Starwood Preferred Guest - Westin St. Francis, San Francisco [Master Thread]

I should clarify right at the beginning that this is by no means a bad hotel. It has most of the standard Westin things, spacious and good location (if shopping is your thing). Most of the comments below is simply lack of things that differentiate a functional, convenient hotel from a great one. Basically there is no attention to detail.

It did not meet my (albeit high) expectations for Cat 4 hotel in the overall ambience, service, room type, amenities, maintenance, etc., not even in the same class as some of the better Starwood properties as the Hotel Kamp in Helsiniki, Principe Di Savoia in Milan, which is no longer with Starwood, or even any of the Bangkok properties. It appears to be a victim of the location-induced success to aspire to do better.

Some of the things I experienced that make it just another upscale hotel rather than an outstanding one:

Coming in: We took the BART from SFO to Powell Street afraid of the traffic getting into the city in a Cab and so walked into the entrance. Small stairs up on the side of the building we found ourselves and no ramp. The bell hop made no efforts whatsoever to help while we lugged our luggage up.

Check-in: No rooms available for check-in at 11AM. But that is OK since presumably I was getting upgraded as Plat to a smaller subset of available rooms and I am not entitled to check-in early. But no help provided at all in when I would be able to check-in other than stating "sometime in the afternoon" (and that 3PM is the regular check-in time). At the same time, I was told that the room had been vacated but the cleaning had not been done. Said that I can be called on my mobile when ready which is good but was a mistake since we depended on it and stayed out until about 2PM while the room had been ready much earlier. We never got a call. There is something about good service hotels that things like this over and above the standard service any hotel provide is taken care of properly (and I don't mean necessarily give a room early although most bend over backwards to do so).

Had the luggage kept with the bell hop. When we got the rooms, not even an offer of bringing up the luggage to the room.

Room: King room on 28th floor (SPG floor) as Plat. Nothing special. View on the other side of Union Square, so other than not being claustrophobic surrounded by buildings, not much of an interesting view and the towers as many have mentioned before is totally devoid of any charm. A good hotel gets credit from me for an exceptional room for a Plat upgrade.

Amenities: A single bathrobe in the room even there were two people checking in. No attempt made on the hotel to address this. Perhaps I am spoiled by the service in Asia but they seem to treat each check-in as an event that gets personal attention. Here you get the key and you are on your own. Again a hotel to be better than just good has this.

The bathroom amenities are bare minimum for a "luxury" hotel. The usual Molton Brown soap and Shampoo/Conditioner, shower cap. Nothing else. My evaluation goes down a few notches for "luxury hotels" that don't have a lighted shaving mirror. No fan in the bathroom so it looks like a sauna after a shower. The toilet would not flush completely and would back up a bit.

The Italian bottled water was a surprsing touch but the coffee/tea supply was downright pathetic. I have seen better in a interstate motel. One of the Tea bags looked like it had been trampled and dragged over the amenities cart before being placed there. Of course, very few people provide real milk/cream these days. But better than good hotels should.

Room furnishing was minimal with a chaise for one but other than uncomfortable desk chair, two people cannot be comfortable except to get on the bed. Better than good hotels, at least provide for two people to be comfortable without hopping on the bed.

There are plenty of things to do in SF so not much need to stay in the hotel but in summary:

Good functional hotel for a business stay where the hotel is just a place to sleep-in and traveling as a single.

If you are looking for charming weekend/weekday stay as a couple in a great service hotel with the hotel experience part of it, I recommend looking elsewhere.

Good thorough report Venk.

I'll be there in July with my teen daughter and will not have my expectations too high. Do you think a rollaway bed will fit into the room? Obviously, I will need two beds.

Helpful report. While I think some of your comments are valid, I do think that you may have your standards set too high. Category 4 hotels in the states are generally good hotels. Luxury on the scale you describe can be found in SOME cat 5 hotels and definitely in cat 6 hotels (the St. R in NY comes to mind). Remember, categories are set by average daily price (Which is lower for a given level of quality in most of Asia), not by quality itself.

Definitely take your point on the bell hop issues, that is unfortunate. Most cat 4 rooms I've had in the states (pretty much every cat 4 in chicago and NY, and the St. Francis) have one chair and a desk chair (even cat 5's such as the W Union Square and W Tuscany had only one chair and a desk chair). Also, most are big and don't have the staff to accomodate the individualized service that you alllude to (e.g., the mobile phone call when your room is ready). Now they could have made a one-time exception and called you had they realized that you really expected it (and if they agreed to call you, then they should have followed through). Most people who would have asked for that, I would imagine, ask with the expectation that the front desk will say no. So rather than the hotel making exceptions, I can appreciate that if they can't do it for everyone that might expect such service, then they won't do it for anyone.

Hope you're enjoying San Francisco. You've stumbled upon fantastic weather this weekend.

With construction taking place at the Westin St. Francis, the main entrance is currently closed and a small side door is being used, however, there is no ramp, as noted in the first post, for luggage. Rather than using the small door with no ramp, enter via the valet park entrance, which is just a few steps to the left of the current alternate main entrance.

Not only can you enter with luggage with ease, the Starwood Preferred Member desk is located immediately to the right when you enter.

I tend to agree with Boolean. The St. Francis is a perfectly fine very large hotel. Not superb, but they definitely meet the Westin standards. I tend to ask for rooms in the old part of the hotel because they are larger and more charming. They do, however, have smaller bathrooms than the tower. The improved gym was a bit disappointing (though it does have a steam room), but still much better than the old one. Besides, what hotel in SF is going to be better for $150/night?

If you're looking for bigger rooms and (somewhat) more personalized service in SF, try the W. I seem to always get large rooms with great views. While the W staff can sometimes have a bit of attitude, I've found that they almost always come through on requests.

Also, most are big and don't have the staff to accomodate the individualized service that you alllude to (e.g., the mobile phone call when your room is ready). Now they could have made a one-time exception and called you had they realized that you really expected it (and if they agreed to call you, then they should have followed through).

This was actually volunteered by the check-in agent which surprised me. But no follow through after offering it which is worse than not offering it.

You are correct, of course, about the Category which is misleading for what you can expect.

It appears to be a victim of the location-induced success to aspire to do better.



Completely off-topic, but I've been looking for a succinct way to describe the service at the Essex House in NYC. This is it! I've only had limited experience with the St. Francis (I luckily live in the greatest city on Earth), so this may be true of the St. Francis as well...it does have a phenomenal location. But I do think a part of it is being used to Asian service and the category definition issue.

Just to note that I left out one of the best Westins of all in my original post- Westin Dublin. So it doesn't need to be an Asian Hotel to be phenomenal. Just the right attitude and motivation and good management.

Does this Westin have a Club or Lounge? I forget. We have been staying at the Grand Hyatt Union Square because it does have a Club. FYI Thanks

Does this Westin have a Club or Lounge? I forget. We have been staying at the Grand Hyatt Union Square because it does have a Club. FYI Thanks

If there is one, then it is a very well kept secret. :)

Didn't find or hear of one in our stay.

You might want to try the new-ish Omni next time - very large rooms, Ritz Carlton-quality furnishings and good value on-line rates.

Venk's experience is quite typical for my most North America hotel stay. Once in a while I encounter exceptional services, but it can be at Four Points or St Regis. The category does not measure up the level of service I receive.
I find the service at resort locations, especially in Hawaii, are better than city hotels. Asian hotels treat their guest better than American counterparts. Smaller city hotels greet their guest more warmly than big city hotels.

Thanks for the info Venk. I will be there at the end of June and will lower my expectations accordingly.

Venk,
Your report is spot-on. I just completed a 2night stay on points, and if I had burned 20K points (10K points x 2night), I would have been really disappointed {at myself]...not that the experience was BAD and in fact is was a solid Westin experience with the fabulous shower and bed....it just wasn't worth 10K points using my "relative value" nose. So the discussion re: value of starpoints being really related to AVG NIGHT PRICE, not necessarily to SERVICE (and/or to that I'll add AMENITIES), was helpful to me.

Good news I was lucky enough to book this the very night the 25% starpoint REDUCED POINTS PROMO ended just before midnight, so I got the room at 7500pts per night, which is about what its worth IMO.

We stayed in the new tower, quite high floor, and the room was spacious and clean and updated. No complaints here at all.

*WAS* disappointed to be nailed for the hi-speed internet access at $12.95 (I think was the price), and then to see there is NO PLAT/ELITE LOUNGE at this property. None.

boolean, I agree w/ your response and appreciate your insight.

RTWSTARALLIANCE, yes, it is odd that a business-class hotel of this stature apparently "OPTS OUT" of a lounge for elites, even on weekdays. They must have some insight and know the risks of losing incremental business of this strategy that I can't see. Lacking an elite lounge is a deal killer for me to ever return.

Bottom line - now I can say "been there, done this", but it would not be on my top list to return to. Starwood just can't figure out that FREE high-speed internet is these days a differentiator when picking a hotel chain and/or property within a given chain, not something to keep trying to add on as incremental profit-center. The strategy of charging, especially at a pricepoint north of $10/nt, was acceptable until every other hotel, down to the cheapies, started offering it for free. For this property specifically, same goes for not providing an elite lounge. I did a double-take over the phone (while booking) when I was informed that a 10K per night Westin anywhere in the US, by choice, did not offer a club-level lounge.

The $40 parking fee for one night also nailed a friend of mine who stayed here while we did...again, IMO a userious rate. $20, maybe even $30 /nt is fair...$40 is taking one's wallet out of one's pocket and helping oneself to 2x $20s.

I had a one night layover in San Fran recently, and wanted to be downtown for the night. Decided to burn points and stay at the St. Francis. I had stayed there last year and was quite happy with the place. Never stayed at either the Palace or W, and wanted to reserve those for my next stay, when I'll be there for a longer period of time.
Room was on the 25th floor, tower, and a lot smaller than my previous stay. In fact, it seemed half the size. The front desk clerk stated "we have you in one of our upgraded rooms...the room is on a high floor and quite large" High maybe, large is was not. I guess what was 'upgraded' was the view. As posted previously, overall grand hotel with good location, not service (but to be expected). You can get a lot better value for 10000 points.
Although the Sh. Fsh. Wharf is, at the Wharf, my last stay in a Presidential suite upgrade justified the 7000 points. In fact, IMO, all suites on the 4th floor are great if you can manage an upgrade. Hopefully, 10000 can get me a lot more at the Palace or W next time.

Westin has a great location and is a classic older hotel , that said I agree about the service being better in Asia. Tried the Nikko in SF and service was truly terrible. I had chosen that hotel since we had a meeting with people coming in from Japan.
In general, hotel rooms in SF run pretty small

This whole discussion about expectations being set against a property based on its *wood category is something worth taking a close look at.

Remember that the *wood category assignment is N O T based on something like the Mobil or AAA rating system at all. It is based solely on the $$$ average charged per room per night over a designated time frame. Given that SFO can be a most expensive place to stay (relative to, say, Kansas City), the Westin SF may well offer the same general offerings as the Westin Crown Ctr (KC, MO) but be able to be a category or two higher.

Folks can get into some murky waters using Hotel Award Categories as primary guides to luxury accomodations. The Westin SF is in no way a luxury hotel and I've not seen marketing on their behalf that would describe it as such.

Ironically, this system of determining award levels based on $$$ averaging can sometimes really benefit the consumer in the case of tremendous seasonality. Right now, the Sheraton in Portland ME is getting in the range of $250++ for weekend nights (high season for lobster eaters) and selling completely out -- but it is a level two hotel -- just 3000 points per weekend night. A steal for 3000 points.

Folks can get into some murky waters using Hotel Award Categories as primary guides to luxury accomodations. The Westin SF is in no way a luxury hotel and I've not seen marketing on their behalf that would describe it as such.


From the Starwood description of the hotel


Renowned for its legendary service, the historic Westin St. Francis boasts luxurious guest rooms...


Marketing BS not reflective of reality at least in my experience. Neither service nor the rooms as I have described above fit the above. I also seem to remember several mentions of luxury in the hotel itself. Most third-party agents describe this hotel as luxury hotel (not that it means much but nevertheless).

By the way, the hotel services section for this hotel mentions a lounge. What lounge are they talking about?

I had a one night layover in San Fran recently, and wanted to be downtown for the night. Decided to burn points and stay at the St. Francis. I had stayed there last year and was quite happy with the place. Never stayed at either the Palace or W, and wanted to reserve those for my next stay, when I'll be there for a longer period of time.
Room was on the 25th floor, tower, and a lot smaller than my previous stay. In fact, it seemed half the size. The front desk clerk stated "we have you in one of our upgraded rooms...the room is on a high floor and quite large" High maybe, large is was not. I guess what was 'upgraded' was the view. As posted previously, overall grand hotel with good location, not service (but to be expected). You can get a lot better value for 10000 points.
Although the Sh. Fsh. Wharf is, at the Wharf, my last stay in a Presidential suite upgrade justified the 7000 points. In fact, IMO, all suites on the 4th floor are great if you can manage an upgrade. Hopefully, 10000 can get me a lot more at the Palace or W next time.


