Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel {US-CA}
Nov 30, 2015, 2:42 am
#46
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SYD
Programs: JAL DMD, Hildon DMD, Velocity Plat
Posts: 95
I have some stays coming up between xmas and new year. Does anyone have the email address for the hotel front desk? I've done some online shopping in the US and I'm going to ask them to deliver to the hotel to save on overseas shipping (I'm from Australia).
Nov 30, 2015, 2:40 pm
#47
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,693
Still a good hotel. Even when it was a Wyndham or Rennasance before a Hilton and I received no breakfast, I stayed there a lot just due to the location if they were cheaper than the SF Hilton and they are good with upgrades.
Just irritating they are being cheap with the breakfast benefits now (but that is a complaint I have with Hilton in general, I think all diamonds should get a full breakfast like with the competition if there is no lounge) and the continental buffet is better than a lot of US Hilton breakfasts I've had.
Hope you are lucky with your stay and get a server who tells you to help yourself to whatever on the buffet
Just irritating they are being cheap with the breakfast benefits now (but that is a complaint I have with Hilton in general, I think all diamonds should get a full breakfast like with the competition if there is no lounge) and the continental buffet is better than a lot of US Hilton breakfasts I've had.
Hope you are lucky with your stay and get a server who tells you to help yourself to whatever on the buffet
Jan 10, 2016, 2:34 pm
#48
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Madison, WI (MSN)
Programs: Delta Platinum, Hilton & Marriott Plastic Gold, Chick-fil-A Signature
Posts: 441
Detailed Stay Report - January 2016
Completed 2 separate 1-night stays at the Parc 55 on January 5 and 7 as a diamond, sandwiched around a 1-night stay at the Hilton Union Square (getting started early on elite qualification via stays 
).
At the Parc 55 I was acknowledged both check-ins as a diamond, and the 2 bottles of water were in the room. For each stay the OLCI a day in advance showed the original room on the 6th or so floor, so I did not complete the check-in. On the day of arrival an upgraded room was visible in OLCI, in both cases 29th floor room. On one occasion I was able to use OLCI to change the room to the 31st floor, while on the other the 29th was the highest available. I asked about suites or corner rooms at the front desk and was told none available. Picture of the view attached.
I didn't have a problem with road noise in either of the rooms. There were ear plugs in both of the bathrooms and it was certainly not silent, but not enough to bother me. It was somewhat drowned out by the sound of the rain on the window, which was heavy at times during my stay. With the window vents open the road noise is pretty bad though, so I closed them.
The breakfast voucher reads, "As a Diamond guest, enjoy Continental Breakfast, located in Cable 55. Upgrade to full Buffet for addl $10." There was a small sign next to the scrambled eggs indicating to ask server about omelets. The buffet was better than my stay in June, consisting of scrambled eggs, potatoes, bread pudding, bacon, and sausage, along with salmon and some Asian items. On the cold side there are pastries, cereal, bread, and fruit. On both mornings the items were replenished regularly. The "grab and go" area was separate, outside the actual buffet area.
I was charged the upcharge for full buffet both mornings. The additional $10 does not include tax or tip, so the actual amount charged was $10.88 and with a 15-20% tip it is roughly $13 each morning. I still consider the breakfast at the Parc 55 to be inferior to the spread at the Urban Tavern at the Hilton Union Square, and the Hilton $9.99 upcharge includes tax and tip.
Internet access was via a code (not requiring sign-in) and speeds varied. On night 1 around 7:00 PM -- a Monday -- speedtest was indicating 3.5 down and 12 up, whereas on Wednesday at 11:00 PM, it was down to 1.2 down and 0.5 up and dropping out quite frequently, as in the SSID disappearing.
Overall a good stay. I prefer the location of Parc 55 over the Hilton, since it's right across the street from the Powell BART. The Hilton has a better breakfast that's a few bucks cheaper. Nothing compelling for me to choose one versus the other.
).At the Parc 55 I was acknowledged both check-ins as a diamond, and the 2 bottles of water were in the room. For each stay the OLCI a day in advance showed the original room on the 6th or so floor, so I did not complete the check-in. On the day of arrival an upgraded room was visible in OLCI, in both cases 29th floor room. On one occasion I was able to use OLCI to change the room to the 31st floor, while on the other the 29th was the highest available. I asked about suites or corner rooms at the front desk and was told none available. Picture of the view attached.
I didn't have a problem with road noise in either of the rooms. There were ear plugs in both of the bathrooms and it was certainly not silent, but not enough to bother me. It was somewhat drowned out by the sound of the rain on the window, which was heavy at times during my stay. With the window vents open the road noise is pretty bad though, so I closed them.
