Sorry about that dmlove, and all, I thought I'd erased that last half sentence before posting but I guess not. I was going to say, if you bid on three stars or above, even for Union Square West, I doubt you would end up in a flea-bag hotel, but you might be close enough to the seedy area to feel uncomfortable walking out after dark.

I've stayed at the Serrano, it felt perfectly fine and safe to me. I just stayed on the same block (Taylor and Geary) at the Monaco the weekend before last. We (two women) walked to the hotel fairly late at night 2 nights in a row and had no problems at all. We walked by the Serrano several times during our stay and again, no problems.

I mean, of course you need to take normal precautions as you would in any urban area but I'm not understanding the fear factor here at least not for Taylor between OFarrell and Geary.

Hi all. I did check out the Serrano link but rates during our visit are still $200. Oh well - thanks for the thought.

Lots of lively discussion about Union Square - love it or hate it, I guess!

Cartwright is still OK area right (Sutter St.)?

It's fine - it's kitty corner from the Sir Francis Drake, a block from Saks, around the corner from Sears (breakfast).

What about the JW Marriott (formerly the Pan Pacific, I believe). That is in the Union Square area. I saw some good rates on Orbitz

Just wanted to check in on what people might think of the Monticello. It appears to be renovated and is now the ABRI hotel.

Where is that hotel Melissa?

How about Chancellor Hotel across the street from the Sir Francis Drake Hotel? Great location and (at least used to be) reasonably priced.

Anna Roz

The Monticello is on Ellis St. The Chancellor is sold out.

For me, Ellis is too Tenderloinly area, sorry.

We've stayed at Hotel Rex on several occasions and love it. Small, very attentive staff, great location

I stayed close to the Serano at the Adagio, which in on Geary between Taylor and Jones. I felt fine walking there even at night, from Union Square. Just walk towards Union Square from the Serano and you should be fine.

While the Monticello is on Ellis Street, it is not in the Tenderloin, at all. It is on Cyril Magnin and Ellis, part of a block from Powell Street.

a post from a few months ago....
FYI, the Rex is next door to the Cartwright on Sutter St.---a very nice area


Author: socialworker
Date: 07/31/2008, 10:34 pm
We have stayed at the Rex twice. May '07 and June '08. It is one of my most favorite hotels ever! The bartender who mans the complimentary wine in the library bar treats every patron as if he/she were a treasured guest.

The rooms have an art deco type ambiance that manages to be sophisticated, cheery and relaxing all at the same time. We have rarely stayed in a place that so goes out of their way to make you truly feel welcome. One example is that the wine hour is from 5-6, but as were checking in the front desk said, "Oh, don't worry if you don't make it back in time. Any time all evening is fine."

It is a great hotel!

I just got back and wanted to let you know that I ended up staying at the Monticello, which is now the Hotel Abri (under new ownership--the Larkspur Hotels, which also owns Villa Florence). The renovations are so new, you can smell the paint as you walk down the hallways!

The rooms are smallish, but I would say normal by SF standards. The beds are plush--probably the same as the Heavenly Beds--and the bathrooms wonderful. I was a little concerned about street noise, but once the bed swallowed me up, I was knocked out for the night and did not hear a thing. I am guessing that if you are a light sleeper, you may not sleep as soundly as I did.

The service is outstanding, as well! The concierge, Hillary, knows everything. The location is exceptionally convenient. We had an in-room fridge and a gigantic flat screen TV. What more can I say? I had a wonderful stay. If I can get a good rate again, I'd stay there again.

I like The Clift, but am not sure it falls in your price range.

I seem to also remember a Best Western property in that general area, I always have good luck w/them in the larger cities.

Just wanted to give everyone an update (still need to write my trip report). We stayed at The Cartwright on Sutter St. and for the "renovation rate" price, it was a great deal. Rooms are super tiny, but quaint and location is great. Will write more but just wanted to thank everyone for the input.

Ditto exactly Melissa's review of the Abri. Stayed there last week with BGF for an overnight in SF and am returning with DH next week. In addition to Melissa's highlights, we loved the Occitane verbena shampoo, rinse, lotion, and soap.

Thanks, leeni, I always love to read updates! The Cartwright is right next door to the Rex. I love that area.