I'm in agreement here - stayed at both the Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf as well as the Westin St. Francis, and despite the company picking up the tab, simply can't justify the mediocrity of the St. Francis. It is a charming hotel, the location is very central - especially for those on consulting engagements where girlfriends/spouses/significant other's visit and are thrilled with the shopping proximity. Service is very "blah" and I've had horrible experiences with the valet - up to 1 hour waits, with the final ignominy being a _huge_ dent on the passenger-side door of the rental Durango I didn't notice until arriving at SFO. Thankfully the corporate card took a no-hassle report over the phone and I never saw the bill for it.

In 1989, the company for which I was employed had us stay at the Westin St. Francis, which is the reason why I joined the old Westin Premier frequent guest program. I stayed there every year for several years and I simply was not impressed. It is a nice hotel with a proud history and I would recommend staying there one night just for the experience and the ability to say “I stayed there”, but there was simply nothing outstanding about this property overall, in my opinion.

After reading this thread, I notice that little has changed.

Preface: I am in San Francisco for corporate meetings. A friend/client came into the City from Napa for the night. I made a reservation last minute at this Hotel after calling the front desk and asking about a upgrade for a Platinum. The front desk was professional and said a upgrade would be in order.

Rate: I got a rate very good rate.

Transportation: I have a room going at the Omni also here in San Francisco. During lunch I took a cab over to check-in. The total including tip was $7.00.

Check-in: As you may know there is a strike action in the City. Security is posted at every door and I just mentioned I was checking in as passing thru door. The Hotel has a SPG check-in to the far right counter. The process was a little slow but I was motioned over by a agent who was available at the regular check-in area. The entire process was very professional. I was asked about my amenity and took points. The agent on his own took a look for a upgrade in accomodations. I was given a room on the 31st floor of the Tower facing Union Square. That works!

Perks: 500 Starwood points as a amenity. In the key packet was a discount voucher for Macy's and Harry and Davids which is located on the street level face of the Hotel. I believe the Macy's coupon was for a 12% discount.

Room: The room indeed faces onto the Square. A nice view with some of the Bay showing. The room has the Westin Heavenly bed, a good size area, desk for work, a day lounge chair, decent size bathroom with dated fixtures and somewhat worn wookwork. Definitely not renovated. A slight negative is the elevator bank which obstructs a portion of the view. By City standards a nice room, great location, view and safe feeling.

Communication: High speed wired internet is available. I believe at a cost.

Location: Excellent for shopping on Union Square.

Closing: My stay has just begun so if necessary I will post closing comments.

I've had a few stays at this property, great location and nice views on the higher SPG floors. The Grand Deluxe view faces out over the city and towards the GG bridge. AMAZING sunsets! Don't make the mistake of staying in the main building (where the suites are), the "renovated" rooms are a little musty and dark. The tower rooms are bright, spacious, an most important in SF...available with great views. Wish I was there right now! :)

The real "upgrades" are on the 31st floor. As this is where the good suites are (Suites with marble floors, large wooden doors, door bell, gold fixtures, multiple bathrooms, some with fireplaces, bars, etc...)

There are only 32 floors, the top floor being used as an after dinner lounge / meeting room type thing.

When I check in, they usually try to say I'm getting some great upgrade...yeah right... I usually say "is it on the 31st floor" otherwise, all the rooms in the tower are very "Plain Jane" Westin rooms, except for the corner rooms which are a little bigger.

I've only been given a suite on the 31st floor (Shangri La Suite) once, it was amazing. I've also had a friend who had the Windsor Suite 2 wks ago during the elections coverage. It was enormously large (prob over 1,000 sq ft), but not as nicely decorated as the Shangri La which was slightly smaller.

I booked here once through priceline, and when I called the hotel to arrange an upgrade before checkin, I was told that I had a room without a window. I was shocked, didn't know that such a thng existed. It seems like they save these just for priceline customers, no wonder they're so cheap!
They refused to upgrade or accept my cancellation.
After some hassle, priceline did accept my cancellation, due to post 911 issues.
That was the last time I booked a room through priceline.

I stand mentally corrected. Room on 31st floor. Thanks

That was the last time I booked a room through priceline.

The problem isn't with PL, it is with the Hotel. PL does ensure that people do not get "PL rooms" on PL stays if you pursue. They have been known to drop hotels that violate this. For the very reason as what you did, PL doesn't want the reputation of getting you the worst rooms.

As to this hotel, the upgrade to "best room" isn't automatic especially in award stays. You may have to be forceful at times.

I stay there every two weeks. Great Hotel. OK Concierge (very sterile, impersonal, cookie cutter). Noisy protesters. Nice Lobby. Great location.

Link to the last review on this hotel

Westin St. Francisco SF - Not impressed (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=317972)

The problem isn't with PL, it is with the Hotel. PL does ensure that people do not get "PL rooms" on PL stays if you pursue. They have been known to drop hotels that violate this. For the very reason as what you did, PL doesn't want the reputation of getting you the worst rooms.

As to this hotel, the upgrade to "best room" isn't automatic especially in award stays. You may have to be forceful at times.

Why would you expect an upgrade on a priceline room? :confused: :confused: :confused:

Does the front desk still wash the coins? (this was an old St.F tradition, from before the Western International days).

Why would you expect an upgrade on a priceline room? :confused: :confused: :confused:

Sorry for the confusion. Those were two separate comments. One for PL stays and one for upgrades on paid/award stays.

Why would you expect an upgrade on a priceline room? :confused: :confused: :confused:

I ALWAYS request an upgrade,even if I have no status.
Often I get one, I assume because the hotel would rather put it's customers in a nicer room, and leave the least desirable ones empty, unless they're fully booked.

I ALWAYS request an upgrade,even if I have no status.
Often I get one, I assume because the hotel would rather put it's customers in a nicer room, and leave the least desirable ones empty, unless they're fully booked.

I agree that it doesn't hurt to ask; HOWEVER, for a customer with no status on a very low rate, I don't think that the hotel is doing itself any favors by giving out its best remaining rooms. #1, any walk-ins would be paying a higher rate for the nicer rooms, #2, those walk-ins would be entitled to the nicer room since they are actually paying for it. Congrats on getting a nicer room - I would probably offer you an upgrade if I were responsible for revenue management and give you a nice surcharge for it as well. ;)

My concern is that there appeared to possibly be a sense of entitlement to an upgrade if one has status, even on a priceline stay and that has been beat to death already. :D

We will stay here for Valentine's Day, and I hope we don't get a windowless room since I don't find that romantic!! We are hoping for a Platinum upgrade, but who knows... I'll report after our stay. Has anyone been to Michael Mina in the hotel? Are the rooms redone? We stayed here years ago and the only reason we haven't tried it again was the rooms. They said they were recently redone, so we are trying it again since I like the location on Union Square.

We will stay here for Valentine's Day, and I hope we don't get a windowless room since I don't find that romantic!! We are hoping for a Platinum upgrade, but who knows... I'll report after our stay. Has anyone been to Michael Mina in the hotel? Are the rooms redone? We stayed here years ago and the only reason we haven't tried it again was the rooms. They said they were recently redone, so we are trying it again since I like the location on Union Square.

Haven't been to Michael Mina yet, but everything I've read is positive. Even after being forced to close due to the hotel labor dispute, since it's reopened Michael Mina doesn't seem to have lost a step. I hope you already have reservations ;)

Haven't been to Michael Mina yet, but everything I've read is positive. Even after being forced to close due to the hotel labor dispute, since it's reopened Michael Mina doesn't seem to have lost a step. I hope you already have reservations ;)

I ate at Michael Mina last time I stayed at the St. Francis. Managed to get walk-up reservations that day--they must've had a last minute cancellation. Service was great, ambiance was great, food was great. I didn't quite know what to expect, so the menu caught me a little off guard, but the presentation is fantastic. Every item is prepared 3 ways, and each dish has 3 corresponding sections. The portions look really small, but it ends up being a lot of food because you have essentially 3 items in each course :)

I stayed at the Westin St. Francis in the past weekend (March 11-13). I booked a Heavenly Weekend package, which included Standard Room accommodation, American buffet breakfast, daily newspaper and late check-out at 4pm.

I really find the Westin St. Francis to be centrally located, however, I am not satisfied with the service that it has provided during my stay. As a Starwood Preferred Gold Member, I queued at the Starwood Preferred Guest Line for check-in. There was a family checking in at the SPG counter and the receptionist responsible for the SPG members was busy helping them check in. Me and a bunch of SPG members stood on the line, but the other receptionists did not notice our presence and continue helping other normal non-SPG members check in. They should have let us jumped the queue and get our room as soon as possible.

Finally, the family in front of me finished checking in and it's my turn to check in. I have requested a month ago and phoned the hotel several times stating my request to have a room at the Tower Wing. The receptionist told me that the hotel was fully booked and she could only upgrade me to a larger room at the Main Building with 2 double beds. My room was on the fifth floor of the Main Building and got some street views. It was pretty big in size and I found the bathroom to be pretty good. The Westin Heavenly Bed was very comfortable and I slept very well for the 2 nights at the Westin St. Francis.

I have expected to have newspaper delivered every morning as this was included in the Heavenly Weekend package, however, there was no newspaper delivered during my whole stay. Therefore, I called up the Housekeeping and then they sent someone deliver a newspaper for me.

The American breakfast buffet at the Oak Room was lousy. This is a Westin hotel and the buffet breakfast had very limited choices of food. I think they should definitely improve the breakfast as it is definitely not up to the Westin standards.

I checked out on March 13 and again, I queued at the SPG member line and waited for a long time before a receptionist approached me. I have asked her for the comment card and wrote all the problems that I have encountered during my stay.

In conclusion, I think the hotel has an excellent location, but the service and the breakfast need to be greatly improved.

I agree with the check-in situation. They have one dedicated SPG person, and sometimes a second one comes to help at the next desk. If anyone has any sort of "issue", a crisis arises. On my last stay, check-in took quite some time, and I was third in line. (10 to 15 minutes)

This hotel's 2 main plusses are its location and its beds. The views from the right rooms are really good, too. I'll be back this weekend, eating at Michael Mina.

I will be staying at the Westin Copley Place starting tomorrow for 2 nights on an award stay (March 16-18). I have already used 3000 points for upgrading my room to a Junior Suite (as 3 of us will be going), do you think there will be any chances to be upgraded to a better room as I am a SPG Gold Member? Thanks.

I will post a report on Westin Copley Place after coming back this Friday.

I will be staying at the Westin Copley Place starting tomorrow for 2 nights on an award stay (March 16-18). I have already used 3000 points for upgrading my room to a Junior Suite (as 3 of us will be going), do you think there will be any chances to be upgraded to a better room as I am a SPG Gold Member?

Never hurts to ask, but I can tell you that this hotel has PRECIOUS FEW real suites. Plenty of junior suites, most all of them with great views of both the Charles River (Cambridge) and of Copley Square/DT. I love those rooms.

Just don't be disappointed if you don't score a full suite. They're as scarce as hens' teeth.

FWIW, this hotel does a consistently good job and the location is supreme. Hope your experience is a good one.

I stayed at the Westin St. Francis in the past weekend (March 11-13). I booked a Heavenly Weekend package, which included Standard Room accommodation, American buffet breakfast, daily newspaper and late check-out at 4pm.

I really find the Westin St. Francis to be centrally located, however, I am not satisfied with the service that it has provided during my stay. As a Starwood Preferred Gold Member, I queued at the Starwood Preferred Guest Line for check-in. There was a family checking in at the SPG counter and the receptionist responsible for the SPG members was busy helping them check in. Me and a bunch of SPG members stood on the line, but the other receptionists did not notice our presence and continue helping other normal non-SPG members check in. They should have let us jumped the queue and get our room as soon as possible.

I have requested a month ago and phoned the hotel several times stating my request to have a room at the Tower Wing. The receptionist told me that the hotel was fully booked and she could only upgrade me to a larger room at the Main Building with 2 double beds. My room was on the fifth floor of the Main Building and got some street views. It was pretty big in size and I found the bathroom to be pretty good. The Westin Heavenly Bed was very comfortable and I slept very well for the 2 nights at the Westin St. Francis.

The American breakfast buffet at the Oak Room was lousy. This is a Westin hotel and the buffet breakfast had very limited choices of food. I think they should definitely improve the breakfast as it is definitely not up to the Westin standards.

In conclusion, I think the hotel has an excellent location, but the service and the breakfast need to be greatly improved.

As they say, YMMY.

I'm sorry to hear of your frustrations at the St. Francis. I just experienced my first stay at the St. Francis this weekend on a two-night weekend certificate stay and had a very different experience.

