I've narrowed down to six choices for a 2-night stay in San Francsico just before Christmas: Orchard Hotel, Villa Florence, Serrano Hotel, Hotel Rex, Prescott Hotel, Hotel Monaco. Please send me your recommendation. I'm single and in my thirties, if that helps.

Dear JillyB,
One hears good things about the Orchard's ambiance, and it is a little out of the fray as far as location (it's on Bush St., I believe, so it is a bit to the north of Union Square).
I've sent business associates to the Prescott, and every one of them has found it to be cozy and very nice. I think the Prescott has a good location - a couple of blocks to the west of Union Square, central and walkable to a lot of sights.
The Villa Florence is right on Powell St. I have not stayed there, but it just seems too much in the middle of things on that block - but maybe you would like that?

Just my two cents - hope it helps.

Thanks, dovima! This is a great help.

JillyB

We stayed at The Hotel Rex a couple of years ago and liked it a lot. Service was good, complimentary cocktails and coffee offered in the lobby back then, good sized rooms, nice 'boutique' character and atmosphere, etc. Good location for walking everywhere and catching transit. And if you have a car to park overnight, there's a nice public indoor lot a block or so away that's a reasonable price.

I ended up choosing the Monaco as it is a AAA 4-Diamond and Mobile 4-star hotel. I got the hot dates great rates price of $129 on a room that's typically $169. I hope I chose well. They give you a gold fish for your room. That's got to make it worth it.

JillyB