After reading all of the reviews about so many hotels in SF I am uncertain on where to stay?
What is the difference between Nob Hill and Union Square? I will be visiting early July- 1st trip out to SF and want to make sure it's a memorable one.
Any thoughts on either the Mark Hopkins, Westin St. Francis or Palace?

You probably can't go wrong with either Mark Hopkins or St. Francis---St Francis is my favorite because it is so classic and lovely and right in the middle of the Union Square hub. If you want to be able to walk here and there, run your shopping bags back to your hotel room, or grab a cable car right outside the door, a Union Square location is great. The traffic can get very congested on weekend nights, so staying somewhere within walking distance is a plus. And the St Francis is a top rate hotel--a landmark in SF.

Nob Hill is actually, well, a hill up above Union Square. We have walked down to Union Square, but it is a little hike back. Lovely views, though, and the Fairmont Hotel is very elegant. Great service. If you would rather be away from the hub, and don't mind cab rides, this might be the choice.

If you are looking for a really special restaurant (actually, there are many good restaurants), try for reservations at Farallon. Unique atmosphere (elegant undersea--you have to see it to imagine it), very upscale and expensive, but a memorable night out. This is a popular place--you'll need reservations well in advance. They are located near Union Square (can't remember the street).

Have a great trip!

The Palace--another grand old S. F. hotel--is way down on Market Street from the Union Square area, toward the Ferry Building. It's a bit far, relatively speaking, from the stores and restaurants around Union Square.

Thank you for your help swimmer- much appreciated. Great insight on the restaurants too!

Be sure you check out Campton Place. It is a fabulous, suite hotel in Union Square (better location than Nob Hill for walking, IMO).
Good rates on quickbook.com.
You will love it....small, boutique hotel...very upscale....great service and romantic.

Hi lakis2! I recently stayed at the Mark Hopkins and I would definitely recommend it. I had an executive level room in the 14th floor which was nicely appointed, with DVD, Bose stereo, and very comfortable bed. The room was extremely clean, but averaged size. I also had access to their lounge which provided continental breakfast, desserts, etc. It's the service though that really sets it apart I think. The Mark Hopkins along with the Park Hyatt in Embarcadero are my favorites in SF. I've tried the Mandarin Oriental as well, which, I honestly think is not worth of the money unless you are in for the "view." Hope you have fun on your selection. SF is a great city.

Hotel Monaco

The Stanford Court!
M

Hi Lakis,

You asked about the Palace... I stayed there last year, and while it was okay (it was free, so what the hell) I'm not sure I would pay their rates to stay there again. It was... just okay. Run of the mill service, nice room though the bathroom was teeny. The Palace is known for its Sunday brunch, if you like buffets. As for its location, while not as close to Union Square as some other properties, San Fran is a pretty small city (geographically) so it's not like you're ever very far away from anything else.

Bottom line: you can do better than the Palace.

Just returned from a stay at the Prescott. It was small but nice, good price (they match all internet prices) and convenient to Union Square.

We stayed at the Mark Hopkins in Jan and thought it was fabulous. Great staff and nice room. We also visited the Fairmont across the street and thought it was very nice. We visited the Tonga Room which was a blast.

Great location on Nob Hill easy access to Union Square, Cable Car and China Town. We ate at Kuletos which was great. Drinks at the top of the Mark but before the $10 per person cover starts. Stunning view.

I rather think Union Square is "awful", and like FW, very red neck touristy!
Just my cents.
M

The hotels you named are mega hotels and mega prices. If that is what you want than go for it although I agree that the Palace is not in the center of where the other hotels are but only a street car ride away and much closer to the Embarcadero. I prefer smaller hotels, more intimate and have great deals. we recently stayed at the Vintage court Hotel for $125 a nite which included parking! SF is a very walkable city so at most downtown hotels are within walking distance to Union Square although I don't know what the draw is for Union sq. It has been remodeled and is very pedestrian friendly and has shops all around and I guess it is the draw of the cable car, I don't know. Check out the Donatello, Harbor Court, Griffon, Juiliana for small boutique hotels with some good website deals. Nob Hill is where the "hob nobs" of old lived (the rich and powerful). Grace Cathedral is up there, some large hotels (Fairmont, Mark HOpkins, Stanford Court, and great views. Union Sq is in the downtown area with the cable car line and Macy's, Saks, etc and other hotels (St Francis, Sir Francis Drake, a couple of Hyatt hotels. No matter where you stay, you will enjoy one of the worlds greatest Cities. Please excuse Powell Street and all the terrible "junk" shops - everyone has to make a living.

Hi Mikemo,

I don't get the Union Square thing, either. I suspect (and this may come across as condescending, which is NOT MY INTENT) that many visitors coming from smaller places like the idea of being in the middle of some city action. And some people spend most of their holidays shopping. And the Union Square area has done a great job of promoting itself. I dunno?