Santa surprised me with tickets to a show in San Francisco late January. Can anyone recommend a hidden gem hotel near union square...or perhaps not too far away....with some charm...and not tooo pricey. Thanks

Without a $ number no one has a clue what you mean by 'budget-friendly' or 'not too pricey'.

What is your actual budget?

The Warwick @ $155 per night, or the San Remo (shared baths) @ $119

I know I’m really really crabby but I really hate posted say “budget friendly please”

One man’s budget is another man splurge.

The Chancellor might work. It's been four years since I stayed, but TripAdvisor reviews still look good. Rooms are small and it's an older hotel, which can be a pro or a con. I plugged in a random weekend in January and was offered one room at $137/night and one at $170/night. Right off Union Square. http://www.chancellorhotel.com/

But I agree - a specific number would be very helpful. For some people $170/night is definitely not "budget," for some it is.

We stayed at the Hotel Rex many years ago and liked it. They are running a winter special now. A queen room is as low as $188. Availability is limited, though.

https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/rex

Most sites post the rates before local taxes and fees which are pretty high in SF (room tax = 14% plus small 'Tourism' fees for both SF city and CA). So say a $190 per night room (discounted for pre-payment) at the Sir Francis Drake actually costs $222. And then there is very expensive parking if you will have a car.

There are 3 HI Hostels in San Francisco. They are very inexpensive if you take your own food and cook in their kitchen. http://www.norcalhostels.org/

The Mosser Hotel at 54 4th St. I stayed there and it’s near Union Square.

Ok..we did find a place for 199 per night...so im looking for more options at the price...or less

http://www.andrewshotel.info/

Is where I have stayed a few times.

>>Ok..we did find a place for 199 per night...so im looking for more options at the price...or less

It's hard to tell without exact dates as room rates can change a lot depending on dates. I have stayed at the Chancellor and liked it a lot but it often will not be under $200 in January. So who knows. There are lots of hotels under $199 a night in San Francisco in January, it's not hard to find one, even around Union Square. So maybe it's the date.

You could look at the Cartwright, it's an old building, not sure if I'd call it quaint, but the rooms aren't super modern. It should be under $200 a night.

Paladin stayed at the Hotel Carlton. That's all I know about it.

>>There are lots of hotels under $199 a night in San Francisco in January

Will you have a car?

Hotel room rates in San Francisco definitely fluctuate according to demand. When there are big events or conventions in town, room rates can skyrocket. We found rooms for this January for $129, $135, $137 and booked the Fairmont for $129. Check Kensington Park Hotel, The Handelry, Sir Francis Drake...and also Booking.com
If your dates are flexible, you might be able to find a rate that works for you. If you see a good rate, book quickly.

>>and booked the Fairmont for $129

+1 for The Mosser

We do have a reservation at the ORCHARD GARDENS but may change that If we find something more appealing. The moser looks interesting. Might have to consider that