I'll be traveling to San Francisco for a conference soon and am trying to figure out where to stay. The conference is at the Hilton (Union Square area -- 333 O'Farrell St) but I'm not sure I want to stay in Union Square. Any suggestions of a good place to stay that would be close to public transportation so I could get to and from the conference easily?

I have only stayed at the fairmont in SF and really liked it-- I think that is in Union Square.

Use Priceline. YOu can get a good deal
for Union Square. Check www.biddingfortravel.com before you bid.

The Fairmont is on Nob Hill not Union Square. Nob Hill has several excellent hotels. My favorite is the Huntington.

Everything is pretty close together in downtown SF. Unless you can't walk, you really don't need public transportation.

The Marriott on Market is a nice new hotel and just a few blocks from the Hilton. But there are many boutique hotels that you may prefer.

I like the Stanford Court Hot. and their lemon souffle pancakes with raspberry sauce and fresh raspberries.
M

Why wouldn't you want to stay in Union Square? I don't think the public transporation is that great in SF. I bid Priceline last time and hit the Hilton last time for $70. I loved it. It's close to all the theatres. But maybe you have a reason not to be near Union Square? share!

Thanks for all the advice! I was unsure about staying in Union Square mainly b/c I tend to like to stay in areas that feel more like a neighborhood, in close proximity to good restaurants. I've heard from others that they tended to leave Union Square each night to eat and that Union Square was their least favorite section of San Fran (or a close second to Fisherman's Wharf). But I'd love to hear others' opinions!

I wish I could offer you better advice. I'm not as familiar with other areas of SF. Being a rural folk, I love the bustle of Union Square and we like to be close enough to Union square to get our "half price" theatre tickets every day. If you stay anywhere close to a Bart station, you will be close to the Hilton on O'Farrell St. It's only about 3 blocks from the Bart Station. For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the station you want to get off on, but it's only a few blocks from Union Square as well. Maybe a native could jump in and give you some advice about the transportation system. Is there a particular area that your friends recommend to stay in where the food is good. A nice place that has some great specials all the time is the Chancellor Hotel. Kind of an old world feel to it with a comfy bar and restaurant downstairs and a variety of pillow choices. I like to get a room with a balcony ..ahem.. this is overstated.. it's a fire escape that you can stand on. From there I can watch the edge of Union Square activity, see (and hear) the Cable Car below. Some have complained of the noise from the Cable car and other city noises. That doesn't bother me, but you could bring ear plugs. Rooms are nice but not big. (least mine never were) It is next door the Sears, home of the famous "Silver-dollar pancake". (the only place in SF that doesn't take Credit cards.. huh??)
Another place that is nice is The White Swan Inn. They have a sister hotel as well. Lovely and includes a wonderful breakfast.
Here are the reviews for the Chancellor from trip advisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...alifornia.html

From there you can easily launch off and read about The White Swan and others.

Enjoy the city!!

If you like small European or boutique hotels, I can recommend the Harbor Court Hotel and the Griffon Hotel which are just off Market and the Embarcadero and would have easy transportation being close to Market Street. a few really good Restaurants right there next to the hotels - Tono Rosso (right in the Griffon Hotel) and Boulevard plus some smaller pasta places and coffee and deli places. These are very close to the Hyatt Regency which has restaurants and the embarcadero has several as well. The Vintage Court is another good one which also has a grat restaruant and you could walk to the Union Square area for your conference. Hotel Juliana is within walking distance as well and The Triton Hotel which is at the entrance to China Town but not close to public transportation - cab would be your best bet there. SF is a great walking city if you like to walk. we generally prefer these smaller hotels to the larger ones. It is your preference. We spent the night in the City a month ago and Sears is temporarily closed. New owners. They did have great breakfasts and hope they will provide them again when they reopen.

Petal, are you talking about Powell Street Station next to cable cars turn around?

Montgomery station is close to Union square as well, but it's deserted in the evenings. Powell always get lots of foot traffic around it.

I can't recommend any "good" place to stay as going to/from conference at peak times all buses and metro will be packed.