Fisherman's Wharf Marriott
or Renaissance Parc 55

Family of 4 w/15 & 12 y/o; general sightseeing. 3 nights.

Many people say Fisherman's wharf is not as nice as downtown - too touristy, etc.

When I'm in SF on business I like to stay more central business district, but when I'm there with family (aka as a tourist) I like the FW area.

With the kids, I'd definitely recommend the wharf area. It's got lots that should appeal to them.

I haven't stayed at the wharf property because I prefer to stay near Union Square.

We spent two or three nights at the Renaissance Parc 55 last September. All I remember is that our room was well maintained and it was on the small side. It was an unmemorable experience. After the September trip we had a hard time remembering where we stayed in San Francisco.

If they give you a big room, the location is convenient for sightseeing, shopping, restaurants, etc.

With teenagers, the WHARF!

We used Marriott points and stayed at the Stanford Court Rennassaince on Nob Hill. Very safe and quiet area. The trolley stopped right out front. You could walk down to Chinatown.(It is straight uphill on the way back..) I found the area nicer than the Wharf. I think the Parc 55 borders a not so great neighborhood..SF experts correct me if I am wrong. (My girls are 12 and 13 and we went April 2005.)

I second girlonthego! My teen boys were not that thrilled with the wharf activities, but turn them loose in Chinatown or the Union Square area and they were happy.

We stayed there and it really wasn't bad. It's a quick walk to the trolley so you can just get a transportation pass and it will take them anywhere they want to go. We took the trolley to Chinatown and the bus to Golden Gate Park and the Palace of Fine Arts area.

I should clarify we stayed at the Marriott Fisherman's Wharf.

We stayed at the Renaissance Parc 55 and it was a very nice hotel, but at the very edge of a very bad area.