I hear mixed reviews about safety in Union Square. I'm planning to stay at Grand Hyatt, which is right in the heart of Union Square, I hear. Can someone give me more info on Grand Hyatt and its neighborhood? Also,is the cable car nearby and is it always packed?

We stayed at the San Francisco Marriott a couple of years ago and though it's not in Union Square, it's very near. We absolutely loved our stay, walked around comfortably both day and night, and would definitely stay there again. I simply can't imagine any level-headed person being afraid to stay in such a well-populated area.

We were in SF in Feb and spent lots of time in Union Square including a walk down there at 1:30 am to the Bart Station. We found it to be safe. We had no problems at all. We were 4 females.

If you've ever been to downtown LA, Denver, Dallas, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Boston, Baltimore, NYC etc you'll have no problem with Union Square.
There are people who get all up in arms about the fact that there are homeless people and panhandlers who are more visible in Union Square than in most other big cities. But that's it. Is there a violent crime problem associated with them? No. I've stayed in/around U. S. many, many times over the past 20 years. Never once have I been bothered or seen anyone else bothered.

I just recently stayed in the Grand Hyatt and thought it was good. You always know what you'll be getting at the Hyatt, and this was no exception. Very nice common areas, clean, well appointed rooms, no complaints. Also, had breakfast in the restaurant on the top floor and it was excellent. I've stayed in the Union Square area several times and enjoyed it each time. With all the work they've done in the area, it's very nice.

I stayed at that Hyatt about 2 years ago and thought it was fine. It is about a block off of Union Square and I thoght to be in a very central, convenient location. Close to cable car, shopping, restaurants etc.

The area is safe. The cable cars are usually packed. Check out SF MUNI website, going to Fishermen's area you can use line 30 and probably 45. Going to the Legion of Honor lines 2,3,4. To the bridge line 76 on Sunday or 2 and 25 or 29. Yerb Buena - walk. Embarcadero - walk.

We were in SF last year for a few days staying in Union Square. We tried a number of times to ride the cable car but never wanted to stand in line for what always appeared to be at least an hour wait.

We stayed there about a year and a half ago and it was great. Very convenient to walk around town. I never felt unsafe walking around. The Grand Hyatt was a great hotel for the price.

When there is any big convertion going at SF, Grand Hyatt is always one of the office hotel for the conferences. Last Sept (? one for Oracle and one for SUN), they were booked solid for 2 weeks for convertioners. They charged $189 for a standard room through the conferences only. My coworker stayed there. I chose to stay at another hotel in Union Square. Another coworker and I walked there few times (through Union Square) to meet with him to go Chinatown (walked once) and to take buses from there at night. We walked back from Grand Hyatt to Marriott once(the bus we took went different routes so we had to get off at Union Square). There were lots of people, mostly visitors walking at Union Square around 11:00pm. It was fine, but we never stayed out after midnight.

Union Square is perfectly safe. My husband and I were there last year and were always around that area with no problems. The area is crowded with tourists, so no worry. I wouldn't go South of Market Street, however.

Union Square is perfectly safe at all hours. There are always a lot of people about so even in the middle of the night you will feel safe.

The cable car is a block away and it is usually pretty packed.

4th will be Hanns.

kikahead, that was my guess too! lol!

Cecilia, If you want to ride a Cable car without standing in line, try the California line. You can catch it in front of the Embarcadero Hyatt and ride to the end of the line and back. I've never seen a line there.

Robinsen came back as Treck and Abi. Stephanie, wrong guess this time, but the Borg family won't blame you

We've stayed at the Union Square Hyatt and never felt afraid. The number of homeless did surprise me, but none ever bothered or approached us. There is a cable line "behind" the hotel about one block away. The best shopping is in this area and it's very convenient to Chinatown.

Had to LOL when I saw Olive listed among the multiple posters! She knows her Hyatts well since her DH has been with them for years.

Jayne...for someone who lives in SF, I sure know Tampa Bay pretty well huh?

We were on Anna Maria Island Saturday...looked at a 1,100 sq foot "house", circa 1961, not on the beach but a deep water canal lot, for a mere $675,000! On second thought...maybe we are a suburb of SF? OL

Hey olive, totally off topic here, but i've been wondering about your dd...how is she? I haven't been around much lately in case you've mentioned it....hope all is well!

Thanks ellen for the thoughts. We just got fabulous news...can I really wait 'til Friday's Rants and Raves? No. She just got the results of a RAI scan done done a week ago, which showed it had not spread, it was confined to her thyroid, (now removed)and odds of full recovery are better than 99%. She won't have to set foot in the oncologist's office for 6 mos and if all is well then, only have check-ups yearly. We are in 7th heaven!! Life is Beautiful!

I stayed at the Grand Hyatt and had wonderful service. They allowed early
check in (9:00 a.m.) I got it through Priceline for about $55 a night.