Which area in San Francisco?

[Deleted]

We are going to SF at the end of September for a few days.  I am not sure which area would be best for us to stay in.  It looks like most people want to be around Union Square because it's more active with shops and dining.  I am not going there to shop and I have done the all of the Piers.  Would Union Square still be your recommendation because of transportation?  We are there Tuesday-Friday.  The only plans we have so far are Alcatraz and dinner at Wayfare Tavern.  This was a spur of the moment trip so I haven't figured out what we want to do yet.  

Just want to keep an eye out for hotel deals and need to know which area would be best.  Thanks!  

[emilyinchile]

Ditto RnV. Unless your trip is going to include Ocean Beach, the zoo and Golden Gate Park, all of which are more on the western side of the city, the general Union Square area is probably still a good bet because it's close to a lot of stuff, not just shops. I would not want to stay at Fisherman's Wharf just because it's not really a neighborhood and is very touristy.

That said, Union Square is also popular because there are a lot of hotels there, so it's kind of an easy general neighborhood to suggest people look. If you see a great hotel deal elsewhere in the northeastern part of the city, that could work too.

[peppermint]

Agree with both of the above posters...I'd steer clear of Fisherman's Wharf. I always stay at the Parc 55 in Union Square when I'm in San Francisco, the location is great and it's easy to get around from there.

[alleinesein]

I like Nob Hill. Its convenient to walking to Chinatown and you can walk to Union Square. Its also where all 3 cable car lines cross paths so it makes getting to other parts of town very easy. Hotels in the area are The Fairmont, The Mark Hopkins and a few others.

[Deleted]

Fisherman's Wharf definitely isn't in the plans.  I was looking more in Union Square and Embarcadero, but I may try and find something in between the two.  Thanks for confirming the areas for me! 

[Deleted]

Is the Fairmont San Francisco in a good area? I can get it around $270 through my company and I know it's a reputable hotel, but is it in the right area. Please forgive my ignorance when it comes to SF geography.

[orangello]

That is a good deal for the Fairmont! Like PP said, it's a good walk. I used to do it daily, so it's not going to kill you, but it's a workout for sure!

I like the hotels in the Embarcadero area, personally - very close to Union Square, but a little quieter and closer to my fave, the Ferry Building. For Union Square, try finding a neighborhood map, and try to avoid hotels that border the Tenderloin - honestly, most of them are fine, but a lot of times they try to claim Union Square when they're really US-adjacent.

[alleinesein]

Jul 24, 2014 15:10:40 GMT -5 @micheleb18 said:

Is the Fairmont San Francisco in a good area? I can get it around $270 through my company and I know it's a reputable hotel, but is it in the right area. Please forgive my ignorance when it comes to SF geography.

Yes....and its a great hotel   They have been redoing the rooms in the original building and the rooms in the new wing have nice views of the city. 

Its at the top of the hill so everything will be a nice downhill walk...its the going back to the hotel that can be brutal!  All 3 cable car lines stop right outside the hotel.

There is a little hole in the wall restaurant a block away from the hotel www.ruelepicsf.com/index.php and there is also the Tonga Room in the hotel.

[kelley182]

Hi ladies,

Can you please tell me more about why you prefer Union Square to Fisherman's Wharf? What is there to do in Union Square?

Thanks!

[emilyinchile]

Fisherman's Wharf is basically 100% touristy. Union Square is a city-center area with lots to do for tourists but also real life happening around you.