Starwood Preferred Guest - San Francisco properties

I've researched the threads for Westin Market street, the W, the other Westin and the Palace. I appreciate the info but wondered if I might acquire more information, more specific to my questions, if I posted a new thread.

I'm going to SF on business in a week and I've never been there. There are several Starwood properties, I am a Plat, I like suite upgrades and I would love to spend what free time I have seeing some sights and going to the Orpheum Theater to see Wicked for the umpteenth time. (I'll be going by cab unless it's in walking distance so that is a consideration.)

I was set on Westin market street until my dates changed and the rates at the other hotels are more reasonable. I plan on taking a shuttle or town car in so parking isn't going to be a problem.

From what I've read here, I'm going back and forth between the Palace, Westin on Market or maybe Meridien. There is another Westin, too. St. Regis is too pricey right now. I'm also a woman traveling alone, so I take security pretty seriously.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Well, I guess it depends on what your priorities are and where your business meetings are at.

In terms of ideal local, the Westin St. Francis is right at Union Square and pretty close to the SF Financial Dist, that could be an ideal location for saftey and price. Rooms can be very old if your not bumped into the newer rooms in the towers, but location is pretty good.

I'm not a big fan of the Palace or the Meridien from walking through there, but never stayed at either property, so I'll pass on making recommendations for those properties.

In general Market Street is not ideal to be at after-hours especially around the civic center/Orpheum Theater area. While it's not overly dangerous, it is very seedy and well-populated with beggers of all sorts. There is a cool nearby bar the Orpheum known as Martuni's Piano Bar where the post-Opera crowd will hang out with the occasional opera singer stopping by to add to the festivities. It is a gay bar, but all are welcome. They also mix a pretty good Martini.

Near the financial dist, after-hours is pretty much devoid of people so that would be another thing to consider.

-Splints

I've researched the threads for Westin Market street, the W, the other Westin and the Palace. I appreciate the info but wondered if I might acquire more information, more specific to my questions, if I posted a new thread.

I'm going to SF on business in a week and I've never been there. There are several Starwood properties, I am a Plat, I like suite upgrades and I would love to spend what free time I have seeing some sights and going to the Orpheum Theater to see Wicked for the umpteenth time. (I'll be going by cab unless it's in walking distance so that is a consideration.)

I was set on Westin market street until my dates changed and the rates at the other hotels are more reasonable. I plan on taking a shuttle or town car in so parking isn't going to be a problem.

From what I've read here, I'm going back and forth between the Palace, Westin on Market or maybe Meridien. There is another Westin, too. St. Regis is too pricey right now. I'm also a woman traveling alone, so I take security pretty seriously.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

I would take a look at the Westin St. Francis---particularly if your priorities are entertainment and safety/security. I love San Francisco, but I'm not a fan of the Market St. area (at least where these hotels are located) in general--even more so if you are going to be alone and/or doing a lot of walking after dark. The Union Square area (where the Westin St. Francis is) is relatively safe & crowded at all hours and is within an easy (and safe) walk of nearly anything you want. The Financial District is another option, but it can be dead after hours.

I've been all over the world, I'm gone a week every month, but never to this city. I flew through once, but I'd like to see the sights (not sure what they are, LOL!) if they're near my hotel. I don't want an expensive cab ride to the theater, though, but from what I've read, it sounds like these properties are pretty near each other. It's the 1st time I've had no idea about a city. I was more comfortable going to Edinburgh and Munich alone than SF! At least I knew what to expect.

The rates are pretty close between Market Westin at $129 a night to the Palace at $118, and LM at $192, which is the same exact rate as Westin St. Francis. The W is $209 (these are all AAA or Starwood internet rates) but I'm wondering if any of these are promo hotels. IS Meridien THAT much better than Palace or Westin on Market street? The rates seem to indicate that, but maybe it's just more trendy on a weekend. I don't care for nightlife, though I'd love to be in walking distance of some fun stores and restaurants, and sights like cable cars and Ghiradelli. I have no idea what Union Square is, either. I can tell you all about London and just about anywhere in Manhattan but this is new to me.

At any rate, with the searches I've done here, on other sites, etc., I'm thinking it'll be Market Westin or the Palace. It'll depend on what else I hear from this thread, though. My meetings will be held at the hotel I choose, so I'm easy that way, plus a business afternoon out at the theater. Other than those 2 meetings, I'm on my own.

I'm considering spending my last night at the airport, depending on my mode of transportation to and from the airport-anyone know the cab fare? If I do that, it'll be cheaper that night so I would consider W or Meridien for 1st 2 nights, but that's a long shot since the theater is Sunday afternoon and I'd have to store my luggage and go back from the theater to get it before heading to the airport.

