I have reservations at the Handlery in Union Square for 2 midweek days in August. A couple of guidebooks have mentioned that it is not a great area (safety-wise) at night, but that seems to conflict with other information I've been given on this site. Can someone clear this up for me?

We too are booked into the Handlery Union Square in Sept. for 3 nights and I have also heard mixed reports so would be interested to have other folks opinions of the area etc.

I think it is safe, as it is right across the street from the St. Francis Hotel, just down the street from the Theatre district, across the street for Macy's, Sax,Borders Book Store, and other stores and is right where the cable car goes up hill to the Fairmont. Very touristy area with restuarnts and other hotels and lots of people.

Hello everyone staying at the Handlery Hotel on Geary Street. You will be on Geary St., one half block west of Union Square (which is surrounded by Powell St. on the west, Stockton St. on the east, Post St. on the north and Geary St. on the south. The location of the Handlery Hotel is just fine.

Not to worry!!! Welcome to San Francisco!

We recently went to SF to dine at Farallon after a business meeting in SF. After dinner we walked all over Union Square with out two teens, we felt very safe. Lots of great shopping there! Enjoy your trip! ***kim***

I woudn't advise to walk from Van Ness to your hotel, but walking from Powell you're safe.

Union Square itself struck me as OK, but up into the theater district and the Tenderloin close by it felt a bit dicier. I was there as a tourist several times recently staying in this area (so this is not the opinion of a local but a visitor).

I could have said it better, I think it depends which direction you walk from Union Square what kind of neighborhood you are in.

I agree with Faina and Suze. But walking from Union Sq. to the Handlery Hotel is just one half block west of Union Sq (Powell St) on Geary. That is no problem.

As others have said, a couple blocks west of Union Square gets a bit shady, but close to Union Square is fine.

Don't know what else you have planned but there's a great wine store right off Union Square that specializes in Italian wines. They also do tastings.

http://www.italianwinemerchant.com/

Hi buongiorno, are you referring to NY?? I went on the winemerchant site and it showed only a NY location. The Union Sq, referred to on this thread refers to Union Sq. in San Francisco. It gets confusing, best if everyone refers to the state as well as the city. Cin,cin!!

Union Square is our "Heart" of the downtown area, and is usually filled with a lot of tourists. It is generally a safe area, but as with any city, just be "street smart". There are definitely pickpockets around day and night. You, unfortunately, will also come across a lot of homeless, but generally, they are harmless. So, not to worry you, it is a safe area, but again, always be cautious.

Andiamo

oops, sorry...I wasn't paying attention and was responding to Union Square in NYC.

Not to worry, the Ferry building, Embarcadero BART station, has a special store with imported wines only, HUUUUGE selection.

I am sure Kal knows more about it