First, I found the SPG line to be very helpful. Importantly, they actually man it, which is more than I can say for 95% of the Starwoods (or Hiltons, for that matter -- yeah, yeah, I'm thinking HHonors check-in) properties at which I have stayed. Check-in was quick and efficient and faster than the regular line.

As a Plat. member I was upgraded from the basic award room (one double bed in original or Main hotel -- 175-200 sq. ft.) to a spacious king room on 24th floor of the tower with a nice east bay view.

Two things really impressed me at this property. First, the level of service and attention to the customer was consistently high -- from the front desk, bellman, room service, etc. Everyone was courteous, professional and extremely helpful. I'm tired of hotels where the staff can smile and be friendly, but they can't even assist you with the basics.

Second was room service. This is an area that disappoints and frustrates so many times. However, every time I called they promised delivery w/i 25 minutes (and it was a busy weekend). And, every single time, they beat that promise by 5-10 minutes. And the order takers were knowledgable. I mentioned the name of a wine and they immediately knew it was a sauvignon blanc. At many hotels, the room service people don't know an SB from a cabernet sauvignon ( I lost count how many time I order SB and get a red!).

And for the final room service triumph! The last morning, I decided to go down to the Oak Room for breakfast. There was a long line, so I decide to grab a Chronicle and go back to my room and order room service. I decided to order eggs benedict. Now, usually, I never order EB in my room because, by the time the server brings the order to the room under cover, the yolks continue to cook and harden. However, given my positive previous experience, I decided to put them to the test. And they delivered with flying colors! The yolks remained runny. And they served the hollandaise on the side. Nice touch.

In fairness, my room upgrade is probably the difference between Plat. and Gold (esp. on a busy weekend), but the service angle is not. And, if they promised a paper as part of the package, it should've been delivered. As a Plat., I didn't receive a paper -- even though some Westins do offer a Sunday paper (e.g. Portland, OR). And, if the buffet was not satisfying, they should have allowed you to to credit that vaue against any item on the menu.

All in all, the St. Francis has my attention and will be seriously considered for all future SF trips.

Just checked into the St. Francis for one night and will definitely be filing with Hotel Customer Service in the morning. Booked a Grandview Deluxe non-smoking room in the Tower, and was given a wheelchair accessible room on a smoking floor. Front desk clerk, while pleasant was very insistent there were no rooms in the reserved category on non-smoking floors, no upgrades available, and kept repeating "For next time be sure to call ahead so we can block the room type for you (...) are you sure it's a handicapped room because we're sold out?". Between having the only door bell in the wing, strobe lights in the room labelled "Door/Fire alaram", plethora of grab-bars in the bathroom, and hand-held shower (guess they don't make these with the Heavenly double-heads)....I'm pretty certain. :rolleyes:

Platinum desk showed availability of other rooms in the same category, and I also saw suites on the screen as the clerk first did a general search for rooms, then tried to cancel out quickly and restrict the search to a more limited criteria. Since it's almost midnight and I have the makings of a gruelling day tomorrow, I wasn't going to push the issue. :o

The Westin St. Francis is a HUGE hotel stuck in the middle of a tourist area. I try to avoid this hotel if at all possible. My hotel of choice in SFO is the W. It has a much more intimate feel. The front desk staff remember my name (but that could be the fact that I checked in every Monday for 6 months ;)). The good thing about the W is even if given a standard room I was happy which if staying at the Westin St. Francis a "regular" room was not to my standards. I realize the W concept is not to everyone's liking and the area may not appeal to some but I just can't stand the busy area that the Westin is located.

Have they cleaned the windows? Really disgusting (not dirty -- filthy). Given that the view is supposed to be a selling point, I found this incomprehensible (we asked to see other rooms--all were filthy).

I have stayed at the St. Francis on a number of occasions. The location is great for shopping. However, it is a very busy and congested area of the city. The hotel has far too many rooms for the amount of public space it has. Therefore, the restaurants, lounge, front desk, room service etc, seem to always be overwhelmed when I have stayed there. The reason to stay here, however, is for the views from the tower building. The staf genuinely tries to give great service. However I have learned not to expect flawless service. With nearly 1200 rooms they just cant do it. I will stay here again though because of its location and views.

Try the Sheraton Fishermans Wharf. Continental breakfast, evening nibbles are included for SPG Gold+Plat, the rooms are a decent size and the sweet sleeper beds are as good as the heavenly bed. For about $100 less per night, the $1.25 tram or $3.00 street car ride will put you within spitting distance of the Westin in less than 20 minutes.

The St. Francis is a grand old lady and elegant, but it is a tourist destination in its own right so it is alwys crowded. Stay once to say you've been there and done that, but after a few visits its just another older hotel. By staying at Fisherman's Wharf you get less street noise and you're within walking distance to lots of trendy cafes and bars.

DF

after reading all these reviews i definitely dont want to stay here, but dont really hav ea choice b/c the corp rate is $135 as opposed to ~$200 for any other properties. i would definitly prefer w

I have stayed at the Westin St. Francis close to 20 nights in the past 6 months and I definitely share the sentiments that the attention to guest serivces could be a little stonger.

I do have a question for other frequent travelers there. Which do people prefer, the rooms in the older section or the newer section? I have had mixed feelings with both but tend to prefer the newer and fresher seeming rooms in the tower.

Similar disappointed experience I had posted last year of this hotel. My summary can be captured in the sentence "This hotel is a victim of its location". The location brings in enough business to get away with poor service. No incentive to improve.

I've never had the best experience at the St Francis. I have given all of my San Fran stays to the Palace.
It's also a nice refreshing walk to Union Square from there.

I have stayed at the Westin St. Francis close to 20 nights in the past 6 months and I definitely share the sentiments that the attention to guest serivces could be a little stonger.

I do have a question for other frequent travelers there. Which do people prefer, the rooms in the older section or the newer section? I have had mixed feelings with both but tend to prefer the newer and fresher seeming rooms in the tower.

Tower, because of view and lack of noise.

boy oh boy,


I just booked the 4 nights and get 5th night free at the St. Francis and used extra 1,500 pts per night to get the tower room. Did I make a mistake spending 46,500 pts? Maybe I should book at another hotel brand? I am SPG Gold so I'm wondering if they'll upgrade me on top of the tower room.


rays

If location is not a big issue, also consider the Palace (part of the Luxury Collection). As a Plat, you should get upgraded to a suite.

I stay at the St. Francis about every other week. Very happy with their service, check-in, etc. Don't let the anomolies of one stay cloud your view of an otherwise great hotel.

I stay at the St. Francis about every other week. Very happy with their service, check-in, etc. Don't let the anomolies of one stay cloud your view of an otherwise great hotel.
This is one of the few Starwood properties systemwide I had given up on years ago and never returned too.
There are some spectacular high floor guest rooms with killer views (decor like the W) in this hotel. Not that I was ever in one of these attractive guest rooms
As a Platinum I could never seem to get one.
I gave up on even considering a suite/I always had 5th-10th floor room overlooking a wall and and an A/C unit or exhaust unit in a satisfactory but non renovated room.So much for high floor request :rolleyes: :(
When I asked about the best available room I was told by the hotel director of operations they don't honor best available guest room just an upgrade to the next room category.
Yet without a doubt some have gotten luckier then myself that I have spoken with and or seen post in a public forum.
The hotel told me they would do better next time in town and they didn't
A call to the hotel resulted in a response that was essentially we are sold out and probably won't be able to upgrade you again out of the main old wing.
Though on day of arrival I was told the hotel was 55% filled and of course no upgrade.
I was able to cancel my reservation and move cross town happily.
Oddly friends who had booked on a third party site had a much better room in the main tower :confused:
I love the location of this hotel tourists and all.It's exciting.Though I usually hang my hat when in town in the Financial district hotels over the last number of years.Some of the hotels have drivers that take you in the house luxury car to and from Union Square by appt complimentary
In following posts on this hotel and my own past experience this is one hotel that you will experience a total hit or miss with.
Perhaps it is worth a try and see how it goes at present.
My past experience has been some time ago.
But regardless of SPG or the Westin Premier days I have been treated and recognized with the same top tier status levels or lower better at every brand and other property in town including the other Starwood properties.
Good luck

I stayed at this property several times years ago and was largely unimpressed. I would not be upset if I never stayed at this property again, but then again I would consider staying at this property again if I had to do so.

It seems as though this property has changed very little since then, save for the addition of the Heavenly Beds.

The rooms were old and small, the elevators were slow, and the service was not up to the standards expected of a hotel with the supposed grandeur of the Westin St. Francis. On the other hand, it is not a terrible hotel at which to stay, if the room rate is reasonable.

By the way, the last time I stayed at this property, I was a member of the Westin Premiere frequent guest program...

How much is parking at St Francis? Is valet available or self-park only?

I ate at Michael Mina last time I stayed at the St. Francis. Managed to get walk-up reservations that day--they must've had a last minute cancellation. Service was great, ambiance was great, food was great. I didn't quite know what to expect, so the menu caught me a little off guard, but the presentation is fantastic. Every item is prepared 3 ways, and each dish has 3 corresponding sections. The portions look really small, but it ends up being a lot of food because you have essentially 3 items in each course :)

Michael Mina is one of the best restaurants in the city and the finest 'hotel restaurant' I have ever been to. Way better than the 1 in Vegas and on-par with Aqua, Masa's and the city's other top-tier offerings. Get the traditional tasting menu; you will be pleased. Do allow about 3-4 hours.

I've stayed at this property >50 times (but only once in the last 6 months), and I can honestly say that it is at an all time low, as far as I'm concerned.

As a Platinum, staying on my corporate rate, I was given a third floor room in the old building across from the elevator above Powell Street that was the noisiest and worst Starwood room I've ever stayed in (trolleys, broken air conditioner, elevators, loud hallways!). The furniture was substantially damaged (multiple pieces, multiple places), and the Heavenly Bed was broken down / not to spec. Also, my non-smoking room smelled like smoke. And this was my second room assignment there, as the first room I was given (similar, on the sixth floor) was unclean when I arrived.

The hotel has never been able to handle volume (which it inevitibly and predictably gets every Summer), but this was the worst I'd ever seen it.

I really enjoyed this property when I stayed there before, but clearly it is not worth this kind of hassle. I'll be checking it out once more, and if that doesn't go well, that's going to be it for me at this property...

Hello,

I am attending a conference in April that is being held @ this hotel & wondered if anyone could share anything about it? I've just gotten thru reading several pages of reviews on TripAdvisor.com & am somewhat dismayed-I expected better, especially for the price in question. One person mentioned no morning newspaper, several mentioned mold in the bathrooms as well as dirty smelly rooms, & indifferent staff. Does anyone, for example, know how much this hotel is going to gouge us for guest room internet? (Thankfully I won't have to deal w/the parking-highest I think I've ever seen!) Having just come back from a really bad experience @ another hotel in SF, I'm truly not eager for a repeat...

Thank you.

P.S. I did do a search of the Starwood forum before I posted this, but didn't find anything.

I stayed at this hotel Christmas Eve and I have to say while its nice, I wasn't overly impressed. We were in a nice room but the furnishings were a little old and the bathroom seemed grungy.

We didn't connect to the internet so I can't tell you about the cost, but parking was definitely outrageous. At least I got SPG points for it.

Enjoy your trip.

If you search using the word "francis," you will find more threads than you probably care to read, and many of them with recent input. I don't have much personal experience at this hotel to share, sorry.

It's a historical hotel which means: classic.

It's not a modern Westin. You will, however, find standard Westin amenities with a pretty good view in some rooms.

However, it is in the middle of Union Square--shopping district, so expect MAD people :D

If you could stay elsewhere, I would stay at W San Francisco or St Regis SF. They are both on 3rd which is in a much quieter area next to SF MOMA but you are still close to everything.

Another good choice by embarcadero is Hotel Vitale--Plasma TV on the wall with huge rainfall shower in the bathroom ^ and you get front row ocean view of the bay and bay bridge ^. The only downside is that it's not a SPG hotel so the beds are not as comfortable :(

I was at the St. Francis a couple of times in the 4Q of 2005. I thought it was fine, as long as you stay in the Tower rather than the "historic" building. I think the internet deal included free domestic phone calls for about $16/day. The room was good size and I had a great view(I am Plat) of the Bay Bridge. Not a spectactular hotel but very nice in a good area of town for shopping and getting around. I agree that the W is much more modern and very well run, but it is a W with all that entails.

Definitely stay in the tower rooms--mostly recently renovated, considerably larger than the 'historic building' ones. Internet is free in public spaces as well as across the street in Union Square, if it's a nice day, great to grab a drink and sit out there.

It's a historical hotel which means: classic.

It's not a modern Westin. You will, however, find standard Westin amenities with a pretty good view in some rooms.


I toured the hotel witht he Front Desk Manager not too long ago because I was soo mad at the Palace Hotel I vowed never to stay there again, he only showed me Tower Rooms, they are nice "Westin Style" Rooms, stick tot hem leave the Classic / Historic rooms for the people who have no clue.

