Thanks to all those who replied to my earlier query about the Omni. I currently have a pretty good rate quoted for both the Omni and the Francis Drake. Which would you go for?? (I will be staying two nights in early April). Thanks again.

We stayed at the Sir Francis Drake about 1.5 years ago. Rooms were fine (though smallish,) and we loved the Union Square location. Cable car stopped right out front. Not familiar with the Omni, so I can't help there.

Although I posted a positive Omni "review", for location I'd choose Francis.

We stayed there last summmer- got a great rate on quikbook.com Anyway, for the money (I think we paid $109), I thought it was great. The rooms were small but they are clean, staff was friendly, and I liked the location.

On another thought all down town is like a war zone now - police in riot gear - it was the first time I've seen them in this attire! The helicopters are flying 24 hrs. The anti-war protesters look much scarrier then the homeless, and they are everywhere and so loud! So if you're coming any time soon I wouldn't recommend any of the above hotels.

I have numerous business associates who stay at the Sir Francis Drake and all are impressed as big hotels go. Let us hope this thread isn't hijacked by the Union Square haters who rant about its lack of safety -- erroneously.

The Sir Francis is a venerable SF landmark that has been lovingly restored by the Kimpton group. It has just over 400 rooms which tend to be a bit small (as in most historic SF hotels) but clean and nicely furnished. Rating for what it is worth is three stars. They offer Caffe Espresso, rather like an upgraded Starbucks with nice food (deli, salad, sandwich, pastry) and good coffee. Scala's Bistro is the more formal restaurant and serves good Italian. If they have mussels on the menu while you are there, try them - they are about the best I've ever had!
The Omni rooms are about the same size but more poshly furnished. It's rated four stars. Location is OK, not quite as convenient as the Sir Francis but not in an awful area, either. Also offers restaurants in the hotel, but I haven't used them.
Either one should be fine - enjoy!

Thanks for all your responses. I think at the end we will stay at the Omni as we need to have a room with two beds guaranteed, and the Drake couldn't guarantee that at the rate we were quoted. Also, I think the Omni was recently refurbished (2002) and other reviews have said the Drake needs to be (not sure how that corresponds with Seamus' comment about the Kimpton group...was that recent too?)