Normally I'd just book the cheapest, but I'd like to see as much as I can while I'm there with as little spent on cabs as possible. I actually am beginning to wish this had been chosen for me, but I need to make a decision soon. 3 nights shouldn't cause this much stress, but I know how it feels to pick the wrong place.

Hopefully I'll get some more input. :)

I've been all over the world, I'm gone a week every month, but never to this city. I flew through once, but I'd like to see the sights (not sure what they are, LOL!) if they're near my hotel. I don't want an expensive cab ride to the theater, though, but from what I've read, it sounds like these properties are pretty near each other. It's the 1st time I've had no idea about a city. I was more comfortable going to Edinburgh and Munich alone than SF! At least I knew what to expect.

The rates are pretty close between Market Westin at $129 a night to the Palace at $118, and LM at $192, which is the same exact rate as Westin St. Francis. The W is $209 (these are all AAA or Starwood internet rates) but I'm wondering if any of these are promo hotels. IS Meridien THAT much better than Palace or Westin on Market street? The rates seem to indicate that, but maybe it's just more trendy on a weekend. I don't care for nightlife, though I'd love to be in walking distance of some fun stores and restaurants, and sights like cable cars and Ghiradelli. I have no idea what Union Square is, either. I can tell you all about London and just about anywhere in Manhattan but this is new to me.

At any rate, with the searches I've done here, on other sites, etc., I'm thinking it'll be Market Westin or the Palace. It'll depend on what else I hear from this thread, though. My meetings will be held at the hotel I choose, so I'm easy that way, plus a business afternoon out at the theater. Other than those 2 meetings, I'm on my own.

I'm considering spending my last night at the airport, depending on my mode of transportation to and from the airport-anyone know the cab fare? If I do that, it'll be cheaper that night so I would consider W or Meridien for 1st 2 nights, but that's a long shot since the theater is Sunday afternoon and I'd have to store my luggage and go back from the theater to get it before heading to the airport.

Normally I'd just book the cheapest, but I'd like to see as much as I can while I'm there with as little spent on cabs as possible. I actually am beginning to wish this had been chosen for me, but I need to make a decision soon. 3 nights shouldn't cause this much stress, but I know how it feels to pick the wrong place.

Hopefully I'll get some more input. :)

Union Square is essentially a small park / seating / eating /gathering area in the middle of the prime shopping & restaurant section of downtown. Westin St. Francis is right across the street and your best bet if those things are priorities. That said, Market St. isn't that far away. Ghiradelli, on the other hand, is a bit further away and is a decent walk or cab (or cable car) ride from any of these properties. Cab fare from the airport to downtown will be $40--$50, depending on location. BART also goes from the airport to downtown, though I would only personally take it if you are arriving during the daytime.

I've been all over the world, I'm gone a week every month, but never to this city. I flew through once, but I'd like to see the sights (not sure what they are, LOL!) if they're near my hotel. I don't want an expensive cab ride to the theater, though, but from what I've read, it sounds like these properties are pretty near each other. It's the 1st time I've had no idea about a city. I was more comfortable going to Edinburgh and Munich alone than SF! At least I knew what to expect.

The rates are pretty close between Market Westin at $129 a night to the Palace at $118, and LM at $192, which is the same exact rate as Westin St. Francis. The W is $209 (these are all AAA or Starwood internet rates) but I'm wondering if any of these are promo hotels. IS Meridien THAT much better than Palace or Westin on Market street? The rates seem to indicate that, but maybe it's just more trendy on a weekend. I don't care for nightlife, though I'd love to be in walking distance of some fun stores and restaurants, and sights like cable cars and Ghiradelli. I have no idea what Union Square is, either. I can tell you all about London and just about anywhere in Manhattan but this is new to me.

At any rate, with the searches I've done here, on other sites, etc., I'm thinking it'll be Market Westin or the Palace. It'll depend on what else I hear from this thread, though. My meetings will be held at the hotel I choose, so I'm easy that way, plus a business afternoon out at the theater. Other than those 2 meetings, I'm on my own.

I'm considering spending my last night at the airport, depending on my mode of transportation to and from the airport-anyone know the cab fare? If I do that, it'll be cheaper that night so I would consider W or Meridien for 1st 2 nights, but that's a long shot since the theater is Sunday afternoon and I'd have to store my luggage and go back from the theater to get it before heading to the airport.

Normally I'd just book the cheapest, but I'd like to see as much as I can while I'm there with as little spent on cabs as possible. I actually am beginning to wish this had been chosen for me, but I need to make a decision soon. 3 nights shouldn't cause this much stress, but I know how it feels to pick the wrong place.

Hopefully I'll get some more input. :)

A few hopefully helpful points (I live right outside SF and have been in all the hotels you mention).

