Hello All,
My husband, sister, & brother-in-law are heading to San Francisco Labor Day weekend. Need info on which area to stay, and which hotel to choose from.

We are all in our mid thirties, looking for a nice hotel which is in close proximity to restaurants, bars, shopping, and the theater.

It appears to me that the Union Square area may be our best choice and have been looking at a few hotels in this area. Particularly, Hotel Monaco, Palomar, Prescott, & Grand Hyatt.

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

We've stayed at the Hyatt at Union Square, and that was nice. Room was nicely appointed and the location is good. You should be able to find a fair price on-line, or call directly to the hotel. There are some restaurants in walking distance--the concierge will help you.

A hotel like St. Francis is even closer to restaurants, but has a higher price tag.
I would recommend the Union Square area if you like to shop and be a part of crowd, take the trolley cars, etc. Theatre is also close.

Have a great time and remember a sweater--it gets chilly with fog or at night. If you hanve't been before, you might check out the Wharf, and during the day, you might plan some time at Golden Gate Park, too. North Beach for great Italian restaurants and bars.

Have a great trip!

Not sure what your budget is, but I think the Ritz Carlton in SF is the best (short walk from Union Sq)! Be aware that hotels right on Union Square can be very noisy (don't know if this bothers you). The Fairmont has been remodelled and is supposed to be nice as well (haven't stayed there since), although a little further from Union Sq.

Grand Hyatt Union Square: great, if you like a hotel you can stay in in one of 150 different cities.

Ritz: wonderful place, if you have the budget for it.

Best value + comfort. Hotel Monaco OR Hotel Triton. You will be hard pressed to find more unique hotels or greatm young, enthusiastic staff.

Nob Hill is a nice alternative to Union Square and definitely within walking distance to Union Square. Hotels in that area are the Ritz, Mark Hopkins, Fairmont, Stanford Court. Keep in mind however that most of these hotels are near or at the top of Nob hill so any walking back to your hotel will be UPHILL for several blocks (which is just part of the SF experience, but something you might want to keep in mind).

There are many Union Square options. I would suggest staying north or west of Union Square. Southeast of Union Square (south and east of the Theatre district) gets you into the Tenderloin district, which isn't really the neighborhood you want to find yourself wandering about. It's more unattractive looking than dangerous, but you'll find many homeless (more than other parts of the city) and less desirable characters. The Union Square area is also closer to many of the bus connections you will need to get to other areas of the city (which I highly recommend you do).

September and October are the best months to come to SF. It is our "indian summer." THere will be little, if any fog, but it will cool off at night and you should dress in layers.

I vote for Hotel Monaco or Triton or any of the Kimpton Group hotels. They have a vibe that is unique - great locations and lots of fun! The last time I stayed at the Monaco I treated myself to a spa treatment and I think I reserved the popcorn or movie night special. And, I always ask for a "pet" - a goldfish for the room. I want to go back to SF just to stay at the Monaco again!
I've stayed at the Hyatt and the other main conference hotels...only because someone else was paying for it. It's the Monaco when it's on my own dime.

Thanks for all your help! Lot's of great information. Unfortunately, I just found out that my brother-in-law has free points to stay at the Crowne Plaza Union Square.

Definitley not my first choice, but I guess you can't argue against a free room. At least we can spend more money on shopping, and eating at all the wonderful food San Fran has to offer.

Well, if it doesn't work out I am booking Hotel Monaco! Thanks again.

I'm sitting in my room at the Prescott right now. I wouldn't recommend it! Small room, sort of dingy too. I'm only here one night or I'd move! Corporate rate of $170/night and I've always had a good experience at Kimpton Hotels so I was surprised. At least the wireless is working!