San Francisco hotel in Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square
 

I will be attending a conference in San Francisco in April and have used this as an excuse to have my husband come out after I am done working to have a few nights / vacation. We have not been away alone since we had our kids 6 years ago (much needed!).

I have been told Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square are the best locations to stay since we will not have a rental car, only have 3 full days to see the city and would like to be as cost effective as we can, while still staying somewhere clean, comfortable and if at all possible with some charm. I have been told of the Kimpton chain in San Fran?

Can anyone recommend which location is best to stay in? What hotels can you recommend? Any advice on the areas, hotels and must sees are welcome!

Thank you!

Of the two, I'd have a very slight preference for Union Square, and only because of the teeming masses of humanity you'll be dealing with if you stay up in Fisherman's Wharf. I don't mind the slightly cheesy touristy-ness of FW as much as some on this Forum, but it could get old quickly for a couple trying to have a bit of San Francisco Romance for a few days.

Union Square hotels aren't extravagantly expensive, but it's been a long time since I've actually paid for a hotel in SF myself-- it's usually been expensed for business. If you go with a Kimpton hotel, be careful on location; Tenderloin-adjacent is not particularly desirable.

Where do the conference hosts suggest that attendees stay? Have they set up special rates at those suggested properties, and if so would the hotel extend them if you stay extra days? That might be cost-effective enough to sway your choice-- especially if it's a nice place.

Otherwise: How about looking at a Bed & Breakfast? There are lovely B&Bs in the City, and why not have a real San Francisco experience? My favorite is the Inn on Castro, in the Castro. Absolutely charming.

Of course, you and your husband would have to be OK with the unique character of the Castro; the property definitely skews LGBT in its clientèle, and it's literally a block from the main, er, drag of the Castro. However, it's steps from the Muni F streetcar line as well as a BART stop, and it's easy to catch a bus to Golden Gate Park and anywhere else in the City. Restaurants abound nearby, including L'Ardoise, one of our favorite French bistros in the US. The Inn itself seems torn from the pages of <b>Tales of the City</b>, and the area is SO San Francisco it's overwhelming. And when we walk down to the corner of Market & Castro and take in the sights and buzz of the real City, my heart threatens to burst with joy.

In short: Be willing to explore and put some life in your style. It's San Francisco! Give in to the magic.

I forgot to mention: A car is a liability in San Francisco. Public transportation will get you everywhere in the City, and taxis or Uber will get you everywhere else. Don't feel hamstrung by locations; you'll always be able to get somewhere wonderful. Bring comfortable walking shoes. And a healthy appetite; the City is a foodie Paradise.

Great-- now I want to hop JetBlue for dinner up in San Francisco...! Oh well....

We go almost every year to San Francisco and have stayed at many hotels over out stays.

We much prefer Union Sq area to FW; having stayed only once in FW, which was enough for us.

TheMosser.com is a good location and can be a good price, depending on dates.

Lately, we have found the Kimpton hotel group and love them. They have many hotels in San Francisco.

If you join their free loyalty program, Karma, they often have special sales and also last minute deals for members. They have free wine hour from 5 - 6 pm each night and many other perks [free wifi] for members.

Kimptonhotels.com

Thank you for all of this information! We traveled a decent amount pre-children and we used to truly enjoy seeing the cities, history and culture. However, we are also used to having more than only 3 days, which is why we are doing a bit more of a touristy route this trip. We want to catch the romance both of the city and being alone, but see the things that San Francisco is known for as well.

I will be staying at the Westin St Francis in Union Square and the conference rates are not extended post conference, which I don't mind. Switching hotels wouldn't be terrible, maybe to find something a bit different. I would like to be able to walk to some sights, restaurants, bars, cable car etc

On other threads I have seen a lot of recommendations for the Monaco?

I hadn't thought of a B&B and that sounds like an idea to look into as well!

No way I'd want to stay around Fisherman's Wharf. I took a look and left. I stayed in Japantown at the Tomo which had a good rate and a reasonable location. But if I hadn't needed a 24 hour front desk (wasn't sure what time my train would get in) I would have picked a B&B, although probably more in the Marina or North Beach Areas.

>> Castro. However, it's steps from the Muni F streetcar line as well as a BART stop<<

The Castro is about 7 blocks from the nearest BART station.

OP - if you want a non-San Francisco experience, have dinner at TGI Fridays & IN&OUT burgers - stay at Fisherman's Wharf. If you want to experience the "real" San Francisco and dine at places that have put SF of the "Gourmet map" - stay at Union Square. Actually, I prefer the Embarcadero Hotel area over Union Sq.

Stu Dudley

"on" the gourmet map - not "of"

Here are some of my ideas for things to do & see:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm

Stu Dudley

We stayed at The Serrano when it was still part of Kimpton [no longer] and it was on the same block as The Monaco; each on the corner of the block. We are staying at The Monaco and the Sir Francis Drake next month.

Yes, if you turn the "wrong way" from Serrano or Monaco, you will end up in Tenderloin. Simply turn around. Use your city travel, street smarts.

For great walking tours, donation only that supports the program - sfcityguides.org run by SF Public Library. Dozens and dozens to choose from, covering all areas of interest.

Well, 7 blocks is "steps"-- just a LOT of steps! ;)

I was thinking Muni Metro and typed BART.... Well, you can GET to BART if you need to.

Still, the main point is: Muni will get you everywhere you need to go, from wherever you are in the City. Even up to the Wharf. There ARE uniquely San Franciscan attractions up there-- the gentrified sea lions, the Musée Mécanique. Heck, I'd even go for the old-school fun of Scoma's and Ghirardelli Square...!

But you have to also explore the neighborhoods of the City. North Beach, Chinatown, the Mission, Haight-Ashbury.... I just love San Francisco. This just reminds me that we're overdue for a long weekend up there!!

The Monaco is a much-loved hotel. It is on the edge of the Tenderloin, which isn't the best neighborhood, but it's not a problem - just turn toward Union Square (east) and you'll be fine.

Forgot to add, my favorite location for hotels is the area near where I work, along the Embarcadero - the Vitale, Hyatt Regency, etc. I would NOT choose to stay in FW without kids.

or even WITH kids...

All great advice! Thank you!

SO I think I have a lot of recommendations for the following:
The Monaco
Sir Francis Drake
Vitale (Embarcadero)
Hyatt Regency (Embarcadero)

Would you rather stay in the area Embarcadero and a more mainstream hotel like the Hyatt?

All look great online:)

Union Square is all chopped up with construction cranes everywhere. Not sure how long this is going to last.

I should have looked at pricing first, the Vitale and Hyatt look amazing but are over budget:/

Understand that San Francisco is an easy to walk city. You can get from one place to another using muni system, the F Market street car and bus.

I think you will be happy with a Kimpton on or near Union Square. There is also a Kimpton Palomar to consider; its just off Market at 4th, also a good location.

<And when we walk down to the corner of Market & Castro and take in the sights and buzz of the real City, my heart threatens to burst with joy.>

rjw, it's writing like this that keeps me reading these forums. Beautifully put. Cheers.

Take a look at the Habor Court on the Embarcadero, I believe it is a Kimpton. Like Stu I usually recommend the Embarcadero as a good place to stay. A good mixture of locals and visitors. Try using a booking site like Booking.com to see if there are any good rates available.

SAB, it is a Indeed a Kimpton but it doesn't have some of the typical Kimpton perks, and I hear the area is a tad dead at night. If the price were right though....