Which of these hotels in San Francisco is in the "safest" area, yet also central to public transportation to tourist attractions? San Francisco Marriott, San Fran. Hilton, Fairmont, Hyatt Regency, Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf. Thanks.

Hope you are going to have fun in San Francisco. Most area in San Francisco is pretty safe, so you really dont have to worry about much. Fairmont is definitely a nice hotel, but its a bit "off the beaten path"...you need to take a taxi to most of the places if you go out at night. I like the Marriot b/c it is situated in the middle of downtown/union square and you can walk to a lot of places. Hyatt Regency is ON Union Square...Sheraton is out in the Fisherman's Wharf...not much out there at nite. Hope these help!

I have to disagree with Chang. Hyatt Regency is down in the financial district. very dull for tourists i would think. (the grand hyatt is near union square.) marriott is south of market, closer to the shopping, but not quite union square but next to the sony metrenon center. the sf hilton is in a marginally bad area, like if you exit onto the wrong street. the fairmont is in the safest locale, near the top of nob hill. the sheraton near the wharf is in a decent location, but definitely not close to the real shopping. it should be, however, safe.

the cable car stops right in front of the fairmount and can take to union square, the wharf, or the financial district. also, chinatown is one or two steep blocks downhill. for sheer elan, go with the fairmount.

The Marriott has to win in terms in central location and access to public transit. It's a large sterile property but nice anyway!

I've always found SF to be fairly safe. I don't think you'll have a problem!

Personally I think your best bet is the Fairmont. I live very close to the Fairmont and I walk or take the cable car to Union Square or in the opposite direction to Fisherman's Warf. DO NOT stay at the Marriott or the Hyatt. These two are not convenient. The Fairmont is a bit expensive, but if it is in your budget, absolutely stay there.

The Fairmont, hands down! The Mark Hopkins, which is across from it, is also a local favorite.

How about the Clift?

Just returned from California and stayed 3 nights at the Fairmont in San Francisco. Beautiful hotel, huge rooms with huge bathroom, the staff were extremely polite, friendly and very helpful. The location is great. The cable cars stop right outside the front door, and it's about a 3 block walk to Chinatown (down the steepest streets I've ever walked on - had to stop a couple of times on the way back). Very safe and easy to get around.
We went to Fisherman's Wharf to walk around, see the sea lions, watch all the loonies and street performers, and catch the ferry to Alcatraz. While it was entertaining for a few hours, I wouldn't want to stay in the area.
Have fun! It's a great city with lots of character.