The Suites seem to have amazing views BTW. Good Luck

-Vincent

Searching for anything with "St." in the title is problematic. I always get an error message. Leave that phrase out of the search and it'll yield better results.

I don't know if you have any status but a Platinum may be able to get a junior suite in the historic side. Otherwise, you definitely should get a room at the Towers. I have seen the classic rooms in the historic side. They are really small (esp the bathroom).

I'll have to dissent a bit here.

I always go for the Union Square view rooms in the classic old hotel. I love the view, and the rooms are always large. These are the rooms that make this hotel unique.

Now, I am not very familiar with the rooms that may be lurking back in the darker corners of the old hotel. But the Union Square rooms in the old part of the hotel are great.

Thanks to everyone for your responses.

I recently stayed at the Westin St. Francis and has a less than fantastic time.

1. I was "upgraded" to a tradional room. No a major issues. I don't expect upgrades, I understand hotels get sold out.

2. Internet did not work due to physical technical difficulties, fixed it then charged me for it even though I decided to not use it. (was removed)

3. No Bottled Water for Platinum Guests, even though many times before I am told this is a complimentary iten they provide to all Platinums. I called for some, never was sent up.

4. No bathrobes - I'm told it is a standard by Starwood to have Bathrobes in all rooms, was eventually sent up.

5. Minibar System charged me for two items when I knocked, I was credited.

6. I had to really push for my Platinum Amenity.

Of these items 2,3,4,and 6 really bother me. I spoke with the Front Desk / SPG Manager and he apologized and promised my next stay would be better, but did not offer me any compensation - should I have expected some? I am not one to normally ask for points, but in the past at other hotels I have voiced my concern and they give me something to say sorry.

Advice? Comments?

-Vincent

SPG Manager...., but did not offer me any compensation - should I have expected some? I am not one to normally ask for points, but in the past at other hotels I have voiced my concern and they give me something to say sorry.

Advice? Comments?

-Vincent

Not trying to be rude but just want to point out the obvious, things aren't so easy to "roll with" when they happen to you are they? :p

I think you should take your own advice you gave me for the El Tamarindo situation and "deal with it", as things like this happen from time to time.

If at least, now the hotel knows they have some problems that can be easily remediated. I'm sure SPG will do something to make the situation right, even though your not exactly "expecting something in return".

Of these items 2,3,4,and 6 really bother me.

-Vincent

These have all happend to me on multiple occasions. Can't say they've all happend during the same stay, but have all happend on various different stays.

If 2, 3, 4, & 6 are the least of your worries, I think you'll be okay. Try the hotel not even being there for you to stay in. ^

Suggestions on how to deal with it:

2) Valid Concern, it got fixed so you could have used it.
3) Go to the vending machine/convenient store or go to the lobby and request a bottle of agua.
4) Bring your own jammi's next time:)
6) Ask politely upon check in for amenity, if not received, then follow up after your stay with corporate customer service.

Thats all, just my two cents.

I recently stayed at the Westin St. Francis and has a less than fantastic time...Of these items 2,3,4,and 6 really bother me. I spoke with the Front Desk / SPG Manager and he apologized and promised my next stay would be better, but did not offer me any compensation - should I have expected some? I am not one to normally ask for points, but in the past at other hotels I have voiced my concern and they give me something to say sorry.

Advice? Comments?

-Vincent

Sorry your stay was anything less than spectacular.

I would definitely report #2 and possibly #5 to Corporate Customer Service - just as an FYI apparently since they seemed to have corrected the problem and apologized for them.

If #6 doesn't get credited, just let Platinum Concierge know and I'm sure they will take care of it ASAP.

#3 and #4 really would not be an issue unless you were staying in a room that was classified higher than traditional. If it was, then they should also be reported to Corporate Customer Service.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Sorry your stay was anything less than spectacular.

I would definitely report #2 and possibly #5 to Corporate Customer Service - just as an FYI apparently since they seemed to have corrected the problem and apologized for them.

If #6 doesn't get credited, just let Platinum Concierge know and I'm sure they will take care of it ASAP.

#3 and #4 really would not be an issue unless you were staying in a room that was classified higher than traditional. If it was, then they should also be reported to Corporate Customer Service.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thanks for the advice - I have escalated the issues are far as I planned to - Mr. Scott the Front Desk / SPG Manager happens to know me from previous stays and knows my recent stay wasn't exactly in line with my previous experiences. When I spoke to him after I left (as he wasn't in when I was there) he seemed very concerned over my expereinces - which is good enough for me aslong it doesnt happen again.

My post was really more about should I have expect some pointage offering or something, I normally don't but in the past when they ask at check out "how was your stay" and I'm honest - no complaining, but I tell it like it is, if it seems something they know was not as it should be they 90% of the time offer without me asking points or something else. I guess every manager decides to handle a situation differently.

I still think the Westin St. Francis beats the pants off the Palace Hotel and that it is awesome. This may change though when I finally get to visit the St. Regis in San Francisco.

-Vincent

BTW Points posted like clock work - just wating for the West Coast Bonus and 700 (to celebrate the 7th brand) points to post :D

-Vincent

i stayed there on tuesday night on a cheapie promo rate (119)
and got upgraded to a "traditional" room on the 11th floor in the historical building.

Decent hotel in all, pretty good for only 119 a night and getting points for it.

I didnt have to push for my 500 plat points, I just assumed they were going to give it to me, which they did without my even needing to ask.

edit:
Additionally, I felt the same worry about accidentally charging something to the minibar, as the little fridge can be jostled pretty easily and an accidental charge coming through. They had a disclaimer on the fridge saying something to that effect.

One more slightly weird thing:
When booking my promo rate online, they charged my SPG Amex the deposit of 135.75 based on room rate + 14.08% tax. For some reason, SPG.com has the deposit amount wrong, as 119*1.1408 = $135.76. So they were going to charge me a grand total of $.01 to my SPG Amex. Instead, I asked them to charge it to my new WaMu debit card, which I get $.03 per transaction by using it. :)

I've stayed at the St. Francis about a dozen times in the past 6 months, and found the rooms/amenities to be incredibly inconsistent.

Some of the rooms are great, some are tiny closets. I personally prefer the tower, as the rooms seem more consistent. In the older building, I've had a bathroom that was so small, I could touch all 4 walls while standing in one place, and another room that was huge with a nice bathroom!

Regarding the amenities, about a third of the time there is no robe, and in more than half of the rooms there has been no bottled water. Overall the hotel service is mediocre, and VERY INCONSISTENT, just like the rooms. I only spend about 10 hours in the hotel (in at 9PM, out at 7AM), so I just come to sleep and shower.

To be honest, I haven't frequented any other hotel in the Starwood system this much, so perhaps others have similar idiosyncracies. In the old building, I could understand due to the historical age of the hotel, but not in the tower. Several years back I frequented a Hilton down in NC, and recall having many more similar rooms.

Vincom, is Kevin S still working there? I stayed there for almost a year straight and talked to him quite a bit - he's very helpful. I thought he was in some rotational program, so I'm surprised he's still working as the front desk manager.

Vincom, is Kevin S still working there? I stayed there for almost a year straight and talked to him quite a bit - he's very helpful. I thought he was in some rotational program, so I'm surprised he's still working as the front desk manager.

Mr. Scott is no longer just Front Desk Manager, he is Front Desk / SPG Manager for the hotel... He is awesome I agree, always very helpful and very concerned about the expereince one has at the hotel...

He is just not that long ago out of school, he seems to be very talented and passionate about his job - which is refreshing...

-Vincent

I've stayed here few times and always forget not to come back (i.e. remember to tell TA not to book there) -- it's not typically anything major, but lot of small things.

Shower not having warm water in the morning, thin walls/ doors letting lot of noise through, internet connectivity problems that take 45 minutes to solve at midnight when I really need to send email before going to bed for 5 hour sleep, ...

I always mention these things when I am checking out and they seem appropriately apologetic, but never offer any thing else. On the other hand in Toronto when they (or I) had similar issues -- a customer reletions person had left two voicemails within 4 hours after check-out to get better understanding of the problems.

I am a platinum member. I had a room booked on Wed for three nights. I arrived at 7:00 in the morning. I knew the hotel was sold out the evening before. I asked for and the clerk assured me of a tower room, high up when I returned at 5:00 P.M.

Upon my return at 5:00 p.m. I was given a key to a room in the "historic" section. (translation: old and smelly) I was told that the tower was all sold out. I politely asked how was it that not one person had checked out of the tower between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 pm? I was told that those room were "assigned" Then the clerk got weasly about how that was "too much of an upgrade" She then went in the back, spoke to a manager, came back and told be no rooms were in the tower were available. (Obvious BS) I went to my room, found it old and smelly as expected and called and asked for a manager. After being persistant, a room in the tower was available.

There were hundreds of people in the hotel from Canada attending a convention. I am sure not one had any Starwood Status.

Would Starwood corporate be kind enough to advise the St. Francis that best available room is the listed benefit and to knock it off.

I am a platinum member. I had a room booked on Wed for three nights. I arrived at 7:00 in the morning. I knew the hotel was sold out the evening before. I asked for and the clerk assured me of a tower room, high up when I returned at 5:00 P.M.

Upon my return at 5:00 p.m. I was given a key to a room in the "historic" section. (translation: old and smelly) I was told that the tower was all sold out. I politely asked how was it that not one person had checked out of the tower between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 pm? I was told that those room were "assigned" Then the clerk got weasly about how that was "too much of an upgrade" She then went in the back, spoke to a manager, came back and told be no rooms were in the tower were available. (Obvious BS) I went to my room, found it old and smelly as expected and called and asked for a manager. After being persistant, a room in the tower was available.

There were hundreds of people in the hotel from Canada attending a convention. I am sure not one had any Starwood Status.

Would Starwood corporate be kind enough to advise the St. Francis that best available room is the listed benefit and to knock it off.

It may come as a surprise to you,there many *Wood Plats & Gold who live in Canada.
I stay at St.Francis often.Have always been upgraded.
During the Oracle convention in Oct. 2006, I was upgraded to a suite^
By the way I am a Canadian.Been Starwood Plat from the first year it was offered.

Are you for real!?
Are you mad because you didn't get the room you wanted or because the hotel was full of Canadians? :eek:

It isn't that there were Canadians, it was that there were Canadi<ns :D Seriously, this property rarely gives a suite as a platinum upgrade. I have generally received tower rooms with a nice view.

Why was it relevant to indicate that the hotel was packed with Canadians???

Why was it relevant to indicate that the hotel was packed with Canadians???

Well, blame Canada
Blame Canada
It seems that everything's gone wrong
Since Canada came along
Blame Canada
Blame Canada
They're not even a real country anyway

It is never a good idea to book a room with which you'll be unhappy if no upgrade is available.

Hordes of Canadians pop up in the darndest places.

On thanksgiving 2006 the St.Francis was PACKED-mostly with families.I was still upgraded to a great tower room with a fantastic view-even though I was staying on a super cheap travelzoo rate($89).
The one thing that stands out for me was that on the day after thanksgiving all of the jr.managers were out in the public spaces assisting guest and all were smiling/saying hello welcome to the St.Francis!
It was that stay,and subsequent stays with both Marriott and Starwood Properties that have tipped the scale in Starwoods favor and soured me on Marriott.

It is never a good idea to book a room with which you'll be unhappy if no upgrade is available.

Hordes of Canadians pop up in the darndest places.

We always travel in flocks actually, rather than hordes. We are snowbirds and geese after all. :rolleyes:

I have the feeling that it wouldn't have mattered who the folks were, but as NB said, many of us are Gold and Plat members. We are taxed to death - we need the points to be able to afford... never mind. The Gov't used to require us to claim those too.

At this hotel, you can get a suite if you ask and it's available, but it will usually be in the old part of the hotel, towards Powell Street.

Well, blame Canada
Blame Canada
It seems that everything's gone wrong
Since Canada came along
Blame Canada
Blame Canada
They're not even a real country anyway

Canada may not be as powerful or rich as the US. However, I'll take that any day, instead of being in trouble with the rest of the world all the time... :)
I'm done with this silly thread, goodbye!

Just stayed here this past weekend. Reserved 2 rooms using cash and points. No upgrades were availible at checkin. I then asked about a suite and yes this was availible and was given the 2? "room" suite on the third floor (305+306). Just goes to prove that asking never hurts. I was give a room accross the hall for our other room in 311. Checkin was easy and professional even though we were not in the SPG line (Closed when we were there at 9pm). I graciously tipped the check in clerk upon recieving the upgrade. The bad - $63 a night for Valet, but I knew this going in.

Not sure why no one (gold) gets upgraded. I have been throughout the world and have had great results getting upgrades. Politely ask and upon recieving I tip appropriatley. And, no I don't dangle the carrot!

Jim

Just returned from 4 nights at the St. Franics. Big hotel, quite crowded with a dental convention in town.

