hi..we are a family of 5 and need advice on location to stay. we are debating between Union Square vs the Financial district. any thoughts? hotel in financial district would be Hyatt Regency and Union Sq would be Mariott Union Sq. thanks so much!

Both are fine. The Hyatt Regency is right on top of a BART station, it's on the Embarcadero (great for walking, jogging along the Bay), across the street from the Ferry Bldg., walking distance to good restaurants, AT&T Park, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, North Beach. Union Square is busier, a prime downtown shopping area. Also in walking distance of the BART station, Chinatown, North Beach, the Metreon. Either one is an excellent location.

The Hyatt is technically in the "Financial District" - but that doesn't mean what it may sound like. The hotel is on the Bay front (as mentioned - directly across the street from the Ferry Bldg). The views from most rooms is amazing w/ the Bay Bridge, all the boats in the bay, plus being across from the market shops/stalls and the California St Cable car is right outside. Walking distance to Coit Tower etc etc.

I really enjoy staying at/near Union Square - but the location of the Hyatt and the views make it probably my fav hotel in the city.

thanks for your replies. i have stayed at the st francis a while back but i was solo. sorta torn betweeen the 2. we will definitely be going down to fisherman's wharf. is either easier for that commute?

From Union Sq, you can catch the Powell-Hyde cable car to FW. However, the PH line cable cars are the most popular, so you may not be able to get on and have to go to the terminus at Powell/Market.

From Embarcadero, you can hop on the F-line historic street car and get to FW in about 10 minutes.

We stayed at a hotel just across from Marriott and it was a great location. You can catch the F line street car and the corner to go to FW and you will get on before the folks from the Embaradero. The 2 areas are really pretty close to each other, I don't think it is that big a deal, one over the other. Let something else be your decision maker - price, amenities etc.

Deb

thanks..we are thinking of doing the hyatt. restaurant recommendations anyone? we love really good food LOL

RE: FOOD

See this very recent thread with many, many suggestions:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...od-choices.cfm

A Fodor's US forum favorite -- Perbacco -- is just a block west of the Hyatt. Boulevard is a block south. Good Thai (Osha Thai) and good Meditteranean (Sens) in Four Embarcadero, which is a few steps from the back door of the Hyatt. Chaya (not my favorite, but I know lots of people who love it) is a block or two south. Very good bar scene/japanese (Ozumo) is a long block away. La Mar (excellent reviews - Peruvian, seafood) is along the waterfront nearby, as are Epic Roasthouse and Waterbar (both of which are very good, but stupidly expensive).

And that's only what's within a few blocks!!

Oh, I left out Tadich's, which is an old-fashioned fish restaurant --- I happen not to be a fan, but there are many on here who love it. Same with Aqua -- very high end fish/seafood restaurant -- I don't personally think it lives up to its hype, but others certainly do. (Still within blocks of the Hyatt!)

Of course, Chinatown and North Beach are also within walking distance of the Hyatt (not just a couple of blocks, but not far either). As is Jackson Square.

So I would add Kokkari (Greek-ish) and Zinnia to my list (both in the Jackson Square area).

OMG, I forgot Slanted Door, which is upscale Vietnamese with fabulous views, in the Ferry Bldg. Go for lunch. Make a reservation way in advance.

as you can see - you'll run out of days long before you run out of great places to eat w/i walking distance of the Hyatt . . . .

great...thansk everyone. i was last in SF in 2004 and so i figured i owuld be out of date