We are from Canada and planning to surprise out daughters (ages 13 and 15) with a weekend trip to San Fransisco. The hotels have been narrowed down to the Westin St. Francis and the Palace Hotel. Does anyone have any info re the rooms, facilities, etc? We would like to stay at a nice hotel. Our girls love to shop (I know it is a little shallow but they are teenagers). We thought the trolleys would be fun and a visit to Alcatraz and Fisherman' Wharf. Any other ideas? Our main concern was finding a great place to stay and "live it up". Thanks for your help.

Kyleen, between those two hotels, I don't think you can go wrong but I'd prefer the Westin St. Francis. I like the location better than the Palace and the beds are those great heavenly beds in all the Westin hotels. The room could be small. Try to get a room on an upper floor and maybe you'll get a good view. Take the girls to tea in the Compass Rose at the St. Francis. Also, they will enjoy a mock cocktail in the Tonga Room at the Fairmont Hotel, a tiki bar where it "rains" every half hour. Go to the Palace for brunch to see the magnificent the Garden Court dining room. I'm sure they will like the cable car rides, and perhaps a ferry to Alcatraz. Loads of shopping around Union Square, and you could also take them down Haight Street for second hand stores and record stores if that's their bag, especially Amoeba Records. Are they baseball fans?

Kyleen,
I second everything that Susan says. You cannot go wrong with either hotel, but the St. Francis has the added charm of the cable car at the front door.

If they enjoy shopping, make sure to take a stroll down Union Street (not to be confused with Union Square which is the over the top everything you could want shopping) and Fillmore Street. Both streets have lots of boutique shops that are quite fun.

I would definitely say that the Westin St. Francis would be a nice place top stay. As you step out of the hotel front door, you are greeted by panhandlers who chase you down the street asking for money. Of course the shopping in Union Square can't be beat. We have all of the same chain stores that you would find in a shopping mall. Of course, in shopping mall the advantage is that it is located all under one roof. I would suggest going to Stonestown Galleria on 19th Avenue insead. But then again, dodging puddles of smelly urine and carboard condominiums on the streets of Union Square is always a treat.

Sally, do you know Cameron or Kevin? You folks might want to get together and see what else you have in common. Yes, shopping at indoor malls is always a treat for visitors.

Traveling man,

Union Square has the same chains as the malls. You know that as well as I do, so please let us not mislead these tourists into thinking that Union Square is some unique shopping area. It's merely more of the same, but only difference is that it is overpriced.

Kyleen, the point that the stores around Union Square are all the big chains is somewhat true. All the major department stores are represented, with an absolutely huge Macy's that offers a bigger selection, especially in the juniors department, than their other stores. I live in the bay area and that Macy's is a required destination when shopping for prom dresses. Other stores that you might or might not have in your hometown are FAO Schwartz, Virgin Megastore, J. Crew, etc. Also, the couture stores like Chanel and Armani are there.

If you are interested in more boutique shopping you should take the girls along Union Street in Cow Hollow, Fillmore Street in the Marina district or Hayes Street in Hayes Valley. Also, Valencia Street in the Mission has many vintage stores. You can cab it to any of these areas. Good luck and I'll apologize in advance for the poor exchange rate you'll endure! Have fun!

Thanks everyone for the advice. Appreciate the "heads up".

Get tickets in advance if possible for the night Alcatraz tour - spooky and cool!

Have a great time.

Kyleen,

I am also from Canada and recently booked the Westin St. Francis for a trip planned for July. If you haven't already, try booking via Expedia.ca. The rate for the hotel was in Canadian dollars and a terrific deal!
Have fun.

I stayed at the Palace for 2 nights in February. For $150 a night, it was a steal!! I absolutely loved it. The Garden Court restaurant was phenomenal...both the surroundings and the food. The room was very comfortable, and the pool area was - unexpectedly - very nice. I also enjoyed their Pied Piper Bar. I have no complaints about the place. It was a short walk from MoMA and shopping. We drove everwhere else.