Hi, I would love some help choosing a hotel in San Francisco. Has anyone stayed at The Ritz Carlton? I've read a few mixed reviews. We are prepared to spend about $250 pn. If anyone knows any other nice boutique hotels that would be great. We would like to stay near union square.

The Ritz is very nice but I like being right on the square better. My favorites are the Hotel Monaco, The Four Seasons Clift and the JW Marriott, all about a block off the square.

A couple of weeks ago, we stayed at the Huntington on Nob Hill. Really a boutique hotel with a highly personalized service. Large, tastefully decorated room, bright modern, but with a historic flair. Super indoor pool and spa area. The best bar in town - very popular among locals. Excellent breakfast.

And: We got a very good rate.

www.huntingtonhotel.com

What type of neighborhood do you generally enjoy? Personally, I like a neighborhood where I can walk outside and be in the middle of things -- a quick walk to the corner for a cup of coffee, or a newspaper, some shops to browse, etc. For that reason, although the Ritz-Carlton and Huntington are both very very nice hotels, I wouldn't like to be staying in either one of them, because of their location (in particular, the Huntington is on Nob Hill, and that is a very steep hill -- there's no walking to and from, except maybe to the square across the street). Again, very nice hotels both, but I'd personally prefer to be in Union Square and therefore would choose any of the hotels Parrothead mentioned over the Ritz, Huntington (or for that matter, the Stanford Court, Fairmont and Mark Hopkins, all of which are also on Nob Hill).

thanks for the advice. I had to go with the Ritz because they actually gave the best price. They have a special package this week offering 2 free nights plus free breakfast, valet and internet. The other hotels mentioned were actually more expensive.

wow! your deal at the ritz sounds amazing.
although it is on a hill, it is not as bad as the mark hopkins or the fairmont and it is a relatively easy walk to union square and chinatown.
i love their afternoon tea service.

have a wonderful time.

I just stayed at the Ritz and found it to be very nice. We chose free valet parking rather than the interet as part of that package. Our room was spacious and even though it was on the same floor as the lobby, it was very quiet. I wouldn't step outside the door in heels, though, the hills are killer.

I have stayed at many sf hotels and find the Ritz to be our favorite. Staying there again in October. Walk up the hill from Union square is not bad. Close to China town for Dim Sum etc.
Jw is pretty good but I have not stayed there since the Marriott took it over. Hear that the service is not so good. Did not care for the Mark Hopkins. Prefer the Ritz to the 4S. The Nob hill location for hotels makes for very steep climbs.