mjs

I often stay around Union Square and it’s close to the Embacadero and Chinatown. I do not find the area unsafe. I was at the hotel Nikko last month and it’s probably one of the best 4 star properties in San Francisco. There are a number of hotels near the Embarcadeto such as the Omni, Meridien, Hyatt, etc. Perhaps you might consider a bed and breakfast such as Jackson Court in Pacific heights? Safe area and walk down a steep hill to the Marina if you don’t mind talking a Lyft etc to get around the city. Have not stayed there in decades though so up to date experience.

k_marie

It has been a few years since our stay there but we like the location of the Hyatt on the embarcadero. There is a muni/BART station right out the door as well as streetcar and bus lines. I’m not sure if the Ferry Building market is flourishing now as it did before covid. It’s right there on the bay (of course) and there are plenty of restaurants within easy walking distance.

I do agree with the consensus to use Uber when returning to your hotel at night.

Please be sure to check Stu Dudley’s link for City Guides for their schedule of walking tours in different neighborhoods in the city.

suze

I think Embarcadero is cool too, but Union Square is convenient for publc transportation options (BART, cablecars, etc.).

janisj

The Hyatt Embarcadero is as convenient (more so actually) for transport as is Union Square. Steps from a BART station. Same for the California Cable Car line - which is easier to ride/board than the Powell/Hyde St, Powell/Mason St lines. Ferries, Streetcars, etc.

suze

I did not say otherwise. I meant it as two different things. Embarcadero is a good place to stay. And separately Union Square has easy easy access to transportation as far as why that is also an OK place.

Sorry if my wording was not just right.

curiousgeo

Everyone who has contributed to this post is quite familiar with SF and provided valuable input. But it seems pointless as the OP hasn’t been responding, other than as useful information to other travelers.

ninasdream

Hello All, Thank you all for the information, area notes and hotel names, and for sticking with me, when I didn't provide you with enough basic parameters and price range. I had been trying to check, I have had a lot of changes going on at the helm of work and things were very much up in the air. I have a terrible sense of geography, so I was mistaken that Union Square was not an area I wanted to be in. Really I only wanted to avoid the Tenderloin. It took me all day on Sunday to finally book my airfare at this late stage, and of my 10 days off I will be travelling 3 whole days, which is not ideal. I have really long layovers, but flying to BWI was not the great direct nonstop option it usually is, because of the departure times, too early to get the shuttle to the airport.

I booked my hotels, and went pretty modest.

suze - I did choose the Andrews, which I would not have found without your post, so thank you.

I had no idea what I would find in hotel quality, so I didn't post a range. I think I was willing to go up to $250 -$289/night including tax and fees, and so the Handerly and Palace were out of my reach, and so was Nikko for half the days, the latter going up into the low-mid $300's range. I thought about dividing my stay and spending a few nights there. But that would have been more running around, and I'd hardly been around to enjoy the ambiance. The problem was that I would find hotels that were pricey, and then see really alarming or mediocre reviews and no amenities like coffee pot, microwave or frig. Then you guys came to the rescue.

Stu - I saw your post on 8/15 and immediately checked out the Opera, which sounded ideal, looked great, reviews were good, but it was all booked for my entire stay.
Suze and KT thanks for sticking with me and offering suggestions, even though I didn't give you enough information.

Michelle Y The Chelsea Inn looked good to.

mjs - FYI, yes parking is still free, so a great perk, but I won't have a car with me.

k_marie - I have definitely budgeted for Lyft/Uber and taxis,

If you can forgive my radio silence, and are in San Francisco area and would like to have a little GTG, suze and kt travel, and any others, please let me know. Thanks again for your willingness to share. hotel info and tips.

curiousgeo

nina, just saw your post. It’s great to hear that the replies to your questions were helpful and you were able to find suitable accommodations. Thanks for reporting back.

suze

suze - I did choose the Andrews, which I would not have found without your post, so thank you.

Well that is a surprise to read!! You realize it is on actually past Union Square, right? For others reading, we know each other from past posts in various locations and situations... so hopefully is an OK choice for ninasdream. It's a funky historic place. I haven't stayed there in a while but did a few times, in different rooms, both single and with a friend, and it was originally recommended by friends who live there. My girlfriends who recently stayed at Handerly were two ladies together spliting the cost so sharing a room.

