikko is very relaxing, and unfortunately out of the way. Though, if you're up for a sedate stay, perfectly right. Hotel Monaco would be my choice. A few cozy lobbies, complete with fireplace (it does get quiet chilly in August) and winetastings. Warm chocolate chip cookies and a goldfish to keep you company in your room. the Monaco wins hands down for personality, location. It is about 40 feet from the Westin. Have fun!

lola

Stayed at the Prescott last night. Dump of a room, but the concierge level (which I had to go through to get to the gym - which lacked a treadmill but was otherwise very nice) seemed great! The meal at Postrio was excellent, with some of the best service I've had in a while. So go with previous advice found above, if you choose the Prescott, request the best possible room in the Concierge level. Good luck and have a wonderful trip!