Does anyone know what Union Square (West) San Francisco hotels are rated 4 and a half stars? Thanks!

Did you look at betterbidding.com? They list both the Mark Hopkins & the Clift as 4.5 stars. I don't know how they do the zone so I don't know which would be Union Sqaure West. I would check out betterbidding.com and see if that gives you additional information.

Thanks, kikahead! I checked out biddingfortravel.com and learned a lot. I have never tried priceline but maybe this will be the first time.

FYI, the Mark Hopkins is on Nob Hill (not in Union Square). The Clift IS in Union Square. It has become an Ian Schrager hotel & reviews are that it's a bit too hip & trendy. I'd personally choose Nob Hill. Cable car gets you anywhere you'd want to go & you avoid the controversial Union Square area.

I stayed at the Clft before it was "Schragerized" and loved it, but think I'd give it a miss now.

Thanks, Jensen and mclaurie! Jensen: it doesn't work when I click on the link you had provided. I went on the SF Chronicle site but would appreciate if you could share with me the title of the article or the section where it can be found in the 6/22/03 issue. Thanks again for your help!

The article is about homeless people in San Francisco. Just an F.Y.I., there are certain people on this board that will spend all thier time telling you how evil San Francisco is. You can click on their name and see the other posts (i.e., "Jensen" seems to know a lot about the Bay Area for someone who would need hotel reservations in San Francisco). Another F.Y.I.--San Francisco DOES have a notable homeless population.

Jensen was caught on the SF Hotels thread posting the same thing as Braun. Apparently he sometimes forgets which persona he has at the moment!

I'm staying at the Grand Hyatt next week for $75 per night. It's a 4 star hotel. I got this rate back in February and I'm not sure if it's available right now. The Grand Hyatt is right on Union Sq.

If you want to stay in the Union Square area to be close to downtown, I would suggest Union Square east rather than west. The area west of Union Square can be rather sketchy. East is fine though.

Thanks, everyone! I tried Priceline for the first time and won at first bid for a 4* Union Square East, 8/28 - 9/1: Grand Hyatt San Francisco for $65/night. Not bad, it's $149 directly with Grand Hyatt online and on Expedia. Definitely a better deal compared to Hotwire. I hope it will be a very nice experience.

I stayed at the Mark Hopkins last month. Didn't use Priceline or Hotwire, but got a $165 rate for a corner king room with a great view. If the hotel isn't full, they'll upgrade you if you ask.

I'm a fan of Priceline but sometimes properties always reserve their worst rooms for Priceline customers. Something to consider. May be worth paying a few extra dollars for the nice room!

Good luck!!

That is a great hotel at a great price!!! They have some of the nicest staff in the city. I hope you have a great vacation!!!

Good job - that's a great rate.

Just got back from San Francisco last night. Stayed at the Westin St. Francis on Union Square for $65 a night (Priceline). The location was perfect. The weather was perfect. The Westin is a great hotel. Our room did not have a great view but what do you expect for $65 a night. The "heavenly" bed was heavenly. Had a great time and didn't have to worry about money since we saved so much on the room.

I live in San Jose, and I think it's a great place - I don't know that I'd call it a tourist destination though. There are interesting things to see here - with almost a million people, there better be SOMETHING interesting - LOL.

I think that with all the natural beauty in California, spending more than an afternoon in San Jose would be a waste of precious vacation time - unless the person is on a 3+ week vacation or is flying in or out of San Jose and therefore will be here anyway.