Kendu, the loonies are out in full force on this thread, I'm afraid. RSebastian and Berkshire are clearly the same (utterly insane)person who has ranted about Union Square under several different names. (Enjoy conversing with yourself, freak?!)He is constantly recommending Cow Hollow, which in comparison with the Drake is just a ridiculous suggestion. The funniest part is, you're from NYC--you'll be fine, fine, fine in Union Square, which you're unlikely to be "wandering" after dark with your kids anyway. Take normal city precautions, and stay at the Drake.
Union Square Freak, buzz off.

Can both of you agree on anything? How about Hyatt on Embracero(hope I spelled it right). Is that a little better of a location. They gave a really good deal. If you two agree, it has to be good.
Thanks
Ken

Kendu--the Hyatt Embarcadero is also fine. It is more of a corporate hotel then the Drake or Miyako. It is in a MUCH more central location then the Miyako. The area around the Hyatt is a little quiet at night but you are a block off the bay and have quick access to Fisherman's Wharf.

***FYI-you will never get a harmonious opinion on this board in regards to San Francisco hotels. There are a couple people who feel that Union Square is a bad area and will steer you away from there regardless of the hotel. Go with the hotel that works for your family and budget and while the opinions here are very helpful, take them with a grain of salt and supplement them with other advice from sites like tripadvisor.com or the review section on travelocity.com.****

You guys are great. Done! Hyatt it is!
Thanks
Ken

The Hyatt Embarcadero is great. Thank goodness you did decide to stay in Union Sqaure.

I should have said thank goodness you did "NOT" stay in Union Sqaure. When you see it you'll know what I mean.

Caveat: Earnst also advises one never to fly into SFO.