where2gonow

First time here on Fodor's forums. Planning a 4-5 day trip to romantic San Francisco with my wife (we're both late 30s, professional, modern people). I've only been a couple of times on business (stayed on Nob Hill), but it's such a beautiful place, and she's never been in her life (we live in western PA).

We want a centrally-located hotel close to shopping and public transit, and judging by the guidebooks, Union Square would be a good place to look. I wanted to hear from SF fans: What's the best hotel on Union Square, price no object? Which one gives the best bang for the buck?

We don't really have anything planned, we just want to relax. We aren't ruling out day trips (we'd rent a car for the day). I guess (judging from a quick look at other SF posts) that there are people that try to push San Jose, so let me say off the bat: Don't even try. I've been there. Don't ever want to go back. Don't like it.

Any legitimate suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Dan

I haven't personally stayed there in a several years, but Campton Place is just off Union Square and is a beautiful hotel. The rooms are a tad small but this is somewhat typical of the city. They are well appointed, however, and the staff is great.

CalgirlSusan

Do you like the more trendy places? If so, I'd suggest the redone Clift Hotel and have a dinner at their wonderful Asia de Cuba. The hotel is a bit too-too for me, but it is so much the scene and has some fabulous rooms.

More traditional? The Grand Hyatt has some really spectacular suites way up high. And for real old world elegance go to the St. Francis.

By the way, if the San Francisco basher known as Robinsen appears here, just ignore her. She loves to hijack all the posts about SF and rant on and on until they get deleted. Thank goodness I haven't seen any of her posts here tonight since she was branded a mental degenerate yesterday by the Fodors supervisors.

easytraveler

Hi, where2gonow!

Try tripadvisor.com and see the reviews by ordinary people who have stayed in the hotels. It's very helpful.

Conde Nast Traveller also publishes a list of "The Best of..." this or that for each year. People who give their opinions to CN are people like yourselves.

Here's a partial list:

Union Square itself: Westin St Francis
and the Grand Hyatt. Both give out onto Union Square itself.

If you want to be a bit more removed, there's the Mark Hopkins and the Fairmont, both up on Nob Hill. Smaller and more like a boutique hotel but also on Nob Hill is the Stanford Court Hotel.
Just one block downhill from the crown of Nob Hill is the ritzy Ritz-Carlton.

If you don't want to be right on Union Square, there are a number of excellent hotels a block or two away: Pan Pacific, the Prescott, the aforementioned Campton Place, Hotel Monaco, and Hotel Nikko. Probably missed a couple.

Even further away from Union Square are the Four Seasons, the Marriott, and the Hyatt Regency at Embarcadero.

Hope this helps!

sfmvca

As a former San Francisco resident and frequent visitor, I like the St. Francis, a big, older, elegant hotel right on the cable car line on Powell Street overlooking Union Square. The Clift Hotel is a short distance from Union Square proper and has a superb reputation for elegance and service. It seems to be the hip hangout these days, too (actors, rock stars, politicians, etc.), with the Redwood Room (an incredibly cool Art Deco bar) and a superb adjoining restaurant. Campton Place is also quite close to Union Square and is smaller and quieter than the others, without sacrificing anything in comfort and service.

Best of luck. Sounds like a wonderful trip.

djkbooks

Here's another recommendation for considering the Westin St. Francis and Campton Place. The Hyatt, though not on Union Square, is also fabulous. For "boutique" sort of places, see Vintage Court and Juliana.

Price no object but best bang for the buck?

What do all your guidebooks advise?

Patrick

You said, "the Hyatt, though not on Union Square. . ." djkbooks. I know there are a couple of Hyatts, but we stayed at the Grand Hyatt which is right on Union Square. It was indeed pretty grand.

gualalalisa

From a native, another vote for the St. Francis.

kikahead

Hotel Monaco!!! (Part of the Kimpton Group)

travleis

If money is no object and you're "modern people" I'd strongly recommend the Four Seasons. It's new, fresh, close to Union Square, right on Market Street in the middle of everything, great rooms, best service in town, and to top it off it has a 100,000 sq, ft health club inside which is outstanding.
It's much better than the Ritz Carlton, Mandarin, Westin, and Grand Hyatt.

Momof5

I have been only once to SF and after much searching we chose the Westin St. Francis. It was perfect and since it was our 10th anniversary very romantic also. To stay in a hotel with such history was so much fun. It was a great local to. We had tea in the lounge and that was fun. The consierage was great to. And those comfy beds and our view was fab!

In the lobby is (I guess) the oldest working clock in all of SF. My romantic husband kept telling me to meet him by the clock. It was so cute.
I also met John Cleese in the elevator to. Very memorable time and I will stay there if and when I go back.

Margie

Where2gonow there is a poster who is a little neurotic, I'm sure you'll notice his post a few above mine accusing you to be working for the SF promoter form the convention and visitors bureau. Ignore him, he has problems.

If you like the trendy Ian Schragar properties (some do, some don't) check out the Clift as suggested above. There is some more information at the IS website http://www.ianschragerhotels.com/home.html

Margie

Just so the people who posted above me are not isulted, I would like to point out that the offending post I mentioned has been removed, thank you Fodor's.

Woody

Our favorite splurge hotel in S.F. is Campton Place, a small botique hotel on Union Square. We go to the City several times a year for extended weekend trips, and if it were up to my wife, we would stay there every time.

You said you are planning a romantic trip, so consider getting a room with a bathtub and shower, and window seat. Bring your favorite romantic CD (rooms have Bose Wave CD players), buy some bubble bath and candles for your wife on Union Square, bring or buy a good book or two, and enjoy eachother's company lounging around the room. The rooms have knitted robes.

C.P. is on Conde Nast Traveler's 2004 Gold List, and its restaurant is superb (though expensive). There is complimentary limousine service in the evening.

Woody