I have a really good rate at this hotel in the financial district. I rally hadn't been considering it, because it looks kind of out of the way on a map in the AAA book. Any feedback on this hotel or it's revolving restaurant?

First of all, I don't think this is in the financial district, I think it's on the Embarcadero. As far as hotels go, it's a fine business type hotel.

Nice area with convenient access to buses.

The hotel sits above a BART station, just a few stops from Powell and Market, so easy access to Union Square, reasonable walking distance or short cab ride to Chinatown and North Beach, and I believe on a cable car line as well (or very close to one). The hotel itself is a basic Hyatt, if you have a good rate I'm sure you'll be happy there.

Personally I think it's a great location for SF. The California cable car line is next to it and runs to the west. It's not nearly as busy a line as the other two so you can ride it pretty easily.

Another nice feature is the light rail goes by there. It runs from Fisherman's Wharf past the Embarcadero and out to the Castro district. It also runs quite a few fun, antique, refurbished cars.

Though I've not stayed in the hotel, I've had a drink in the lobby and it was very pleasant.

Last time I was in SF I bought a 3 day travel pass that worked out great for transportation.

I would check out www.biddingfortravel.com. I just got the Grand Hyatt in Union Square for $61 a night on Priceline.

Rita, I booked this hotel through Priceline also. I was originally looking in the Fishermans Wharf area, so a 3 star is what I bid on. When I didn't get one there, I rebid adding the downtown area. Had I started with this area I would have bid a 4 star. But I got this Hyatt as a 3 star, even though all the other travel sites list it as a 4 star (including 4 diamonds from AAA). I got it for $50 a night.

Don and Rita,
Do you mind me asking the approximate time of your trip to the area? I am curious as to how far ahead you used Priceline to get these great rates. I won't be in SF until August, and am putting off bidding for now.
Happy Trails,
Paul

Paul, my trip is planned for the end of April. One more question for anybody that might know, I have read that parking for the hotel is expensive, but do they only have valet parking?

Thanks Don... as far as parking, I plan on using public transportation while in San Francisco, and then rent a car for the last day there and the rest of my CA vacation.

Happy Trails,
Paul

It's a great location and you will have easy access to everything. I would much rather stay there than Fisherman's Wharf and you can take muni from there to the Wharf area. Parking will be expensive. There is underground parking at the Embarcadero Center buildings adjacent to the hotel but I think that would be expensive also.

The revolving restaurant is great for views. There's a Sunday Jazz Brunch. We sometimes just go for drinks.

You got a good deal. Congrats! Please avoid renting a car unless you are planning a day trip outside of San Francisco or out of the general tourist area (Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Marina, North Beach, Castro, Pacific Heights). Public transportation is convenient and plentiful and you will be able to get around just fine. If you do decide to rent a car, only rent it for the days you absolutely need it. Streets in San Francisco are crowded and narrow, traffic is horrendous, and parking is expensive in the downtown area. The revolving restaurant is fun, and all of the visitors I have taken there have really enjoyed it.

The lobby and glass elevators at this hotel were featured in the Mel Brooks movie, High Anxiety.

I agree it's a well-located hotel and I'd rather stay in the Embarcadero than Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square. Enjoy!

I am here at this moment. Got this hotel on priceline for $60 a night. It is gorgeous. The staff treat you like royalty. It is convenient to all the local restuarants and sites that we had in mind. I would highly recommend this location. We rented our car the first week we were here, then turned it in downtown on Friday when we checked in. They do no have self park, it is Valet only. Don't know what they charge, but understand that it is expensive from previous posts.

Very nice hotel with great access to pulbic transportation. Although not that close to Union Square, there is plenty of shopping and restuarants right within the area. i Haven't been to the Equinox, which is their revolving restaurant, but have heard that it is all about the view and that the food is expensive and not that good.

By this time you probably booked the Embarcadero, which is a great hotel for $50/night.

The food at the Equinox is not so hot. But it is fun to go up for a drink.

topping

I am heading to S.F at the end of February. Check www.biddingfortravel.com before you bid on Priceline. It will give you an idea of what to bid.

The Embarcadero Hyatt is not out of the way. It's a block or two from the heart of downtown, but SF is a small city and you walk anywhere in ten minutes. It's nice because it's next to the Pier area, which is great for walking, and it's very close to SOMA.

If you got a price under $100, I'd say go for it. I'd rather be at the Hyatt at the Embarcadero than the Grand Hyatt.