I'll be going to San Fran in either July or August and can stay at either the Hotel Nikko or the Hyatt (Embarcadero). Which is the better choice, factoring in quality, proximity to tourist attractions, etc. I realize that the hotels are in different areas of town (Union Square vs. Embarcadero).
How's the weather in SF in the summer? Is one month preferable to the other in terms of crowds, types of activities going on, etc?

Last weekend of June is a huge gay parade, attendees come from other countries, everything will be packed for a few days before and after.

Hyatt Embarcadero is great location-wise. Not sure where Nikko is.

Weather in summer? The best way to describe is: who knows? You may or may not need a sweater.

Everything will be less crowded when the children are not on vacation (September, October)

Anytime you're in San Francisco, just plan on dressing in layers and leave a jacket in the car just in case.

The Hyatt Embarcadero is a perfectly fine hotel, but it is more of a business-travelers, convention hotel. Personally, I prefer the Park Hyatt which is also near the Embarcadero. Nice rooms, good service, smaller "feel."

Nikko and Hyatt both are big hotels. I would prefer the Hyatt for its location. It is very conveniently situated close to transit (BART,Muni,Trams,Cable Cars, Ferries), the Ferry Building (shopping and dining) and walkable to Chinatown and North Beach.

I would choose the Embarcadero location. You are right by the Ferry building and transit, yet still close enough to walk to Chinatown etc. The area there is more attractive than where the Hotel Nikko is (borders the Tenderloin). The Hotel Nikko is closer to Union Square shopping, however, in case that is a priority.

You can expect it to be very foggy in July and August and in the mid to low 60s. It may clear up and be sunny at some points, the sunny days can be a bit unpredictable. My in-laws came for a long weekend at the end of August last year and the sun didn't come out once. August is probably more foggy than July.

I have stayed at both hotels and although I like the Embarcadaro location better, the Nikko is a nicer hotel in just about every way.

thanks all,

So far, it looks like the Hyatt is in a better location, so I'll probably go with that.