I go to San Francisco about one week out of the month and, hands-down, I prefer the Stanford Court. The Marriott is a very crowded, convention-type hotel with a truly ugly lobby, the Parc55 is also very large and impersonal (and in a questionable neighborhood), and the Wharf is in the middle of t-shirts, cut-offs, and fanny-pack land. The beds at the Stanford Court have a wonderful feather mattress (I bought one for my own bed-the dog loves it) and Frette sheets. Yes, the rooms can be a bit small and the decor is a bit grandmotherly but the hotel is a class act all the way. You will actually feel like a San Franciscan walking around that neighborhood. The hotel restaurant is excellent (the BEST lemon-souffle pancakes) and the bar is a little gem. Yes, there is a hike up Nob Hill but you can take a short cab ride if you're not inclined to make like a San Franciscan and walk the 3 blocks from Union Square. Ask for a outside-facing room. There are several little neighborhood places to eat nearby (Rue Lepic on Pine, the Nob Hill Cafe and Venticello on Taylor are all a short walk away) and the legendary Top of The Mark is next door atop the Hotel Mark Hopkins. It's a far more romantic place for a nightcap than the Marriott's rooftop bar. Have a wonderful trip!