I know nothing about Union Sq., but we stayed on Nob Hill. We stayed at the Stanford Court. It is a Marriott brand hotel. It is very nice and is located on the corner of California where you pick up the trolley. We could walk to Chinatown (downhill was easy! :)
I always felt safe. It was very quiet there. I did not see homeless in the area.

Keep in mind that Nob Hill and Union Square are only 1/3 mile apart, as the crow flies. Nob Hill has better views, but the Union Square area is the shopping mecca. You likely would encounter more vagrants down the hill. San Francisco is so compact most sites you'd visit are easily reachable by foot, taxi, limosine or bus.

Yes, THAT was where we stayed on Nob Hill-- the Stanford Court. It is very nice, quiet, subdued.

We like the St. Francis (fancy, elegant) and the Hotel Monaco (boutique) in Union Square. We have also stayed at the Petite Auberge--cute B&B, but has thin walls. We also like the W and the Palace, just south of Union Square.

Have fun!!!

Niki,

My husband and I stay the weekend in San Francisco about 8 times a year because we have season tickets to a theatre company. We ALWAYS stay in the Union Square area. PLEASE tell us the name of the hotel(s) you are considering and we can give you good advice....

i didnt remember id posted this post
and started a new one
oops

so far ive had reservations at bijou and nobhillhotel and cancelled both because i was concerned they were soooo inexpensive

also boheme-in north beach- cancelled- wish i hadnt- now they have no room on the 11th- every night but the 11th

also ive had them and cancelled at petite auberge and nob hill lambourne- lambourne also had nothing on the 11th- and petite had a shower room only

now i have reservations at the rex and monaco
but theres an entire rex and monaco post now

yes scarlett i can feel loveitalys kindness through her words

thanks everyone

especially for the pedestrian warnings- oh my- i will watch out

If you can afford the Monaco...do it. You won't be sorry.

i believe i will keep my reservation

thanks for your input