JW Marriott San Francisco

515 Mason St., San Francisco, California 94102, USA
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/sfojw-jw-marriott-san-francisco-union-square/

Why We Like It

Corporate efficiency in a great location, a great gym, and a gorgeous lobby please business travelers.

Fodor's Expert Review

Bullet elevators whisk guests skyward from the marble foyer of this John Portman–designed hotel to allergy-friendly guest rooms. The 21-story atrium's sculpture acts a centerpiece to the hotel, with guests buzzing in and out throughout the day. A bar, restaurant and fitness center round out the offerings.

You Should Know Wi-Fi is not free; basic daily access will run you about $10 a day, while upgraded streaming functions cost about $16.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

Renovated rooms pale in comparison to the lofty lobby, but manage to offer simplicity with comfort. Expect cozy bedding, large flat-screen TVs, and versatile desks for dining or working.

Bathroom

Marble bathrooms are spacious, with tubs, hairdryers, and room to store your toiletries.

Lobby

A graceful Matisse-inspired bronze sculpture encircles the fountain in the dramatically reconfigured 21-story lobby atrium.

Gym

The large state-of-the-art fitness room offers cardio machines, weights, and stretching areas.

Dining

The Level III dining room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Expect massive (and expensive) breakfast buffets, short ribs, pasta dishes, and late night bar bites.

Drinking

Level III Bar provides guests with a subdued vibe to enjoy happy hour specials, California wines, and small bites.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

The hotel provides guests with valet parking for a steep price. Most travelers leave the car at home and take advantage of San Francisco's wealth of public transportation. The cable car, Muni buses and trains, and BART trains all stop within a couple blocks of the hotel. Walkers appreciate the hotel's proximity to the Union Square shops, SoMa's museums, and the Tenderloin's bars.

Restaurants

Get over to Katana-Ya (2-minute walk) at 5 p.m. to avoid the wait for affordable bowls of ramen or udon. At Kin Khao (6-minute walk) get ready to kick your spice meter into gear with chili-packed Thai dishes from one of the city's most interesting chefs.

Bars

Slip into a corner at the Douglas Room (6-minute walk) for superb cocktails with names inspired by Purple Rain and Star Wars. At Bourbon and Branch (7-minute walk) sample spirits in a dark speakeasy surrounded by books.

Quick Facts