What hotel would you recommend in San Francisco?
 

We actually live an hour from SF and have never really spent time in the city. We'd like to treat ourselves to several days there this winter, and get to really know the ins and outs of the city. We'd like a hotel near Union Sq. We'd like a nice size room, no tiny rooms please. Boutique hotel would be lovely... Quiet, and if possible around $200 a night. We'd consider another part of the city as long as it was fairly centrally located (not Fishermans Wharf however). I've read posting of hotels that serve wine in the afternoon, or tea. They sound lovely, but everyone says their rooms are small and/or with tired decor. So if you have any suggestions, we'd love to read them. Thanks.....

Two "boutique hotels" near Union Square:

Chancellor

Donatello

Don't know if they have everythng you'd like.

Our fave is the classic <b>Sir Francis Drake</b> at Union Square. It is a quintessential San Francisco boutique hotel. Request a spacious corner room. Have drinks upstairs at Harry Denton's Starlight lounge and dine at La Scala Bistro on street.

The hotel offers many promotional rates. When we stay at SFD, we "feel" like we're in San Francisco.

Check tripadvisor.com for traveler ratings and photos.

http://www.sirfrancisdrake.com/

Campton Place is nice. We also like the St. Francis.

we really enjoy the St. Francis in Union Square..

You can look at the thread I started on a similar topic. I haven't stayed there yet, but I ended up booking Galleria Park, which does have a wine reception every evening. I suspect that you'd want to book an upgraded room to avoid getting a really small one, though.

As an SF resident I wouldn't pick Union Square as a place to stay, I would pick the Embarcadero. So my pick would be the Vitale.

I'd also pick the Vitale if it is within the OP's budget (not so sure).

We stayed last year at the Le Meridien (sp?) It was in the Financial/Embarcadero area. We were able to book it on Priceline for $175 a night and it was a VERY nice hotel with spacious, nicely decorated and furnished rooms.

Not as pricey/upscale as what sounds like you're looking for, but I stayed at the "Marina Inn" which was very reasonable. Bus is one street over. Staff was lovely, friendly and, although many reviews read it was "noisy", my room was on the side street and was never bothered by noise at all. Room and hotel, in general, was clean, not fancy, but great for my needs..If you go, tell them Boston sent you. Have a great time!!

The Hotel Rex is near Union Square. A small boutique hotel, but our room was not too small. Very well-managed. A Joie de Vivre property.

I also stay at the Sir Francis Drake. THey have rooms of different sizes; just upgrade to the size you want.

Would anyone recommend The Prescott? I have a reservation for April, but can change it if there is anything particularly bad about the hotel.

We were in SF in Sept. 2005 and stayed at the Rex and loved it. Our room was small but beautiful. There was a hotel bar and a place where authors actually did book readings/signings. We loved it.

Just a couple of blocks from Union Square and there were wonderful breakfast places both up and down the streets. Convenient to a cable line also.

SAB, what are your reservations about Union Square area?

I've gotten the St. Francis for $75 on expedia several times..I've gotten lucky but they do have low rates during certain times of the year..seen it around $129 lately.

My favorite is the Hotel Monaco
http://www.monaco-sf.com/

LOVED the breakfast at the Grand Cafe as well.

Thank you all, we'll check out several of these suggestions. I think we'll go in January, so that might be a slow time of year in SF and we might get a good price.......

only stayed once at the Hotel Monaco and have to agree with starrs...it is a great boutique hotel and a wonderful place to stay in SF..would love to stay in the Grace Slick suite!

This is one of my favorite Kimpton hotels!

<< I think we'll go in January, so that might be a slow time of year in SF ... >>

Yes it might be, but then again it might not be. Any time of year there can be large conventions or conferences in town that make hotel rooms scarce. Looking at the SF Conventions & Visitors site, I see a couple of large conferences in January.

(just change the drop down date to Jan 2010)
http://www.sfcvb.org/convention/calendar.asp

Just something to keep in mind as you firm up your plans.

We recently stayed at the Best Western Tomo in Japantown, and we were delighted with the location away from the hustle and bustle.

There are several good Asian restaurants nearby. We liked Takara for a Japanese meal and Jitlada Thai, across the street from the hotel, serves very good Thai cuisine.

A short walk away is Fillmore street with its shops, restaurants, and bars and there is a Safeway within walking distance.

Bus service is at the door.