1. You're really not going to go terribly wrong with any of these places. One thing to consider is all of these places are within blocks of each other, and all of them within blocks (less than a mile) of where Wicked plays. So distance isn't a concern for any of them.

2. You can (and should) take BART directly from downtown SF (walkable from any of these hotels) directly to the SFO airport. Don't take a cab, and don't spend your last night in the hotel wasteland down by the airport -- enjoy the last night of your trip still in SF. You won't regret that, for sure.

3. The area right outside where Wicked plays is yes kind of gross but I wouldn't consider it unsafe. But again, it's just up the street from any of these hotels, so a comfortable walk (in daylight), a very short (less than a mile) cab ride after dark, or the BART station is directly underground below the Wicked theater, and just like a 3-minute BART ride back to your hotel, any of these hotels.

4. Second the comment that although all these hotels are within blocks, the area of Union Square (where the St. Francis sits) is packed with people all times of day and night. Union Square is a high-end shopping block with tons of shopping and throngs of people.

5. Le Meridien, which although not right on Union Square, is just a few blocks away, and in my opinion is the nicest of these hotels in terms of the hotel/rooms itself.

6. But the W, Westin, St. Regis also are right around shopping and restaurants, too.

Hope this helps!

It helps greatly, thank-you! I know this is silly, but what is BART? I am assuming some type of subway. I will have luggage with me, a rolling bag, a laptop backpack and large purse. Is it safe and comfortable, especially with luggage? I was considering one of those shuttle services like they have in NY, Chicago and LA. Bad idea? Just found out that transportation is on my dime, so every bit helps!

It helps greatly, thank-you! I know this is silly, but what is BART? I am assuming some type of subway. I will have luggage with me, a rolling bag, a laptop backpack and large purse. Is it safe and comfortable, especially with luggage? I was considering one of those shuttle services like they have in NY, Chicago and LA. Bad idea? Just found out that transportation is on my dime, so every bit helps!

BART is fine for a few bags and perfectly safe, unless the cops get a bit jumpy :rolleyes: (I kid, mostly). Schedules and fares are at www.bart.gov

It helps greatly, thank-you! I know this is silly, but what is BART? I am assuming some type of subway. I will have luggage with me, a rolling bag, a laptop backpack and large purse. Is it safe and comfortable, especially with luggage? I was considering one of those shuttle services like they have in NY, Chicago and LA. Bad idea? Just found out that transportation is on my dime, so every bit helps!

100 percent vote: take BART

Yes, it's our "underground", "metro," whatever you want to call it.

A few years ago they added an extension such that it goes directly into the SFO airport like the Heathrow Express.

No problem at all to take it with your luggage, you'll be in an group of all the other people getting on it at SFO with their luggage! I just rode it myself last night coming home from a business trip.

No worries at all, this is exactly what it's for!

what is BART?
Bay Area Rapid Transit.

St, Francis, no question.

Oh, the dinner there!

I started out saying, Palace, of course. I love luxury and the rate is incredible. Now I'm going back between Westin St. Francis, Le Meridien and the Palace. (I'm unsure where the Palace is located though, in regards to Union Square and the theater.) My bosses would love for me to stay at all 3 and report back but that's too much moving around for me.

If I'm getting the gist of the threads, I'll likely get an upgrade at LM, should avoid my original choice of Westin Market street, and the Palace is historic. People either love or hate the Westin St. Francis and there's hair in the bath tubs at Market street Westin and bad attitudes by staff. LM has spacious rooms compared to the Westins and not much recent info on Palace. Okay, just shoot me. :rolleyes:

Normally I'm happy if my destination HAS a Starwood hotel, this is the first time I ever had to choose! Even in NY I had prior knowledge and friends' advice. SF is proving to be an adventure already! :cool:

Now, where are my notes? :rolleyes:

Okay, I'm asking for a bottom line answer from anyone. If you've been to one or both these hotels- which would you choose?

The Palace- buy 2 nights get 3rd night free for total of $458 for a King Grand Deluxe, oversized classic room with high ceilings (prepay only)

Or Westin St.Francis- King view, Deluxe, Tower Building, City View for $478 (same deal- buy 2 get 3rd free, prepay only)

I want to be near Union Square and I think both hotels are, and I appreciate the upgrades, and in past threads I've noted The Palace is good with Plat upgrades. I'm looking for space and comfort from the room, a bathtub in the bathroom, and whatever amenities are available. I just can't figure out which one would best serve me.

If you want to be on Union Square, the St. Francis, of course.

The Palace is great but a little walk to the square. Of course, the St. Regis, W, and Westin Market are all next to each other, and The Palace.

I just wanted to mention, regarding safety, that none of these hotels are in unsafe areas. The section of Market that the non-st-francis hotel are near is a perfectly safe area.

