My father-in-law is coming to visit from England and will be making a trip to San Francisco the first week of December. From what he reads, he prefers to be in the Union Square area. I have read the forums and some other web sites and have found 3 hotels that are all within his price range (150-200/night). The Westin St. Francis, the Crowne Plaza, and the Donatello. I've heard a lot of good things about the Westin. I"ve stayed at the Crowne Plaza in New York and it was more of a business hotel. The Donatello had the best "looking" rooms on the web site. Any suggestions/advice????

hi mary, i'd go with the westin. it's right on union square, has a wonderful, gracious lobby area and is full of san francisco charm!

The St. Francis Westin is classic San Francisco, right across from Union Square on Powell Street where the cable car is. Close to upscale shopping and good restaurants, however, also with its requisite number of homeless panhandlers. Just about two blocks up the hill on the other side of Powell is the Sir Francis Drake, also a classic SF hotel, recently remodeled as was the St. Francis. Would recommend either of these, but know also that the Mark Hopkins and the Fairmont at the top of Nob Hill would also be good choices. I think if I were coming from England and could afford to, I would want to stay at one of the "classics".

I would also recommend the St. Francis. Stayed at the Mark Hopkins in August and although the area, Nob Hill, is very upscale, the hill (mountain) makes it virtually impossible to walk anywhere beyond a block from your hotel. So unless you father-in-law likes hill climbing, I would recommend the Union Square area.

P.S. The Fairmont Hotel was under extensive renovation and the historic building was essentially closed. The 1960's tower was the only section opened. Based on my observations, I would think it will not re-open until next year. Anyone considering the Fairmont should check with the hotel before booking.

We stayed at the Westin St. Francis last month. We loved the hotel and highly recommend it to everyone. The location is excellent and we did not run across any problens with panhandlers or homeless people. The Sir Francis Drake seemed nice, but didn't compare to the Westin. Check out hotelres.com as they had the best prices, with the option to cancel two weeks prior. Let me know if I can be of any further help.

I don't have any problems with the panhandlers in Union Square because I live here, but I know that many who post here have big time difficulties with SF and the homeless! So, if that's the case, better to be forewarned. It's nice to know that a "tourist" didn't find it to be a problem. Can't believe that they haven't completed the renovation of the Fairmont! In that case, I wouldn't recommend staying there. Being at the top of Nob Hill, however, and having to "walk down or up" shouldn't be such a problem as we do have the cable cars! That's what prompted them to start the whole cable car thing, guys! And, exercise is good for your heart!! I know 70+ year olds who do it everyday--just climb slowly and take rest periods to look around. Enjoy.

All three hotels are nice, but I am surprised that the St Francis is going at $200.00 a night. Possibly British pounds? I think you should call first. The Fairmont is one of the world's best hotels, although the Four Seasons recently took over and we haven't stayed there since. Our daughter went to school in San Fran, so we visited from so-cal quite often. She found some wonderful local pubs and restaurants one of which is "Little Italy" in Noe Valley. The Sicilian steak is great, as is the sausage. Also, P.J.'s Oyster Bed on Irving. Make reservations for the weekends. Of course all the uppity restaurants are great, but try some local flavor too!

I live in SF on Nob Hill. I can assure you that the Fairmont has NOT been taken over by the Four Seasons. The Fairmont is currently under major renovations and I personally would not recommend staying there at this time. The Four Seasons is currently building a new property on Market Street(close to the Marriott). This highrise will not be completed for several years and will have condo's on the top floors. Mary- stay at the St. Francis Hotel on Union Square. December in San Francisco is wonderful. The Union Square area is decorated for Christmas and all of the shops look great. You wil be glad you stayed there. Have fun in our wonderful CITY.

David: Glad to hear that Fairmont will remain intact, and of course St Francis is a great substitution. I was at Four Seasons Aviara in March, where they touted recent acquisition of Fairmont. My mistake...

We stayed at the Inn at Union Square, a tiny, charming place with fireplaces in some rooms; breakfast, "tea" in the afternoon (or cocktails if you wish) included and served in the parlor on each floor; wonderful staff.

Fairmont and Canadian Pacific (Four Seasons is also Canadian...maybe that's the confusion) are now part of the same company. SO, the Fairmont name is being added to some CP properties, i.e., the "Fairmont Vancouver Airport" and "Fairmont Hamilton Princess." So much for the legend.

I second the recommendations not to stay at the Fairmont at this time. We stayed there in August and the entire lobby is under scaffolding. I wrote the manager when we got home and got a response that the renovations will be completed by September of next year.

The location on top of Nob Hill was great, though. Down near Union Square, you might also want to consider the Clift--a wonderful hotel with the fabulous Redwood Room.