Was gold at the time of check-in, close to Plat. Originally was told that no upgrades were available, but upon asking again, got an upgrade to a nice Towers room on the 20th floor. The room itself was pretty nice, good sized bathroom, and fast internet.

Loved the location, walking distance to a ton of shops and restaurants, and convenient to public transportation as well.

Service was more than adequate, both on check-in and check-out. Also called service express to have the HSIA cord replaced, and it was done without any problems. Room service breakfast in the morning was prompt and good.

Had a similar Platinum issue to others. Fortunately, prior to my arrival, I had checked available room types on spg.

When checking in I was told that I had been upgraded from my 'Traditional' room to a standard king on a middle floor with a king bed. When I pressed a little I was told that they were sold out...not at all true.

I mentioned that my assistant had just checked online and there were certainly many better room types available. I was moved to a top floor room that was pretty nice but it was one of the shorter end rooms.

I will likely avoid this hotel until it is reported that they follow spg rules.

I just stayed here for 5 nights - it was an award stay, 11,500 points/night for a "Grand Deluxe" room.

It was just barely ok. The grand deluxe rooms are basically higher-floor rooms in the tower. Ours appeared to be one of the smaller ones, and one of the few that faced west over the city rather than east over the bay, with part of the view blocked by a concrete bay.

The "Westinized" room renovation appeared several years old and was in pretty bad shape. The walls were dirty, and all of the dark wood furniture and trim had bad nicks and scratches. The furniture in the main lobby was even worse - the cushions on the couches basically had no padding left.

Service was friendly enough, but the only thing we specifically asked for (paper every day, WSJ + local paper) they never got right.

Good location, but there must be better choices in SF.

4/27-28/08

Arrived Sunday at 2 PM and were escorted all the way from the car park to registration by the door man even though we only had a small overnight bag. Tip I wish I knew- the car entrance to the hotel is on Geary Street and not on Powell as the address is. With all of the one way streets, cable cars and lots of pedestrians, getting into the hotel took some doing. Be forewarned....parking is $49 + tax per night (with in and out privileges.)

Booked a stay on points. I am now Gold dropping from Platinum due to curtailed travel last year and this was my first stay as a Gold. If this is how this hotel treats Gold Members, it will be a good year........

Receptionist was very friendly, told us immediately that we were already upgraded to a tower city view room and confirmed that my amenity choice of "points" was correct. (Could also of had a mini bar credit or a free movie) Never had to ask for a thing. She also asked if we wanted a late check-out (past noon) - first time I have not had to ask for any of the SPG benefits, she covered all the bases.

Our room on the 25th floor had a spectacular view overlooking Union Square and all the way to the bay. This was the first room I have been in with HDTV (a large LG flatscreen, at least 32") Had flatscreens before but the HD was a nice treat. The room was very large by any standards and had a great chaise for reading with good lighting (something often missing). The windows were operable and you could get fresh air in the room.

The bed (and bedding) and bath towels were the usual high quality Westin product and there were complimentary robes in the closet. Hair dryer in the bathroom was not affixed to wall so my wife could take it out of the bathroom to use it. Additional large magnifying make-up mirror, excellent lighting.

There was a complimentary self-brew coffee machine with Starbucks coffee, well stocked mini bar and bar accessories, huge closet with iron and ironing board and a full length mirror. Also received both a USA Today and a Wall St. Journal at the door in the AM.

There is a complimentary boarding pass printing station in the lobby with automatic links to most major airlines. This is a great feature (that bypasses the business office) and one that I wish would become a fixture in all hotels.

When we called down for our car it was parked facing out and they had pre-printed and very easy to follow directions to the airport.

In all an excellent stay and well worth the points spent.

Thanks for the report. I will be there in two hours. I wish they had a lounge.

For the price of parking you could rent a car for the day and return it. :(

From the previous posts, I've concluded that the consensus for ideal upgrade is to a tower room suite facing Union Square. Do most people agree? I don't have high hopes for a suite, so I will request a tower room facing Union Square as second choice.

Does this property offer free gym access to Plats? The San Francisco Le Meridien has one of the best Starwood property gyms, and I hope to find the same at Westin St. Francis.

I will ask for breakfast vouchers and report back on that.

From the previous posts, I've concluded that the consensus for ideal upgrade is to a tower room suite facing Union Square. Do most people agree? I don't have high hopes for a suite, so I will request a tower room facing Union Square as second choice...

Just as an FYI, they don't have to upgrade you to the towers level. If you book the towers level originally, however, then they have to give you the best room available in the towers, including select standard suites (if such a room type exists), subject to availability at check-in. Says that in the T&C's of Membership in SPG. ;)

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

While in a great location and a historic landmark, the St. Francis is simply too much trouble for me to follow-up on the inconsistencies and sub-par service. You can do much better in SF, and obviously lots of good SPG properties.

I had a conversation with one of the housekeepers this last visit and I asked her why rooms are serviced so inconsistently (missing shampoo, no mouthwash, no shower gel, sometimes water, sometimes not) she said management has instructed them not to put these things in the rooms and that guests need to call. Shower gel costs how much? Water costs them what?

From the previous posts, I've concluded that the consensus for ideal upgrade is to a tower room suite facing Union Square. Do most people agree? I don't have high hopes for a suite, so I will request a tower room facing Union Square as second choice.

Does this property offer free gym access to Plats? The San Francisco Le Meridien has one of the best Starwood property gyms, and I hope to find the same at Westin St. Francis.



I think the best upgrades are the bigger rooms (some suites, some just big) in the old building overlooking Union Square. The Tower rooms are nice but generic and lack the character of the old building. That said, some people think the old tower is sub-standard, so it's personal preference, I guess.

The gym is free for plats.

Another trip report to this hotel:

Stayed 12/22 - 23 on a C&P reward. Upgraded at arrival to a 2 room "suite" in the old, er, I mean historic, building x05-x06.

I'd have to concur with most of people's opinions of this property. The rooms are old and tired. The furniture has many dings and scrapes on them. The sofa and chairs in the sitting room looked like they were from the 70s... They may have been trying to go for that "old money" feel, but it just looked worn to me.

The room's condition was poor as well. The doors BADLY need a new paint job - and the ceiling was cracking from a water leak. Worse yet, in the morning the bathroom sink back filled with brown stinky water - and then promptly receded back down leaving a ring of brown scum on the sink. On my way out for lunch I stopped by the front desk, explained what happened, and asked someone to go look at it. The front agent was very apologetic and promised to have someone up to look at it while I was away. All in all I think they handled it pretty well – I left my feedback on one of their cards and asked to have it sent directly to the manager. I wonder if I’ll get a follow up?

Regardless, if you’re going to stay here, ask for a room in the towers. A newer room there is almost certainly nicer than a suite in the old building. But you can’t beat the location!

Also, valet is apparently $60+ but you can park overnight in the Union Sq. garage for $31/night.

FOLLOW UP: After emailing the Guest Services manager listed on the folio (I wish more hotels gave the email address of their GS manager!) - I got an apologetic response to the above problem and credited 10,000 pts. Also to book a "great room at a great rate" if I email him next time I'm looking to stay there. This kind of response really improved my opinion of the place...

Even though times are hard,IM proud to say the St Francis in San Francisco is finally updating the rooms in the main building.
I must say even though the standard rooms are small ,they are finally doing it right,as the new rooms are beautifull.
The ancient elevators are also being replaced and is a full 2 year project.
Youll be happy to know the outside glass elevators will remain as the biggest free thrill ride in the city;)

Welcome to Flyertalk, flyinbanana
I am moving your thread to the FT Starwood Forum for discussion. Please follow there.
Thanks..
Obscure2k
Moderator
Luxury Hotels

flyinbanana, welcome to the Starwood forum. Thanks for bringing us this news. It's great to hear!

I merged your thread into the master thread on the hotel so that people thinking about stays will be easily able to find the information.

SanDiego1K
Starwood Moderator

The view from the upper floors of the St. Francis Tower are great.

The rooms in the historic building have much more character.

My wife doesn't like staying at the St. Francis in a Tower room. She enjoys the old building and the sounds of the city you hear from the original hotel.

The Tower rooms have seemed more worn to me than the historic building rooms over the few times I've stayed these past two years. If view matters then you are more likely to be satisfied with a Tower room. And they tend to be quieter if you are not next to the elevators.

After having spent over 20 days in a row (well almost, left for 4 days total) in several rooms at the Palace, I decided to try the Westin St. Francis.

I checked in and had a room in the tower, on the 26th floor. This stay pushes me into gold (25 nights), just an FYI (not sure if the person at check-in knows that). I was upgraded to a room facing union square and the bay. After checking my room out and unpacking, I had decided this was nicer than any of the 4 previous rooms I had at the Palace. The palace has a tremendous amount of charm, but this room was much nicer. I did notice nicks in the paint on the closet doors, but other than that the room was (is!) fantastic. Starbucks coffee on top of the minibar, newspaper on the door.

There is a card in the room that allows you to choose not to have your room turned down in return for some small $ amount of room service credit, a movie etc etc, or 500 star points. As I'm in the room for long enough to get a few hours of shut eye, I might choose this option.

After seeing how nice the room was, I called to extend my stay for the remainder of the week, rather than return to the Palace. The reservation number on the phone said the hotel was sold out. Called the front desk, they searched and were completely sold out. After chatting with them they found some way to keep me in my room for 3 more days, and I couldn't be happier.

All in all, so far this hotel is quite nice!

(as a side, besides thanking them for the help, is there any sort of "recognition" type thing starwood has that I can send in for the help the individual at the front desk gave me?)

(as a side, besides thanking them for the help, is there any sort of "recognition" type thing starwood has that I can send in for the help the individual at the front desk gave me?)

customercare@starwoodhotels.com or see the Starwood contact in the master thread.

Just back from a quick stay at this hotel. We were on the 28th floor and
had a great view of the city and bay. Very nice hotel, even had two bars
of soap!! Only one bathrobe but I didn't bother to call down for another.
Great location and nice staff. We hotel hopped on our three night stay in
San Francisco and really liked the charm here. Had dinner in the dinning room and it was good too although very quiet. A great stay for $199. rate!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kGII5Hypppk/R4__U6w7rsI/AAAAAAAAAAM/jpY0idgUQB0/s720/DSCN0298.JPG

he a stay planned for this weekend and received an advance email tolet me know my room had been upgraded. ^The notice indicated I am now in a "Family room." Any idea what this is?

Also, when I checked my reservation online at spg.com, it indicates a suite ^, but also notes "smoking room." Um, aren't all Westins completely non-smoking?

Yes, all Westin's are supposed to be non-smoking, but the St. Francis has some smoking rooms bc so many regulars request one.

I'm not sure what a family room is. They used to only give suites to Plats. in the old building, not the tower.

WoW!!! One of my best stays this year. Just completed a one night stay last night. From the moment I arrived felt welcomed. Even though the hotel had a strike going on the hotel was almost fully booked as per the rooms left on the web page. As someone had posted in a post there was no need to push through the strikers. I was on the 5th floor and couldn't even hear them. When I arrived at the front desk I was informed I was upgraded to a Classic Suite. Had it's own parlor and a bedroom. Very nice. The clock bar was a very busy bar. Treated there excellent also. This morning was brought breakfast to my room. Right on time. 7am. So yes i would stay here again....:D

Stayed there last weekend from 11/20 to 11/22. On check in I was told that the manager had a surprise for me. After waiting for him for about 10 minutes he showed up, took my bags and we left to go to my room on the 29th floor. In the elevator we ran into 2 drunk/high teenager thrill riding in the elevator who had pushed the buttons on all the top floors from 21 to 30!!!Somewhat awkward. Then the room key did not work and good thing the manager was there and after trying to open the door with help of security we found out someone was in the room that I had been checked into!!! I have no idea why. Got another room on the 25th floor and was comped 2 days of breakfast at the Oak room. Next morning as I left my room to go to the Gym I was treated by smell of vomit near the elevators and even though I called house keeping to mention this, it was not cleaned until we left the hotel that afternoon. I have stayed here many time but this stay was sure full of surprises. I never found out what the manager wanted to surprise me with at check in. I guess I had enough surprises.

Stayed there last weekend from 11/20 to 11/22. On check in I was told that the manager had a surprise for me. After waiting for him for about 10 minutes he showed up, took my bags and we left to go to my room on the 29th floor. In the elevator we ran into 2 drunk/high teenager thrill riding in the elevator who had pushed the buttons on all the top floors from 21 to 30!!!Somewhat awkward. Then the room key did not work and good thing the manager was there and after trying to open the door with help of security we found out someone was in the room that I had been checked into!!! I have no idea why. Got another room on the 25th floor and was comped 2 days of breakfast at the Oak room. Next morning as I left my room to go to the Gym I was treated by smell of vomit near the elevators and even though I called house keeping to mention this, it was not cleaned until we left the hotel that afternoon. I have stayed here many time but this stay was sure full of surprises. I never found out what the manager wanted to surprise me with at check in. I guess I had enough surprises.

