I have two choices for hotels over thanksgiving in San Francisco - The Savoy on Geary or Galleria Park on Sutter. I would love to hear the pros and cons of both from those "in the know" and which you would prefer.

Thanks in advance!

Geary @ Jones vs. Sutter @ Kearny? Really, for me it's a no-brainer, Savoy is too close to Tenderloin.

But... I'm biased, living on Sutter

thanks Faina - what is Tenderloin?

The "happiest" area of the city where you can get a free meal, free shower, shelter... and even get something to sniff or to smoke.

Seriously, radiofanatic, Faina is just trying to tell you that the Savoy borders a rather down and out part of town. As a local resident, I have no problem transversing the Tenderloin on my way across the city, but it might be a wiser choice to stay at the Galleria for you if you are just visiting. Also, November/Thanksgiving is the time of early dusk and dark - that's a consideration. The Galleria Park is right on the border of the Montgomery St. part of the Financial District, also a short bus ride or walk to Chinatown, North Beach and the Embarcadero. I haven't had any recent visitors staying at either, so can't comment on the rooms.

I stayed at the Galleria Park about a year ago - think I posted some thoughts about it on a different thread, but...the rooms are quite dated, though fairly comfortable. The last stay (I've stayed three times) the bathroom was so tiny that you couldn't be in it with the door open. Street noise was a problem in all my visits - garbage trucks and steet sweepers in the wee hours every night. I heard that some upgrades were being done to the rooms, but don't know if that happened. On the positive side, there's a nice restaurant/bar (very busy) downstairs and the staff is quite helpful. It's convenient to Chinatown and Union Square and I feel very safe in that area. I don't think I'd stay there again though. I haven't been overly impressed on any of my stays there, and have recently switched over to the Marriott for my business trips - and they have the most wonderful beds! I generally prefer smaller hotels for my personal travel though, so I'm planning to shop around for the next trip.

How on Earth would Faina2 even know about stuff like that is beyond me!!!:-?

Stayed at GP at least a dozen times and will do so again....and...agree with seasweetie somewhat.

We've stayed in older rooms and some newer rooms. One bathroom was like a phone booth and one was of good size.

The only time we've had a problem with noise was when we got a room overlooking Kearny.
Great service...parking attendants really HUSTLE.

Perry's is the restaurant next door. Decent grub, good bar but your a short stumble to Belden, Un Sq area and a brisk walk to Embarcadero and The Ferry Bldg.

Also some sort of quickie coffee shop opposite Perrys where you can pick up a lot of munchies/early coffee, etc.

GREAT location. Did remind me of hotels in Eruope.

By all means choose Galleria Park. Great location (it's not in the Tenderloin, nor in the vicinity of), has that "boutique" feel to it, mostly because of the dated decor, and the free wines at 5 pm.

But, please don't choose it because of Perry's. When I did time at the Financial District, I practically gorged on Perrry's happy hour freebies, chickens wings and nachos, to make up for dinner during those lean times. Even when we had money to pay for "paid" food on top of our cocktails, that's when we know enough not to hit Perry's and, instead make our way to Belden Lane for the good stuff. Locals and yokels in the Financial District area only goes to Perry's for the freebies.

We have stayed at the Galleria several times and think it is great! Enjoy your stay. Ask for a corner room on an upper floor, as they are larger.

Kal used a phone booth for a bathroom? :-?

Where was Mrs Kal at that time, I want to know!

as usual, you guys are great with the suggestions - thank you.