The breakfast voucher reads, "As a Diamond guest, enjoy Continental Breakfast, located in Cable 55. Upgrade to full Buffet for addl $10." There was a small sign next to the scrambled eggs indicating to ask server about omelets. The buffet was better than my stay in June, consisting of scrambled eggs, potatoes, bread pudding, bacon, and sausage, along with salmon and some Asian items. On the cold side there are pastries, cereal, bread, and fruit. On both mornings the items were replenished regularly. The "grab and go" area was separate, outside the actual buffet area.
I was charged the upcharge for full buffet both mornings. The additional $10 does not include tax or tip, so the actual amount charged was $10.88 and with a 15-20% tip it is roughly $13 each morning. I still consider the breakfast at the Parc 55 to be inferior to the spread at the Urban Tavern at the Hilton Union Square, and the Hilton $9.99 upcharge includes tax and tip.
Internet access was via a code (not requiring sign-in) and speeds varied. On night 1 around 7:00 PM -- a Monday -- speedtest was indicating 3.5 down and 12 up, whereas on Wednesday at 11:00 PM, it was down to 1.2 down and 0.5 up and dropping out quite frequently, as in the SSID disappearing.
Overall a good stay. I prefer the location of Parc 55 over the Hilton, since it's right across the street from the Powell BART. The Hilton has a better breakfast that's a few bucks cheaper. Nothing compelling for me to choose one versus the other.
Jan 10, 2016, 2:46 pm
#49
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,776
Is Gold breakfast only option Grab and go with fruit, bun and juice? No continental buffet and no up charge to full buffet, i.e. full buffet is $30++?
Hiltons in SF are really racing to the bottom in terms of elite benefits, I will go for Starwood even without status I get free wifi and late Sunday check-out at Westin. Better to head our to one of the many great and cheaper breakfast options.
Hiltons in SF are really racing to the bottom in terms of elite benefits, I will go for Starwood even without status I get free wifi and late Sunday check-out at Westin. Better to head our to one of the many great and cheaper breakfast options.
Jan 10, 2016, 5:18 pm
#50
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
Is Gold breakfast only option Grab and go with fruit, bun and juice? No continental buffet and no up charge to full buffet, i.e. full buffet is $30++?
Hiltons in SF are really racing to the bottom in terms of elite benefits, I will go for Starwood even without status I get free wifi and late Sunday check-out at Westin. Better to head our to one of the many great and cheaper breakfast options.
Hiltons in SF are really racing to the bottom in terms of elite benefits, I will go for Starwood even without status I get free wifi and late Sunday check-out at Westin. Better to head our to one of the many great and cheaper breakfast options.
Jan 10, 2016, 5:40 pm
#51
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: LA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold, Delta Platinum Medallion, AAdvantage Platinum Pro
Posts: 600
Completed 2 separate 1-night stays at the Parc 55 on January 5 and 7 as a diamond, sandwiched around a 1-night stay at the Hilton Union Square (getting started early on elite qualification via stays ).
At the Parc 55 I was acknowledged both check-ins as a diamond, and the 2 bottles of water were in the room. For each stay the OLCI a day in advance showed the original room on the 6th or so floor, so I did not complete the check-in. On the day of arrival an upgraded room was visible in OLCI, in both cases 29th floor room. On one occasion I was able to use OLCI to change the room to the 31st floor, while on the other the 29th was the highest available. I asked about suites or corner rooms at the front desk and was told none available. Picture of the view attached.
I didn't have a problem with road noise in either of the rooms. There were ear plugs in both of the bathrooms and it was certainly not silent, but not enough to bother me. It was somewhat drowned out by the sound of the rain on the window, which was heavy at times during my stay. With the window vents open the road noise is pretty bad though, so I closed them.
The breakfast voucher reads, "As a Diamond guest, enjoy Continental Breakfast, located in Cable 55. Upgrade to full Buffet for addl $10." There was a small sign next to the scrambled eggs indicating to ask server about omelets. The buffet was better than my stay in June, consisting of scrambled eggs, potatoes, bread pudding, bacon, and sausage, along with salmon and some Asian items. On the cold side there are pastries, cereal, bread, and fruit. On both mornings the items were replenished regularly. The "grab and go" area was separate, outside the actual buffet area.
I was charged the upcharge for full buffet both mornings. The additional $10 does not include tax or tip, so the actual amount charged was $10.88 and with a 15-20% tip it is roughly $13 each morning. I still consider the breakfast at the Parc 55 to be inferior to the spread at the Urban Tavern at the Hilton Union Square, and the Hilton $9.99 upcharge includes tax and tip.
Internet access was via a code (not requiring sign-in) and speeds varied. On night 1 around 7:00 PM -- a Monday -- speedtest was indicating 3.5 down and 12 up, whereas on Wednesday at 11:00 PM, it was down to 1.2 down and 0.5 up and dropping out quite frequently, as in the SSID disappearing.
