SF hotels: Orchard vs Mark Hopkins
 

Planning Feb 04 trip to celebrate 20th anniv. Spent a wonderful honeymoon there and have been wanting to return ever since. I have been trying to get the most for my dollar while still getting a great hotel to stay in. I found that tripadvisor.com rated The Orchard Hotel #1 so I called for their rates and got a Deluxe King w/cont brkfst for 139/nt. I can also get a King Deluxe at the Mark Hopkins for 219/nt including full breakfast. I know the 2 hotels are like comparing apples and oranges but will I be happy with my choice of the Orchard or should I spend $560.00 more for the Mark Hopkins? It won't break my budget but sure will bend it a little. Thanks for any help.

Alooohaaa,
I stayed at The Orchard last Sept.and I'd stay there again in a ((L))beat.

The Orchard was nice, friendly people/service, big room, good bar and restaurant right in the hotel.
Some other good restaurants nearby,too.
Short walk down to Belden, Union Square, right next to the Powell cable car.

But, The Mark is still The Mark!

Kal

Hi Kal,

Thanks so much for your quick response. We are leaning towards the Orchard right now but hope to hear from others.



Roxanne

I live in SF and have not stayed at either of the two hotels. My understanding is that the Orchard is a small boutique style hotel while the Mark is a large luxury hotel. I have been to Top of the Marks for Christmas Tea and for drinks--fantastic view of the city!

I would look at tripadvisor.com for reviews of the two hotels to see what works for you. As far as neighborhood goes, Union Square is fine.

Have a great anniversary!!!!

Thanks to both of you.

RSebastian: would you say M H was definitely worth additional $560?

kikahead: thanks for the good wishes. It is easy for 20 years to fly by when you have a great husband!!

roxanne

I just checked out of the Mark on Tuesday of this week. I was on the club floor (14th) and had a great time.
If you can get an upgrade tp the club level, I would stay at the Mark. Great club lounge with snacks and a free self serve bar. The views were wonderful.

You can view pictures of the club floor of the Mark at travelquality.com.

Union Square however is not dirty or depressing.

I had drinks at the Top of the Mark but stayed across the street at the Fairmont. We LOVED the Fairmont but the Mark looked great, too. A friend of my Mothers stayed at the Orchard and really liked it so I guess it's a tough decision. I would probably save the money and spend it on really nice dinners and lots of Martinis at the Top of the Mark. Also, don't miss the Tonga room at the Fairmont!! Union Square IS NOT dirty - I didn't know what people were talking about when I got there! Great shopping area and most of the people looked fine to me. Everyone on this site complains about the Bums but I think I saw 1! Have fun!

Thanks so much for responding to my question!!

travelingirl: How did you know I love Martinis :) How are the Cosmopolitans?

But, I still don't know what to do!!

As for the state of Union Square, we stayed on Union Square for our honeymoon and loved the location. Also, since we are from New Orleans, the homeless and panhandlers are something we frequently deal with.

roxanne

Thanks for the info Franklinton.

roxanne

rox, How did I miss the "anniv" comment?!?!? :-?
Yep. For a special stay, The Mark.

We were in SF this past 16th and Un Sq was terrible. Crowded with all of those scrungy artists at the art show and those pushy tourists!
We had to go down almost to Market before we got acosted by a cup shaker. The nerve! >:O Can I get a HARRUMPH?

Mike McCourt or Joey "Blue Eyes" DiMaggio at Washinton Sq Bar and Grill make a pretty stiff martini. Ditto the guys at Moose's across the way. Can't remember their names tho...but they were 2 sets of twins by time we were through.
Kranky Karl at McCormick's/Kuleto's has a pretty stiff wrist and I bet he'd make a mean Cosmo. Plus you get a nice Bay view.
Enjoy!
Kal

Hey Kal,

Thanks for the update. I think I am probably leaning toward the Mark after all. We will definitely be checking out those "watering holes" for the great drinks. Any special restaurant we should try for our anniversary dinner?

roxanne

rox, Too many to mention. No matter where ya go, if you're with the one you love, how can it NOT be special?
:)>-

Hi El,

Thanks for your advice. It is always good to hear from the natives. Went ahead and made the reservations at the Mark and will keep watching for specials between now and February.

Thanks again to all who responded.

Roxanne and Jeff

Anniversary dinner: 5th Floor or Gary Danko's. Both fantastic places!!!!