The Andrews was funny, I'll say as an example, their "security" for luggage for people waiting to check in or on hold from checking out... they roped everything together with a bike chain at the front desk. I thought that as hoot. And be warned, the "elevator" is euro-style like you and your suitcase can barely fit, take the crazy staircase.

suze

I'm all for get-togethers...but I'm in Seattle. Let me know if you get up this way.

My San Francisco "experience" such as it is, is only from a couple trips to visit friends who live in the Bay Area. And a few more times but staying with friends out in Walnut Creek so didn't spend time in the city every trip.

suze

Just re-read the history of the hotel (pretty interesting). I'd forgotten about that. Current hotel website looks similar to when I was there. Basic 'continental breakfast' on the floors was a nice perk if that is really still happening. The wine bar/ restaurant was good for a drink (didn't eat there but could have). The two different rooms I stayed in reminded me of Europe trips in similar price ranges. Views of an alley or airshaft -haha- and "cozy" sized rooms. Hope it works for you. And yes just use taxi/uber/lyft and let the hotel front desk assist you.

ninasdream

Hi Suze, I have been rethinking the hotel. There is free cancellation. I will look at the Union Square offerings again. As it is my itinerary is awkward and likely tiring. On a 10 day trip. An entire 3 days are tied up in travel and layovers.

The first leg of my trip is in Seattle, September 6-9. I can also post in my Seattle query. Let me know! Thanks again.

StuDudley

Again - I really do not like the Union Square area. It was fine 47 years ago when we first moved to San Francisco, but now it is depressing, IMO. Covid changed everything - along with the homeless. I read stuff in the Chron almost daily about how that area is struggling.

If it was important to stay somewhere downtown, I would choose a hotel along the Embarcadero near the Ferry Building (Hyatt, for example). Otherwise I would stay on/just off Lombard St west of Franklin in a motel so I could be close to Cow Hollow, the Marina, Crissy Field, etc. Lots of public transportation on Van Ness for access to your event - or take Uber/Lyft.

Stu Dudley

mjs

While I do often stay near Union Square and find it safe, I do not do much around the area. I often select a hotel with a parking package or stay there as I often have meetings in the area. The Marina area is much more pleasant with lots of locals and restaurants and stores and bars. I mentioned Jackson court which in my distant memory a nicer place than the Lombard hotels and a short walk to the Fillmore area or even Japantown for restaurants. It is a steep walk up and down to the Marina but close.

Leely2

I live in SF and have occasionally stayed in hotels or had relatives/friends stay in them. Frankly, as a resident I avoid the Marina like the plague. But we all have different likes and dislikes, which is great.

If you're still looking, you might check rates at Hotel Kabuki in Japantown--depending on dates it could be within your range. Absolutely amazing Thai restaurant Nari is in the hotel, they have a nice lobby bar, Japantown is a fun location, a quick taxi ride to Herbst.

I use FlyWheel and YoTaxi apps. I will not use Uber and avoid Lyft. Info about the apps here on the SFMTA website:
Grab a cab. Support a small business.
Our taxi drivers are small business owners who are an integral part of what makes San Francisco unique. Every time you take a taxi, you support our city's economic vitality.

suze

Hi Suze, I have been rethinking the hotel.

OK whatever. Good luck making a decision you are comfortable with.

SassTraveler

Agree with Inn at the Opera and Hayes Street for walking, shops and restaurants. I would steer clear of the Tenderloin (google it - east of Van Ness) and Civic Center.

SassTraveler

Chez Maman and Doppio Zero are affordable favorites for dinner. And Mr. Tipples Studio for after. Have fun!

ninasdream

Thanks Sass! Will look into those.

OK anyone who might be available to meet up in San Fran, let me know I realize it's short notice I am there Friday night, through Tuesday night.

Suze I'm in Seattle now, if you have any time, til midday Friday. I promise to be decisive enough to order a drink or a meal! LOL.

k_marie

Did you tell us which hotel you chose, ninasdream?