Originally Posted by
HNLbasedFlyer
If a family - emphasis on family - who is potentially unfamiliar with SF - will find those 6-12 blocks areas where they are likely to feel safe walking around (Union Sq hotels) versus the outlier hotels - especially at night, vastly different experiences. Union Sq is a bustling well lit area - the Meridien at night, not really - and there isn't much to do at the Meridien in the evening, so you'll want to venture out.
1. Disagree that the area around the LM is “not really” well lit. Sure it’s not bustling at night, but that might be a good thing for a family.
2. The fact that Union Square is a touristy area is not necessarily a good thing. Yes, that area is safe, but I think you’ll find some of the most aggressive panhandlers in that area because they know there are tourists. So from a perception standpoint, one might actually “feel safer” a little bit outside of the immediate Union Square/Westfield area.
3. What do you think a family is doing—or venturing out to—in the evenings?