Going to SF for Thansgiving, unsure where to stay, narrowed it down to either Hotel Vitale or Hotel Monaco. Which one would be the best for first time in SF, spending 3 days in the city. Interested in restaurants, shopping, SF city life.
what do fodorites recommend.

OK, the Vitale is a new property on the Embarcadero. The Monaco is a revitalized older property in the theatre district. The Monaco is more traditional, but elegant. Has a good restaurant, the Grand Cafe. The Vitale may give you views of the bay and it is modern in concept. I would say to just decide which is your style. Either way you will not be far from shopping and good restaurants. Have you googled their websites?

I recently enjoyed a Vitale stay and Loved it! You are welcome to my Webshot (search) "mrskbg" photo album and I just enjoyed Campbell's album also.

Vitale on Embarcadero or Monaco... is it on Geary? Tough decision!

If a Bay View room is guaranteed, I'd go for Vitale. If not, both are in good locations. Maybe Vitale is a tiny bit better.

I recommend you to Hotel Monaco. It's quiet natural and beautiful place.

Both hotels are great, but the neighborhoods they are in are very very different. The Monaco is just off Union Square, which is the main downtown shopping area in San Francisco - it's hustle and bustle, with all the department stores, small stores, theaters, the square itself. The Vitale is on the Embarcadero (I work a block away). It's much quieter, being on the Bay. It's near the vaunted Ferry Bldg. There are many excellent restaurants within blocks. If you like to walk, there's nothing better than a stroll along the Bay.

That said, the walking distance from the Embarcadero to Union Square is only about 15-20 minutes.

Why was a thread from 2005 topped?

Darn, I didn't notice that!!

aikenjones is topping and responding to all Hotel Monaco posts, it seems.