Sorry to hear that. It's funny how peoples stays during the same time are completely different. Was there during the same weekend and had one of the bests stays I have had this year.

Good Evening:
I have stayed in San Francisco for over 25 years at numerous properties, good and mediocre.
This time around I am staying 6 nights for the first time as a Platinum member at the Westin St Francis.
Last night upon check in although "suites" were available I was not offered one (checked with the Platinum desk who confirmed it) but elected not to create a problem.
I was given a room with a view in the "new" tower on the 25th floor.
The room was dirty. The wall next to the bed was badly stained and even had a small hole in it. The air vent was covered with a thick black tar.
I requested for both issues to be taken care of this morning and when I came back this evening after a working day both problems had been corrected.
However, not a note of apologies or even a message on the answering machine was left.
Turn down appears to be a problem. I requested it for every night of my stay and this evening it took 3 requests on my part to get it done around 9.00 pm.
The radio next to the bed is fairly basic and does not allow for IPod charging or "playing". This property being a Westin I am taken aback Hilton Garden, Hyatt place or even Courtyard by Marriott would provide better clock systems.
I must say that so far this St Francis Westin hotel is a disappointment.

Just stayed on Feb 13th. Was told in advance by email they were not able to pre-upgrade my reservation. Tried again at the desk and the desk clerk actually showed me his computer screen which showed they were -18 on the room, ye they were still on SPG.com for $179/nt, go figure. We ended up in the historical part of the hotel in room 665 which was small and no view.
Mrs. CMJ took a bath the next morning and was disgusted to find significant soap scum buildup and some kind of blue gel on the bathtub wall.

Upon checkout she stopped by the front desk and told the manager that of all our stays here this was the first time we had seen such poor housekeeping. She said the MGR offered the full 10k point refund and agreed this condition was unacceptable and would rectify it. She did not go to ask for compensation, but to bring this to the MGR's attention.

FYI -Valet parking is now $50/nt. PLUS $7/nt in parking for a regular car, I think over-sized cars are now $57 + tax.

Jim

Just stayed on Feb 13th. Was told in advance by email they were not able to pre-upgrade my reservation. Tried again at the desk and the desk clerk actually showed me his computer screen which showed they were -18 on the room, ye they were still on SPG.com for $179/nt, go figure. We ended up in the historical part of the hotel in room 665 which was small and no view.
Mrs. CMJ took a bath the next morning and was disgusted to find significant soap scum buildup and some kind of blue gel on the bathtub wall.

Upon checkout she stopped by the front desk and told the manager that of all our stays here this was the first time we had seen such poor housekeeping. She said the MGR offered the full 10k point refund and agreed this condition was unacceptable and would rectify it. She did not go to ask for compensation, but to bring this to the MGR's attention.

FYI -Valet parking is now $50/nt. PLUS $7/nt in parking for a regular car, I think over-sized cars are now $57 + tax.

Jim

Going here tomm for a night, not looking forward to it, but the rate is the best I can find. Ill report up fri or sat.

Going here tomm for a night, not looking forward to it, but the rate is the best I can find. Ill report up fri or sat.

I spent 4 days earlier this week at the W and had a fantastic stay.
Don't risk it here or at the Palace.

I spent 4 days earlier this week at the W and had a fantastic stay.
Don't risk it here or at the Palace.

Lol, I know how you feel. I have only had one stay here that was great. Since I'm eating at Michael Mina (at the hotel) I thought it may be a good idear, in case I drink too much :D

I've stayed at the St Francis twice and it's just been ok. I know a lot of Westins don't have it, but I really would have been happier if they had an Elite/Club lounge. I've only been putting up with it because of the Amazon promotion, but I split my time in SFO between here and a Renaissance property that has much newer/renovated rooms and a pretty good club lounge, and for a lower rate surprisingly (probably b/c the rooms don't have much of a view, and it's on the top of a hill).

I am trying to decide staying here for 5 nights (checking in on a Tuesday, out on a Sunday) vs. The Westin on market/3rd.
I'd love to stay at the Le Meridien, but it's just too far from where I need to be, and the W's rates are just out of my budget on for my dates.
I'm so torn about whether to stay at the St. Regis.

Last time I was in SF, I had a reservation at each of these. When I was notified in advance by the St. Francis that I would NOT be getting an upgrade, I cancelled and went to the one on market, which gave me a fabulous suite on a 20-something floor.

If I know a hotel as few suites, I try avoid them because I know chance for a Platinum upgrade are diminished. I've read through this entire thread and am stil confused about the different rooms and suites in the historic part vs. the tower.

Also, are all the rooms facing union square in the old part of the hotel, very noisy?

Would really appreciate more info.

I can get some better rates if I prepay, but want to make sure I know what I'm in for!

Downtown San Francisco is not that big. If you want to stay at the Le Meridien it is only 8/10ths of a mile from Union Square and there is a Muni/BART stop a couple blocks away.

Downtown San Francisco is not that big. If you want to stay at the Le Meridien it is only 8/10ths of a mile from Union Square and there is a Muni/BART stop a couple blocks away.

Yes, I know. However, I'm traveling for work and my colleagues are staying at a Kimpton hotel and if I'm going to stay somewhere else, I really want to be as close as possible. I have the rental car and don't want to make everyone have to come to me that "far" away from their hotel.

Maybe I'll deal with traffic and go pick them up in the mornings, but I'm just not sure how long that will take.

The amazon GC deal might end up swaying me to one of these Westins though after all!

Maybe I'll deal with traffic and go pick them up in the mornings, but I'm just not sure how long that will take.Which Kimpton property are your companions saying at?

Which Kimpton property are your companions saying at?

The Serrano I think. I'd never heard of it before. Rooms looked tiny on their website. Do you have any experience there?

Ill report up fri or sat.

Did you ever write a Trip Report?

stayed there recently for 3 nights. I got a nice palor suite but with no view. Location was nice and overall quite happy with my stay. Nothing spectacular but still quite nice. I also got an email saying that I would not be getting an upgrade but got one anyway when I checked in.Location was great !

Writing this from my room desk at the St. Francis. Perfectly fine hotel. Check-in was fairly painless...I waited in the special SPG line. There were three agents checking in people -- one SPG Elite agent, one agent for the basic line, and a woman in the middle. The woman in the middle took the SPG Elite line when people were waiting and if no one was waiting in that line, selected guests from the regular line.

I was upgraded to a Grand Luxe room...but not offered a suite even though suites were available on spg.com. I am only staying one night. Perhaps suites weren't available when I checked in. ;) I was offered an amenity and recognized as a Platinum SPG member.

Other than that, fairly basic room. The wifi works great and there is also a wired internet option in the room. Great location and I would certainly return.

Just caught this on YouTube... Not sure if its appropriate to post here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-79pX1IOqPU

Did you ever write a Trip Report?

No :( But u can ask me anything you may have questions on :D

Just caught this on YouTube... Not sure if its appropriate to post here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-79pX1IOqPU

That's funny

Just caught this on YouTube... Not sure if its appropriate to post here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-79pX1IOqPU

I didn't know about any of this. However, with this going on, it might help me pick from the many SPG properties there in the future. I noticed my go to Westin on 3rd and Market wasn't on the list... for now.

I did however have 1, well maybe 2, recent St. Francis stays, so I'll post some reports soon before I forget.

I recently stayed here during a business trip, and was not upgraded, and not surprised, really, since I'm only a Gold. However, although the location is great, I was such a small room with a view of the shaftway that I felt claustrophobic. Apparently, all the rooms that are not suites are as small as this.

After 2 days, I decamped to Le Meridien and was given a beautiful room on a high floor with a spectacular view. It's not in the heart of the city, but in a great neighborhood, close to Fisherman's Square. This will definitely be my preferred hotel in SF!

Just caught this on YouTube... Not sure if its appropriate to post here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-79pX1IOqPU

That is funny... too bad there's a few Starwood properties on that list at the end. (Nice to see the SRSF is not though.) :D

Strange old hotel this, seems to live on past glories too much (a few too many black and white photos of famous names, not many recent ones) and its prime location over any particular style or substance.

Rooms are pretty small, ours was a double (in the tower) and with 3 people and cases in a room it was pretty full, despite the beds being small. No discernable room upgrade evident as a platinum, though I was on a points booking so can't complain too much. Benefit for Platinum seemed to be they'd bring round a random dessert every evening, but they forgot minor things like cleaning the room - it wasn't cleaned or serviced for the last 3 days! Admittedly, I did them to "come back later" twice as we were getting ready to leave in the morning, but they didn't, not even for an evening turndown. The free dessert 3 days on is not a pretty sight.

Positives - great location, right beside Union Square, cablecar, shopping and generally walkable to anything central.

Overall, would be a good hotel for business people and had I been on my own I wouldn't have cared about the gripes. It actually reminded me a lot of London hotels, they just get so much volume that unless you're super important then you take it or leave it. I'm fine with that most of the time, but I think they could definitely step it up on the service.

I've searched high and low and haven't found much on these forums or others. I'm current booked here for Oracle OpenWorld coming up in September and the only thing available in *Wood was the St. Francis.

I have a reservation that reads;

Traditional Non-smoking , Heavenly Bed , Inner Queen Rm/no Views

Does anyone know what the Inner Queen Rm means? Is this like an Inner room on a cruise ship with NO window or is a Windows with an inner alley type of view? I just don't want a room without any sunlight...

Does anyone know what the Inner Queen Rm means? Is this like an Inner room on a cruise ship with NO window or is a Windows with an inner alley type of view? I just don't want a room without any sunlight...

There are windows. You may see a brick wall not too far away, or perhaps an elegant view of the concrete of the tower.

I recently stayed here during a business trip, and was not upgraded, and not surprised, really, since I'm only a Gold. However, although the location is great, I was such a small room with a view of the shaftway that I felt claustrophobic. Apparently, all the rooms that are not suites are as small as this.

After 2 days, I decamped to Le Meridien and was given a beautiful room on a high floor with a spectacular view. It's not in the heart of the city, but in a great neighborhood, close to Fisherman's Square. This will definitely be my preferred hotel in SF!

Strange...

Must have been full.

I managed to get myself upgraded (as a Gold) from one of these rooms (I believe they wanted to assign me 869 at first...one of the worst rooms in the hotel) to (I believe) room 1591 in the tower, and this was on a Priceline stay. This room was a very large corner room, and while the view was nothing special, it was very quiet and large, and just fine for me.

I noticed someone forgot to put away a cart with a fridge and microwave on it (although the fridge had been used and was not exactly clean), and so I wheeled it in to my room, and wheeled it out just before I left, and didn't pay anything to use it!

I'd go back there.

The Market Street Westin was very different. I'd also go back there.

This is an odd property. We hosted a users conference there a few years ago, and I got to know a lot about the place. I stay in SF 10+days/month, and StFrank is my 2nd choice hotel after the Hyatt Embarcadero.

Is a very storied old 'grande dame' of a hotel, that is simultaneously trying to rebrand itself as a hip funky destination, and is ending up with a half-assed amalgamation of both.
There is the old lovely hotel, with memorabilia from Presidents & movie stars, and a quiet older lobby, then cross a hallway and you have a W styled bar (ClockBar) and a Mina restaurant, which I think recently failed and was shuttered. They also are trying to promote it as a party destination (big rave type things, plus halloween stuff),, and is just a confusing blend.

Location wise, it's as good as anywhere in the City, literally on UnionSquare, and only a few blocks from BART. Blocks from probably 100+ restaurants, including one of the best new mexican places in the whole area - Colibri (don't search it, don't read reviews, just GO).

Is a great hotel, and you can occasionally get some shockingly low rates there. Market Street is nicer, newer, sparklier, but St Frank is a reliable old girl.

Had a stay here back in September and woke up with a broken AC unit. Took some time to get a new room (it was after midnight).

Sent an email expressing my issues with the busted AC and time getting a new room. Night manager emailed me back promptly, apologized, tossed a few points, and said to let me know if and when I came back.

Just stayed there last week, let her know, and my stay was perfect. Don't think I got an upgrade (besides higher floor), but the AC definitely worked.

Overall I like this location and is great for business travel.

Interesting article on the Westin St. Francis. Now if only they paid equal attention to keeping the carpets and the interiors clean!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/26/MNHU1GT8K4.DTL



Since 1938, all the coins the St. Francis acquires through its cafe, restaurants and bars - tarnished by the grime of the outside world - have made their way through the cleaning closet before leaving the hotel bright and shiny.

It's believed the St. Francis is the only hotel to continue the practice, which started in the 1930s as a courtesy to guests


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/26/MNHU1GT8K4.DTL#ixzz19WfypcNb

Had a weekend stay at the Westin St Francis, didn't spend much time in the room or the hotel, but here are some of the highlight & lowlights ...