Overall a good stay. I prefer the location of Parc 55 over the Hilton, since it's right across the street from the Powell BART. The Hilton has a better breakfast that's a few bucks cheaper. Nothing compelling for me to choose one versus the other.
).At the Parc 55 I was acknowledged both check-ins as a diamond, and the 2 bottles of water were in the room. For each stay the OLCI a day in advance showed the original room on the 6th or so floor, so I did not complete the check-in. On the day of arrival an upgraded room was visible in OLCI, in both cases 29th floor room. On one occasion I was able to use OLCI to change the room to the 31st floor, while on the other the 29th was the highest available. I asked about suites or corner rooms at the front desk and was told none available. Picture of the view attached.
I didn't have a problem with road noise in either of the rooms. There were ear plugs in both of the bathrooms and it was certainly not silent, but not enough to bother me. It was somewhat drowned out by the sound of the rain on the window, which was heavy at times during my stay. With the window vents open the road noise is pretty bad though, so I closed them.
The breakfast voucher reads, "As a Diamond guest, enjoy Continental Breakfast, located in Cable 55. Upgrade to full Buffet for addl $10." There was a small sign next to the scrambled eggs indicating to ask server about omelets. The buffet was better than my stay in June, consisting of scrambled eggs, potatoes, bread pudding, bacon, and sausage, along with salmon and some Asian items. On the cold side there are pastries, cereal, bread, and fruit. On both mornings the items were replenished regularly. The "grab and go" area was separate, outside the actual buffet area.
I was charged the upcharge for full buffet both mornings. The additional $10 does not include tax or tip, so the actual amount charged was $10.88 and with a 15-20% tip it is roughly $13 each morning. I still consider the breakfast at the Parc 55 to be inferior to the spread at the Urban Tavern at the Hilton Union Square, and the Hilton $9.99 upcharge includes tax and tip.
Internet access was via a code (not requiring sign-in) and speeds varied. On night 1 around 7:00 PM -- a Monday -- speedtest was indicating 3.5 down and 12 up, whereas on Wednesday at 11:00 PM, it was down to 1.2 down and 0.5 up and dropping out quite frequently, as in the SSID disappearing.
Overall a good stay. I prefer the location of Parc 55 over the Hilton, since it's right across the street from the Powell BART. The Hilton has a better breakfast that's a few bucks cheaper. Nothing compelling for me to choose one versus the other.
Jan 10, 2016, 6:51 pm
#52
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Madison, WI (MSN)
Programs: Delta Platinum, Hilton & Marriott Plastic Gold, Chick-fil-A Signature
Posts: 441
When I stayed at Parc 55 my one (and only) time as a gold back in May or June of last year, the voucher was treated as $10 off the price of the buffet. So I ended up paying something like $23 for the full breakfast as a gold. Since the Hilton Union Square still let golds upgrade to the full buffet for $10 back then, I did 8 or 9 stays at the Hilton (with some Marriott mixed in) and had not been back to the Parc 55 until trying it again just now.
To "view" regarding the race to the bottom for Hiltons in SF - yep, couldn't agree more. I stay a lot in downtown SF and was *this* close to focusing on Marriott this year when the hot breakfast option was removed for golds at Hilton Union Square. I've stayed at the Marquis, JW, and Marriott Union Square within the last 3 months, all of which have lounges serving a basic hot breakfast for their elites as well as other typical lounge goodies. I ultimately made it to HH diamond and decided to stick it out with Hilton for now.
To Miami305, I posted some details in the thread for the Hilton Union Square including the details of their new breakfast policy and the higher floor upgrade I ended up getting. Good luck with your stay!
Feb 22, 2016, 12:28 pm
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: DEN
Programs: UA MM Plat; AA MM Gold; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 15,866
Just completed a two-day weekend stay.
1) No room service. Wow.
2) $10 upcharge for Diamonds for the hot portion of the breakfast buffet (as mentioned upthread)
3) Parc 55 means: Park? $55.
4) Not a great selection of TV channels
5) Water bottles not replenished
Just a meh experience. HGI treats me better. Won't be back.
1) No room service. Wow.
2) $10 upcharge for Diamonds for the hot portion of the breakfast buffet (as mentioned upthread)
3) Parc 55 means: Park? $55.
4) Not a great selection of TV channels
5) Water bottles not replenished
Just a meh experience. HGI treats me better. Won't be back.
