Save your money... stay somewhere newer and other San Francisco, CA Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

When you are choosing to stay in a Hilton, one of the first things you should make sure to do is see when the Hilton in question was opened. My experience has been that the older Hilton's are still charging as much now for their rooms as other similar hotels, but for amenities that are very old and worn out. That is the case here with the Hilton Fisherman's Wharf. I paid a high price, and did not get as nice of a room as I would have liked for the money.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Address: 2620 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Directions: About two blocks from the water in Fisherman's Wharf.
Website: http://www.hilton.com

There is not much you can say about this hotel that is not positive. I stayed on the 30th floor and had a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge, which is absolutely gorgeous in the evening. Top that off with a stunning view of downtown while taking the open view elevator on the way down, and you have the makings of a great hotel. Top that off with a Heavenly Bed! Voila, instant comfort.

I watched the history of the St. Francis on the television, which was exciting as well. During WWII, Admiral Nimitz worked here to develop the plan for the Pacific Battle. Douglas McArthur stayed here after the war was over... It was the initial meeting place for the UN, Ronald Reagan and Queen Elizabeth met here, and Gerald Ford was shot at just outside of this hotel.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: (415) 397-7000
Address: 335 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Website: http://www.westin.com

This week, I had a short trip to San Francisco, so I chose to try out the W Hotel San Fran.

I was not very impressed with the hotel, however my expectations were high based on W's normal service level.

My room was not ready upon my noon arrival time, which was not a good start. Secondly, I parked my car there... which was $45 dollars a night!!!!

Then... at 45 dollars a night parking fee, the valet noticed my tire pressure was low when he parked the car... but did he bother to call my room and tell me? NO... he just wrote it on the ticket, so at 8am the next morning when I had to get to an important business meeting... I had a flat tire to deal with!!

Overall, the room is very nice, and the service from the check-in staff was excellent... but beware of the valet!


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: (415) 777-5300
Address: 181 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Website: http://www.spg.com

During a recent trip to San Francisco, there was an internet special on one of San Francisco's older hotels, the Palace Hotel. I took advantage of this deal, as it was clearly less expensive than my usual haunts. The Palace recently joined the Starwood Preferred program, which is the hotel chain I use almost exclusively on business trips.

This hotel was originally dreamed up by William Ralston of Bank of California fame. He unfortunately went broke building the hotel, and died shortly before its doors opened. It was built to be up to the famous standards of European grand hotels.

It was fully restored in 1989 after the second major San Francisco earthquake.

As for the hotel itself, I was upgraded to a suite on the 3rd floor, which was spacious, including a sitting room and also a bedroom. The room's bathroom is small, but adequate with shower and bathtub. Most of the furniture is antique, with modern amenities such as tv and radio included. The radio was on to the opera channel upon entry.

Workout room is available, but there is also a beautiful pool which made me wish I brought my suit! I did not get a chance to have a meal here, so I can not speak to the food.

Unique Qualities: Rooms from $300 at rack rate, my rate was $180 from SPG.com

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: (415) 512-1111
Address: 2 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Website: http://spg.com

With a three day date with the Moscone Center in San Francisco for work, I decided to look up the closest hotels that would also meet my criteria to get Starwood points. It turns out that there are several choices within walking distance, which then meant I had options!

I chose to go with the Westin Market Street, as it was now the newest edition to the Starwood portfolio in SF. It was a great choice in my opinion! When you walk in the front, you are immediately greeted by the beautiful scent of flowers in the lobby. The check in staff was very competent, and were gracious enough to give me an early check in at 11am. I was upgraded to a corner room suite which has a nice sitting room, and there are two 42 inch flat panel TVs, one in the sitting room and one in the bedroom. I also walked to the Moscone Center (which I can see from the window) and it is two blocks, with plenty of coffee locations in between in case you need a drink before your conference.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: (415) 974-6400
Address: 50 Third Street, San Francisco
Website: http://spg.com