Check-In: Got to the hotel around 12:30 pm, checked-in with the plat/gold desk agent, who was amazing (one of the best I've had for US *wood props), asked about an upgrade and he typed away and kept saying "if we have something available, it's yours" --- offered me the choice of a Classic Suite in the historic tower or a high-floor corner in the modern tower (please note, the stay was during a sold out weekend). Took the suite upgrade. No rooms available at the time, so everybody checking in had to leave their bags with the bell desk (hotel called at about 2:45 pm to tell me my room was ready).

Location: Fantastic! Cable car stops right at the door of the hotel. Three blocks from Powell Street BART / MUNI station - easy airport access.

Room (Classic Suite in the Historic Tower): Definitely spacious, two rooms - a parlor room, with sitting area & desk, and a nice sized bedroom, with walk-in closet. Room definitely showed it's wear in many places, the bathroom door knob came off the first time I opened it! The room was definitely not soundproof, could hear what was going on next door from the parlor (probably why the volume button on the radio didn't work). Room quality didn't live up to the Westin name, I think if I had to do it again, I'd pick the modern tower.

Other pluses: Two free bottles of waters each night as a plat from the mini-bar (they took the charges off at check-out) - they were large bottles, wound up taking $28 of minibar charges off for those waters during the 2 nights.

That is funny... too bad there's a few Starwood properties on that list at the end. (Nice to see the SRSF is not though.) :D
1. I wonder how much meth some of these protesters used before showing up.

2. I think these were the same freaks that were protesting outside my room (located in the old, non-tower part of the hotel). So #$@!#$& annoying (and the reason I would never return to this property).

3. OT: I decided to view their boycott list and nearly every SF SPG property is on there. I like the W SF and LM SF, so I was sad to see that. Apparently, I've stayed at 6 of the boycotted properties, and 5 of the at-risk-of-dispute properties.

On a side note, SRSF is on the "at-risk-of-dispute" list.

Yikes.

Are there currently protests going on at the San Francisco area SPG hotels?

Are there currently protests going on at the San Francisco area SPG hotels?
There was nothing at the LM SF, W SF, SR SF or the St. Francis as recently as a couple of weeks ago. That doesn't mean a protest can't happen. It is San Francisco. I would check w/ the organisers from the video.

http://hotelworkersrising.org/

On a side note, I expected something cooler for my 300th post. Oh well. :)

I had a 2 night stay here beginning of April. Booked standard room, upgraded into a suite in the old tower, one of the top floors. The suite was pretty disgusting, looked extremely run down, cracks in the wall, and the bathroom just look used.

I had a quick one night stay (C+P) at a four points in san rafael and the bathroom was 10 times nicer than the bathroom in the suite. I quickly called up Plat concierge and they said they had suites available in the new tower. So i went down to the front desk and asked for my room to be switched. After a bit of back and forth they happily moved me to the new tower. No suite but supposed bigger room. I wasnt all that impressed with the room but for a 2 night stay, the location of the hotel is what sold me.

I used points for the 2 night stay. 10K per night but I was able to use a 25% off redemption coupon so the 2 night stay cost me 15K total. All in all, not a terrible deal. Definitely will be trying the W next time.

Looking for recommendations for good restaurants for breakfast/lunch with family. Good food, reasonable prices. Thanks , in advance, for your suggestions.

Looking for recommendations for good restaurants for breakfast/lunch with family. Good food, reasonable prices. Thanks , in advance, for your suggestions.
I like The Grove on Fillmore for brunch. My friends and I also like the Mission Beach Cafe on Guerrero for Brunch/Lunch. If you just want a croissant and coffee and don't mind waiting on a ridiculously long line, then go to Tartine which is down the street on Guerrero. Another good place to go for lunch is Slanted Door at the Ferry Terminal Building. It's Vietnamese fusion. Near impossible to get in at dinner time. Much of the lunch menu is the same as the dinner menu.

I realise that none of these suggestions are near the hotel, but a good traveller is always willing to venture out. Hope this helps. :)

Looking for recommendations for good restaurants for breakfast/lunch with family. Good food, reasonable prices.
Since San Francisco is the best restaurant city in the country, there are thousands to choose from. Could you be a bit more specific?

I like The Grove on Fillmore for brunch. My friends and I also like the Mission Beach Cafe on Guerrero for Brunch/Lunch. If you just want a croissant and coffee and don't mind waiting on a ridiculously long line, then go to Tartine which is down the street on Guerrero. Another good place to go for lunch is Slanted Door at the Ferry Terminal Building. It's Vietnamese fusion. Near impossible to get in at dinner time. Much of the lunch menu is the same as the dinner menu.

I realise that none of these suggestions are near the hotel, but a good traveller is always willing to venture out. Hope this helps. :)

^ on the Grove and Slanted Door. If you have heaps of $$$$$, try Quince for dinner (Italian).

Also, :td: on the St. Francis and ^ to the Palace.

^ on the Grove and Slanted Door. If you have heaps of $$$$$, try Quince for dinner (Italian).

Also, :td: on the St. Francis and ^ to the Palace.
Agreed on :td: to the St. Francis. That place is a glorified toilet. You might have a better experience staying at the Hilton across the street, and I am not a fan of HH.

The Palace, OTOH, was a very forgettable experience for me. I have a confirmation/receipt that I stayed there. Don't remember it at all! If the OP is gonna stay anywhere in SF, then W SF or Le Meridien SF. Even Westin SF Market Street. That's just my two cents.

P.S. I'll take your Quince recommendation under advisement when I get home.

Since San Francisco is the best restaurant city in the country, there are thousands to choose from. Could you be a bit more specific?
ROFL! SF is a GOOD restaurant city, but by no means the best in the country. Hello, NEW YORK! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Sorry if I was not specific enough. Breakfast/ lunch is generally a basic meal. Eggs or pancakes and the like for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch. That is why I requested good food at a reasonable price. No more specifics really available. I am tired of paying $37 for a breakfast buffet at various hotels and was looking for a decent neighborhood restaurant that might fit the bill.

Sorry if I was not specific enough. Breakfast/ lunch is generally a basic meal. Eggs or pancakes and the like for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch. That is why I requested good food at a reasonable price. No more specifics really available. I am tired of paying $37 for a breakfast buffet at various hotels and was looking for a decent neighborhood restaurant that might fit the bill.
So yeah. Check out my recommendations. It's a little bit cheaper, but not by much. However, the quality of the food is way better. Enjoy your time in SF!

SF is a GOOD restaurant city, but by no means the best in the country. Hello, NEW YORK!
We're definitely going to differ on this one. I'd place New York no higher than 4th.

We're definitely going to differ on this one. I'd place New York no higher than 4th.
Good thing you don't speak for the rest of the world. We have Le Bernardin and Daniel. I rest my case. :)

On a side note, I have had the privilege of living in NY, Chi and now LA / SF. I put Chi before SF.

Good thing you don't speak for the rest of the world.
That's OK. More good food for those of us who know better.

That's OK. More good food for those of us who know better.
+1. :)

Off to Seattle.

Here for WWDC, so the city is packed. The corporate agency forgot to include my SPG number, so my Plat status wasn't noted but we added it on check-in. Front desk clerk actually apologized to me for not having a room to upgrade me to (especially since I'm here for the entire week). I explained that it was fine - this trip I was by myself and didn't plan on spending much time in the room, anyway, but that I appreciated the "nod" and attempt.

So I'm in the tower and I love the feel of this hotel. I enjoy older hotels, though, that have the character of the city they're in. The room is a king bed and it's certainly a smaller room, but it's well-appointed and has a large closet. The bathroom, again small (shower only, no tub) is finished in quality materials and functional. All in all it's what you'd expect in SF, and comparable to a European destination in terms of size and function.

One major plus as a Platinum member - free access to the health club, which includes steam rooms. This runs $12/day or $30/week for other guests. I'll be taking full advantage of this and consider it a great bonus.

Standard Platinum Amenity (500 Starpoints), and they participate in the Go Green promotion, so that's another 2500 Starpoints for the week on top of everything else. Should net just over 6500 Starpoints for the week, in comfortable digs with helpful staff.

Another bonus? I took a LONG nap after checking in - long travel schedule. Woke up around 10:30. There are two 24-hour diners within a block. Typical SF diner food, but relatively cheap, quick and good in terms of diner food. :)

Checked in two weeks ago coming from LHR, for a 2 week stay. Upgraded to a deluxe room on the 1st day and to an executive suite for the rest. Platinum amenity was 500 points which is what I wanted and everything is quite close so the place is ok to me, The suite which is a corner suite (ends with 78/79) doesnt have a sofa but it has another bed (wall bed) in the living area.

It's exactly as it's planned here http://www.westinstfrancis.com/var/cdev_base/storage/original/application/4551cd9c41f400135e4ce83f6cc08d36.pdf

Had an issue last week when I wanted to extend the stay (had a booked stay) for another week but was told that they were full but will try to upgrade me to the same suite I'm currently in. When I wanted to cancel the stay I went down to the front desk where they told me they could keep me in the same suite but I said I'm here for something else which was cancelling the rest of the stay.

Had another issue on the last night with housekeeping when I called service express to request housekeeping to clean the room, went out for 4 hours came back and nothing has changed. Called a manager (not sure which dept) and she was very good in giving me a USD150 dining credit at Bourbon Steak, though there was issues with the bill after having a look at it but I will discuss this with the front desk during checkout today.

Got a breakfast coupon at the Oak room by the bellboy and a coffee coupon too.

All in all, for the price it was a good stay, though the 1st three nights was the most expensive.

I am tired of paying $37 for a breakfast buffet

This is a bit urban, in the Tenderloin, but if you want a neighborhood joint that makes everything from scratch, you can try Dottie's True Blue Cafe. Their jalapeno corn "bread" muffin is awesome. The place is tiny and has at least a 45 minute wait if not longer. I don't know if you're staying at the south of market one or the one on Powell. I think it is walking distance, but it may or may not be for you.

Another one is Town's End Bakery & Restaurant at the end of Townsend street. You get a nice view of the dock and wait outside is amongst grass and trees. They give you a small assorted basket of mini breads, muffins, danishes. Breakfast quality was good, not excellent, last time I was there. The experience overall is very good just for the assortments and charming location.

Standard Platinum Amenity (500 Starpoints), and they participate in the Go Green promotion, so that's another 2500 Starpoints for the week on top of everything else. Should net just over 6500 Starpoints for the week, in comfortable digs with helpful staff.


Keep in mind the go green is limit to 3 days in a room. So you'll have to get your room 'cleaned' on the 4th day at a minimum.

Keep in mind the go green is limit to 3 days in a room. So you'll have to get your room 'cleaned' on the 4th day at a minimum.

What your saying is not said anywhere on the card, only says that you won't get points or $5 voucher for the last day.

What your saying is not said anywhere on the card, only says that you won't get points or $5 voucher for the last day.
True, but every property is like a snowflake at SPG. YMMV.

I stay in the St. Francis often in SFO. It is a good hotel. I always stayed in the old building .. I like the hotel. Good staff ..
Great location ...

True, but every property is like a snowflake at SPG. YMMV.

We'll see what happenes during check-out in a few.

Ok just checked out yesterday, the issue with Bourbon Steak have been resolved, well not all of it but that's ok, and regarding the green cards I have recieved the full points for everyday I declined housekeeping.

I've had mixed stays with this hotel, but after my last one, I don't think I will ever come back here again.

My first stay was great. Was only a gold and got a higher level room, although it looks exactly like the normal room. The staffs were nice and the hotel offered "go green" option to get 500 SPG points per day for declining housekeeping.

Three weeks later, came back for another stay. Was still only a gold and got a higher level room again. Had a problem with laundry: requested regular service and was express-ed instead. Front desk refused to fix it until I showed my copy which clearly had a tick for regular service. However, when I checked out, I realized that the express charges were still there and I had to fight the front desk to get it waived again.

A week later, decided to give it another shot and stayed there for the third time. What a huge mistake. I completed the Platinum challenge the week before and at that time, my status still hadn't updated yet.

When I checked in, I was told that there were no upgrades and was thrown to a tiny 6th floor room at the old building. Echoing the comments here: that place was a crap hole. I asked the housekeeping staff about new tower and was told that there were plenty of higher level rooms available. Went back to the front desk and was given the attitude. Had to fight to get moved to the new tower. Absolutely ridiculous.

What pissed me off the most was during that stay, I called housekeeping and requested a complimentary bottled water (there's always one in the fridge but since I refused housekeeping, it wasn't restocked). I was told that the complimentary bottled water is only for Platinum members. I told her I meant the one in the fridge.

I don't know what the heck got into the person but she started raising her tone and insisted that it is only for PLATINUM and I will get charged consuming the one (clearly marked complimentary) in the fridge. I've stayed here many times and never had a problem getting a damn bottled water. At this point, I felt incredibly insulted and just said "oh ok thanks" and cut off the call.