Feb 22, 2016, 11:21 pm
#54
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,313
With a choice of Parc 55 or Marriott Marquis, which would you choose if room quality (including upgrade chances) were the criteria (not breakfast or location and assume rates are similar)
Feb 23, 2016, 9:28 pm
#55
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Madison, WI (MSN)
Programs: Delta Platinum, Hilton & Marriott Plastic Gold, Chick-fil-A Signature
Posts: 441
Both my recent upgrades at the Parc came as a diamond and were to higher floors. My one stay at the Marquis last year (as a MR gold) had an upgrade to a corner room which was a bit larger. To me neither had a particularly memorable room quality (good or bad). Marquis has a (crowded) lounge with a very basic breakfast while Parc a more comprehensive breakfast albeit with the $10 upcharge, but you stated you don't care about breakfast. My favorite property thus far has been the JW up the hill a few blocks because of its lounge, but tied for second place I don't have a strong preference for the Parc, Union Square Hilton, or Marquis.
Feb 24, 2016, 1:49 am
#56
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
My (limited) experience is that as a Platinum at the Marriott Marquis I've done much better on upgrades than as a Diamond at the Parc 55.
Jun 22, 2016, 8:27 am
#58
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BHX
Programs: BA GGL CCR GfL, SQ Gold, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat, Cafe Nero Loyalty Card (7 Stamps)
Posts: 7,328
Never been to SF. Union Sq, Financial District, and Park 55 are all 50k points, so no difference in cost.
Would anyone recommend one over another for a first timer?
Would anyone recommend one over another for a first timer?
Jun 22, 2016, 8:34 am
#59
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,398
Parc 55 has nicer rooms IMO and if you go up the escalator at the Powell Muni/Bart station you literally cross the street and you are there. A lot more generous with upgrades as well.
I'm in SF tomorrow night to Sunday at the Union Square Hilton and just received the welcome email. They are getting really stingy with benefits. In the benefits it said I was eligible to a space available upgrade to a premium room (no mention of suite). Breakfast used to be two vouchers good for either the Starbucks (I think it's another coffee shop now) or contential breakfast at Urban with a $10 upgrade option to the full buffet (which a lot of servers would waive). The email states it's either cont. breakfast at Urban OR a $10 a day food credit.
I've gotten Jr. Suite upgrades at Parc with no problem if they are available and always been upgraded to at least a nicer room. Breakfast is good and they almost always tell you to help yourself to the full buffet and if they don't the continental still has a lot of options.
Unfortunately Parc 55 is a lot more than Union Square or I'd be staying there this weekend.
Jun 22, 2016, 8:38 am
#60
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BHX
Programs: BA GGL CCR GfL, SQ Gold, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat, Cafe Nero Loyalty Card (7 Stamps)
Posts: 7,328
Park 55. If you are a first time visitor you'll probably be relying on Muni/Bart a lot and Financial district isn't as convenient as Union Sq/Park 55. Even though Union Square is only a couple blocks away the Parc 55 is a safer area, union square Hilton can get sketchy after dark if you go the wrong way. Parc 55 is also across the street from the Westfield mall and next to Market Street.
Parc 55 has nicer rooms IMO and if you go up the escalator at the Powell Muni/Bart station you literally cross the street and you are there. A lot more generous with upgrades as well.
I'm in SF tomorrow night to Sunday at the Union Square Hilton and just received the welcome email. They are getting really stingy with benefits. In the benefits it said I was eligible to a space available upgrade to a premium room (no mention of suite). Breakfast used to be two vouchers good for either the Starbucks (I think it's another coffee shop now) or contential breakfast at Urban with a $10 upgrade option to the full buffet (which a lot of servers would waive). The email states it's either cont. breakfast at Urban OR a $10 a day food credit.
I've gotten Jr. Suite upgrades at Parc with no problem if they are available and always been upgraded to at least a nicer room. Breakfast is good and they almost always tell you to help yourself to the full buffet and if they don't the continental still has a lot of options.
Unfortunately Parc 55 is a lot more than Union Square or I'd be staying there this weekend.
Parc 55 has nicer rooms IMO and if you go up the escalator at the Powell Muni/Bart station you literally cross the street and you are there. A lot more generous with upgrades as well.
I'm in SF tomorrow night to Sunday at the Union Square Hilton and just received the welcome email. They are getting really stingy with benefits. In the benefits it said I was eligible to a space available upgrade to a premium room (no mention of suite). Breakfast used to be two vouchers good for either the Starbucks (I think it's another coffee shop now) or contential breakfast at Urban with a $10 upgrade option to the full buffet (which a lot of servers would waive). The email states it's either cont. breakfast at Urban OR a $10 a day food credit.
I've gotten Jr. Suite upgrades at Parc with no problem if they are available and always been upgraded to at least a nicer room. Breakfast is good and they almost always tell you to help yourself to the full buffet and if they don't the continental still has a lot of options.
Unfortunately Parc 55 is a lot more than Union Square or I'd be staying there this weekend.