San Fran Nob Hill vs. Union Square Hotels
Apr 10th, 2011, 08:39 AM
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San Fran Nob Hill vs. Union Square Hotels
We are planning a trip to San Francisco and Napa in August. Have found a great rate at the Stanford Court (skyline view + breakfast)... not sure if this area is the most convenient compared to union square.. Any recommendations? Hotels in Union Square if more convenient... would like to stay under 300/night
Apr 10th, 2011, 06:37 PM
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I personally wouldn't recommend Nob Hill but that's because I like to walk out the front door of my hotel in a city and be somewhere (as opposed to walking out and then having to get somewhere. The Stanford Court is not that far (distance) from Union Square, Chinatown, Financial District, but its all downhill/uphill (and not gentle sloping hills either). Nob Hill is a very (VERY) upscale residential neighborhood.
Apr 10th, 2011, 10:03 PM
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We enjoyed staying at Stanford Court and didn't mind the hill - it's just part of the charm of being in San Francisco. But you should know it is fairly steep. It is only 1 block down the hill to Union Square area, but then you have to walk back UP. This did not bother us at all because we like to walk. We walked to restaurants in Chinatown and to Fisherman's Wharf and to the Embarcadero. We walked to the theater but opted for a cab to get back up the hill late at night. I liked the fact that the area was quiet. We had our window open and there was little traffic noise. You would be at the intersection of two cable car lines.
So, if the idea of the hill is questionable to you, then book closer to Union Square.
So, if the idea of the hill is questionable to you, then book closer to Union Square.
Apr 12th, 2011, 05:03 AM
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We stayed at the Mark Hopkins in Nob Hill a number of years ago. While it is a perfectly fine hotel, Nob Hill was not convenient for us as you had to walk up & down some very steep hills and there were no convneient little breakfast places or shops. If I was returning to SF, I would be looking at Union Square.
Apr 12th, 2011, 05:19 AM
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We stayed at the Mark Hopkins and the Stanford Court several years ago. We loved the area. Walking downhill is a snap unless you have particular issues. On the way back we took the cable car which stopped right at the hotels. How many times a day are you going to be in and out of the hotel. We generally leave in the morning and than come back once before dinner. Also buses and taxis are plentyful. Nob Hill is a quiet and elegant area, we found Union Square too gritty for our taste.
Having said that, the Stanford Court rooms left a lot to be desired at the time, about 5 years ago. The views of the cable cars and bay can't be beat.
Having said that, the Stanford Court rooms left a lot to be desired at the time, about 5 years ago. The views of the cable cars and bay can't be beat.
Apr 12th, 2011, 08:58 AM
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Frank, were you by any chance there before the actual square was re-done? It's really nice now (before it was re-done, no local would ever step foot in it, except maybe for the Xmas tree lighting).