A few minutes later, I cancelled all three weeks of my upcoming stays at this hotel. If they can't provide me with a damn bottled water, then they're not worth the $5,000+ which I was gonna throw at them. I moved my stays to the W and Hyatt Regency SF instead.

I stayed at this hotel twice this year. always received a great service and phenomenal upgrade. first stay i got upgraded to union square suite which was very nice. on my second visit i got upgraded to Windsor suite( phenomenal suite).

http://www.westinstfrancis.com/accommodations/tower-building


I asked the concierge to arrange a transportation to the airport. they did a great job. a professional driver was waiting for me in the lobby, he introduced himself and gave me his business card. we then walked to the car ( BMW 7 series) he opened the trunk and asked me to make sure that all my stuff was in the car before leave the hotel. we talked economics and politics, he was very knowledgeable.

next time i am in SFO i will definitely stay at this hotel.

I moved my stays to the W and Hyatt Regency SF instead.

W SF will take better care of you than Westin St. Francis.

I stayed at this hotel twice this year. always received a great service and phenomenal upgrade. first stay i got upgraded to union square suite which was very nice. on my second visit i got upgraded to Windsor suite( phenomenal suite).

I think that is because you are coming from outside of the US. They treat domestic guests like crap. Wouldn't stay here on a bet.

I think that is because you are coming from outside of the US. They treat domestic guests like crap. Wouldn't stay here on a bet.

I don't think its foreign VS. domestic thing. I stayed at the W SFO and received no suite, just one room category upgrade. last year no suite was available at the St. Regis SFO, got upgraded to a better room.

i think it all depends on availability and a bit of luck :)

I don't think its foreign VS. domestic thing. I stayed at the W SFO and received no suite, just one room category upgrade. last year no suite was available at the St. Regis SFO, got upgraded to a better room.

i think it all depends on availability and a bit of luck :)
Well, I respectfully disagree. All you have to do is look at the Platinum Upgrade Success thread for proof. Even in my own upgrade experience... I am 99% abroad and 35% at home.

Well, I respectfully disagree. All you have to do is look at the Platinum Upgrade Success thread for proof. Even in my own upgrade experience... I am 99% abroad and 35% at home.

I did not read that thread but if that what it says ( even though it is statically skewed) then i stand corrected. i have to say that i find it hard to believe that US properties discriminate against locals. this year i spent 2 months in the US ( in and out) my suite upgrade success is about 80%, and about 95% in the rest of the world.

I did not read that thread but if that what it says ( even though it is statically skewed) then i stand corrected. i have to say that i find it hard to believe that US properties discriminate against locals. this year i spent 2 months in the US ( in and out) my suite upgrade success is about 80%, and about 95% in the rest of the world.
Well, what can I say? It's just something I've picked up on. This discussion is also OT. I agree with the OP that the older tower is trash and the service sucks. I wonder if the OP had to deal w/ OCCUPY protesters in Union Sq... :p

I've had mixed stays with this hotel, but after my last one, I don't think I will ever come back here again.

My first stay was great. Was only a gold and got a higher level room, although it looks exactly like the normal room. The staffs were nice and the hotel offered "go green" option to get 500 SPG points per day for declining housekeeping.

Three weeks later, came back for another stay. Was still only a gold and got a higher level room again. Had a problem with laundry: requested regular service and was express-ed instead. Front desk refused to fix it until I showed my copy which clearly had a tick for regular service. However, when I checked out, I realized that the express charges were still there and I had to fight the front desk to get it waived again.

A week later, decided to give it another shot and stayed there for the third time. What a huge mistake. I completed the Platinum challenge the week before and at that time, my status still hadn't updated yet.

When I checked in, I was told that there were no upgrades and was thrown to a tiny 6th floor room at the old building. Echoing the comments here: that place was a crap hole. I asked the housekeeping staff about new tower and was told that there were plenty of higher level rooms available. Went back to the front desk and was given the attitude. Had to fight to get moved to the new tower. Absolutely ridiculous.

What pissed me off the most was during that stay, I called housekeeping and requested a complimentary bottled water (there's always one in the fridge but since I refused housekeeping, it wasn't restocked). I was told that the complimentary bottled water is only for Platinum members. I told her I meant the one in the fridge.

I don't know what the heck got into the person but she started raising her tone and insisted that it is only for PLATINUM and I will get charged consuming the one (clearly marked complimentary) in the fridge. I've stayed here many times and never had a problem getting a damn bottled water. At this point, I felt incredibly insulted and just said "oh ok thanks" and cut off the call.

A few minutes later, I cancelled all three weeks of my upcoming stays at this hotel. If they can't provide me with a damn bottled water, then they're not worth the $5,000+ which I was gonna throw at them. I moved my stays to the W and Hyatt Regency SF instead.

Another negative: the hotel didn't post my "Make a Green Choice Points" and after pursuing it for three weeks, apparently they did not have a record of me signing up for the program. Also, they told me that my room was apparently cleaned for the entire stay. Incredibly disgusting. Stay away.

EDIT: After a few weeks of CS back and forth, the hotel has apologized and issued the points.

I've stayed at the Westin St. Francis 6 times this year, and 5 of them I was over charged. Each time I'd get a correct folio upon check-out and my credit card was charged for that correct amount. But then a week later I'd see an extra night or two on my credit card statement.

I had no problems getting the hotel to reverse the charges, but they could not explain why they consistently over charged me (complaint to SPG never got a reply - which is a 1st for me). If you choose to stay here, make sure you're the type of person that looks over your credit card statements each month...

I now purely stay at the Palace or Westin Market St to avoid the hassle.

Just stayed last night and had no problems with my bill. Have yet to stay in a suite but to be fair last night they were completely sold out. It has been a good year in SF for convention and tourism business. Not so great for upgrades.

Just stayed last night and had no problems with my bill. Have yet to stay in a suite but to be fair last night they were completely sold out. It has been a good year in SF for convention and tourism business. Not so great for upgrades.

The additional charges showed up a week later for me. The day after my stay everything looked fine.

I've always had to ask for a suite upgrade here - and I'm saying that as an fyi, not a complaint. I've been told several times after asking for a suite that they find most Platinums prefer the deluxe upgrades in the tower over the
junior suites in the Landmark building, because of the views and the modern look. Makes sense to me - but I like the old school feel of the Landmark building, and being able to close off my bedroom.

Just stayed at the Westin St Francis for a weekend trip and was disappointed. I've only just joined the SPG reward program so have no status, which may have made a difference.

Check in was a joke. Long queue and only 2 people manning the desks. They were doing the best they could but I thought that the management should have brought more people out for busy times and they never seemed to. Had exactly the same problem on check-out too. Only positive was that the staff were welcoming and friendly.

The room was compact and on the third floor of what I guess is the old building and faced into an interior courtyard. No status so no complementary water/snacks. None of this would have mattered to me as I don't really hang out in the room anyway were it not for the fact that the soundproofing was non-existent. I heard every conversation out in the hallway and last night endured the orgasms of the woman in the room next to mine. I actually needed a cigarette afterwards.

Had breakfast in the Oak Room this morning and wasn't impressed with the buffet selection. This may have been because I'd been in a Hilton earlier this week, which had a hell of a spread for a price cheaper than what the Westin was charging. Again, staff were pleasant and welcoming, which was great but the whole thing felt like a lot of money for very little.

Most positive thing I can say is that I was impressed with the concierge team who helped me out with a couple of queries and gave good directions.

I'm in SF again over the winter but I think I'll check out the W or the Hilton instead.

1F

I stayed here and booked a corner grand deluxe room. Check-in was fast but my room was not to be available until 3PM as I attempted check-in at 1:45. Was told I would be called once the room was ready which I was at 2:30PM. Was given room on 31st floor. I recently qualified for Gold so was not given option of amenity on check-in. Asked the check-in agent before taking off to my room and was told I was still Preferred Plus in their system. She did a refresh or something and magically I was gold (wondered if that had something to do with my inability to check-in ~1 hr earlier). No problems...small delay which allowed me and the SO to walk around Union Square for a bit and grab a cup of coffee. Asked for the bonus points as the welcome gift. Went to the room....not up to the usual Westin standards for me but still relatively nice.

Room:
Has a long entry which to me seems like a complete waste of space since it is long and narrow. Closet to the right which had one bathroom (booked room for two; I dont use robes anyways so not much to care about for me but thought I'd add it for others to know). Once thru the entry-way there is a small hall with the bathroom to the left. Both the entry and small hall was barren (ie. no pictures or wall decor to spruce it up). Finally got to the room with windows on two walls with great views of the city and bay. However, the actually size of the room minus the hall/entry is probably the same size as all the other rooms so probably not worth the RETAIL PRICE (more on that later). Bathroom had two bars of soap, shampoo, conditioner, and motuhwash, three bath towels, two hand towels, and floormat. Marble thruout but nothing to fancy to write home about.

Check-out was a breeze. Gave the green card to redeem 500 points. Waited for my driver while enjoying a croissant in the lobby cafe. Looked at my portfolio to ensure I was charged correctly and I was. Now back to my previous statement about retail price, I had no qualms nor could I as I think I definately got honored a price-mistake. I booked a room for a total of $70 for two nights for the grand corner deluxe. Don't think I could find a motel 6 in SF for that cheap...

In any case, I think I would venture elsewhere when I visit SF next to see if a better SPG experience is to be had...kudos to the hotel mgmt for honoring my prepaid rate/room. Good service, yes; exceptional service, no.

I checked into the Westin St Francis with my wife last night and we are staying here all week. This is the first and the last time I will check into this hotel. I'm SPG Gold but let's forget about status for a moment.

This is an old building; the room and especially the bathroom reflects this. Both the room and bathroom lack light and the latter is overdue an update.

We checked into the room in the evening so it's understandable that there was no turndown service last night. The concierge was gone by 10pm. The bathroom only had one bath towel, no bathrobes, no shower cap and no slippers all of which are on request. There's no phone at the desk (apparently Starwood policy?) and only wireless internet. There's just one electrical socket at the desk and two at the door on entering the room. How are you supposed to charge laptop, phone, ipad, camera etc ...? Leave everything at the front door?

It's been a while since I stayed at a Westin but I recall it being a quality offering. This hotel needs to be downgraded to a brand which more accurately reflects the quality of the hotel and the rooms.

As for SPG Gold, I never expect anything however, despite how poor this room is, it's apparently an upgrade.

I just finished a two night stay at the Wesin St. Francis and was very disappointed. I am SPG Platinum and stay at Starwood propertied around the World.

Check In was uneventful and the person was impersonal. Very little talking and no welcome or have a nice stay. I did not even bother asking for a possible upgrade. Just "Next" when calling for the next person behind me.

Stayed in the Tower, built in 1972 and 40 years old, in room 2588. upon entering the room, a musty smell was prevalent. Surprisingly, the windows opened and I aired out the place. Carpets were well used with dark stain marks. Fading paint and wallpaper. Bathroom was marble white with stained grout lines. Marble is fine if it was 1942 but this is 2012.

Now, the letdown with the house keeping. No table was dusted and I ran my finger across the table leaving a streak. TV also had dust on the screen. The night before departure, I dropped my phone and it went under the bed a little. To my disgust, nail clippings were under the bed.

Checked out the next morning and requested to speak to the duty manager. I showed him the pictures I took of the room and expressed my disappointment. The usual" sorry" and " not to our standards". I wrote to corporate and they forwarded it to Hotel management. No response yet.

This hotel will not be an option for me on my next visit. The Westin on Market Street is far better.

So a follow up to my last post. A Front Desk Manager at the Westin St Francis wrote me an email to express his concern about my experience staying at the Hotel. He stated there would be a review of the House Keeping division and the employee assigned to my floor would get retraining. He offered 12,000 pts to my SPG account and requested I contact him on my next stay to make sure everything would be right.

I may take him up on that offer : )

is this a place to avoid?

is this a place to avoid?

I think not. This hotel has been the best to me in The San Francisco area. Always upgraded to a nice suite.

Although I live in near Santa Cruz, I stay up in SF for biz occasionally and the St Francis is always my last choice and haven't stayed there in many years. I much prefer staying at the Westin Market St or the Palace. Sometimes the W if I can get a decent rate or even the Le Meridian Financial district. Service and rooms are just better at the aforementioned properties IMO and the locations are just as good (except for maybe the Meridian DT location if your doing touristy stuff).

I stayed at the Westin for 3 weeks... it was ok..
The tower rooms are somewhat updated, the bathroom are ok, nothing special. Great views from the high floors.
Last week I was at the Palace, and I think I like it better (it's about the same pricepoint).
The Palace is right by Bart, their platinum breakfast amenity is amazing (maybe a little too good, will prolly put on weight).

thinking of using up 5 suite night certs here....the only option that comes up is a junior suite....are plats only upgraded to junior suites here????

thinking of using up 5 suite night certs here....the only option that comes up is a junior suite....are plats only upgraded to junior suites here????

By policy, yes. If they are feeling a bit more generous, then YMMV.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

spgchampion@starwoodhotels.com