Le Meridien is great during the week, though the Financial District is dead on the weekends and you'd probably want to cab to union square.

Thanks for all the help! I decided on the Palace for several reasons- the 3rd night free rate for a junior suite was quite reasonable, and they have an airport shuttle for 15 dollars each way, which eases my mind. Also, it seems to be (correct me if I am wrong) close enough to the theater that I can walk or take a short cab ride. I'm going to go by a few of the other properties just to check them out but this was fully prepaid so I won't be changing it. And I think it'd be nice to have an updated review of this property- the ones I've read seem to be mostly dated.

If anyone has ideas for restaurants or sights, please feel free to PM me. I really would appreciate any info and I'm hoping this trip works out as I imagined. Union Square IS near enough to walk, right? ;)

Thanks!

Ive stayed at all the properties. I think you will like the Palace, but the St Francis is a bit more central. If you change your mind, I would also recommend the BART over a shuttle. You can get off Powell St and walk up 2 blocks to the hotel. All what your looking is right there, plus as mentioned before, Michael Mina :) There are tons of restaurants Id recommend, but look through the SF section. I'll just mention an italian place if you like that sort of food. Allegro Romano's. Have fun, just left that area today, it was really nice.

Tataki @ California and Divisadero has some of the best sushi I've ever had. They bill themselves as the world's first "eco-friendly" sushi restaurant, only using fish that aren't over-farmed. Honestly, the eco-friendly bit is great but as good as their sashimi is, they could be keeping the fish in a dungeon for all I care. I highly recommend the shiro maguro (white tuna/Albacore). They also make an amazing sangria using sake and asian fruit. No reservations, though, so get there early for dinner (it's a small place).

sfgate.com has extensive listings for The City, with over two thousand restaurant reviews.

2. You can (and should) take BART directly from downtown SF (walkable from any of these hotels) directly to the SFO airport. Don't take a cab, and don't spend your last night in the hotel wasteland down by the airport -- enjoy the last night of your trip still in SF. You won't regret that, for sure.

5. Le Meridien, which although not right on Union Square, is just a few blocks away, and in my opinion is the nicest of these hotels in terms of the hotel/rooms itself.


Hope this helps!

My two cents.

If you are taking bart, make sure your flights coming later than 11pm or so. The last one leaves the airport at 11:53pm. With the lengthy wait for the luggage, you might end up running like a Cinderella, as I did once.

I have stayed at W, Westin, Westin St. Francis, Palace and Le Meridian.

So far, my best experience with suite upgrade and general service is Le Meridian. They treat PL members very well. I got suite upgrade even when I was gold. Parking is not too bad after business hours during the week day, but can always use the parking place right across the street. It might not be located right across the union sq., but you can get there 10-15 mins walking or 5 mins cab. It is quieter at night also.

W is chic and close to SF MOMA (literally right around the corner.) Just like all other W's, most staffs have that signature W-attitude. The downside is it's right next to a fire station. So prepared for some hot firefighter to rush out with the fire alarm in the middle of the night.

Palace has it's charm as an historical property. I love the high ceiling but don't like the design of the restroom. Check-in can take forever, as sometimes I think they are understaffed.

Westin St. Francis is right next to the union sq., I don't have a good track record with upgrade in the property, and stay away from the old building unless you really really love history research.

Westin is on the same street as W. I would call it an Okay as there is not so much to expect. It's closer to Market street and the shopping area. Normally, it has the lowest rate among all of the above, can be a good bargain for the $.

If I do say so myself, the Palace has proved to be a wonderful choice! Not only was I upgraded to a lovely corner suite, but the place has such an old world charm that I woke up thinking I was back in London.

The rate was good, the suite is very nice and even the bath amenities are tops. But I had to post, that is, I had to say, the best part of this whole choice was watching the Chinese New Year Parade from my living room's 2 windows! It started with fireworks and was quite long, but remarkable. I literally sat on the corner window sill and watched the floats, the bands and all the people! I was upset that I got back to the hotel too late to get a good spot for the 5:30 pm parade, so I was shocked to see (and hear) the beginning of the parade as I entered the room.

Granted, I don't have anything to judge this hotel against, that is, I have never been to SFO before. But really, what's not to like? Yes, the bathrooms are small, but they don't lack a thing. I have a combo bath/tub, and it's clean and functional. Considering the lack of time spent in that room, it really isn't (IMO) a reason to stay elsewhere.

The staff has been remarkably nice, from check-in to turn-down. I love the lobby, and the grand restaurant area. I wanted to get back in time to try the Saturday high tea, but alas, I was too long at Fisherman's Wharf.

In any case, I'm very happy with the decision and hope that more people stay at this historic hotel!