ILovetheReds

Stayed at the SF Hilton and the Parc 55 last week.

Parc 55 gave me a Jr. Suite upgrade. Housekeeping was behind when I arrived at 6 p.m. so I am not sure if waiting on the room had anything to do with it or not. They gave me a very generous voucher to use in the bar that covered a couple drinks and an appetizer while I waited so was worth it. Breakfast was a voucher for the buffet. Nothing to write home over, but decent for a Hilton free US Breakfast with a few hot choices.

SF Hilton received an upgrade to a renovated room. Upgrades are really hit/miss here for suites. I didn't bother to look online to see if they were sold out or not. Server told me both mornings there was an upcharge for the full buffet so I took the free continental buffet which is still a great breakfast, and used the second voucher for a frap and muffin and banana in the afternoon.

I like the Parc's location better. When coming on Bart just go up the escalator and cross the street and you are there. The area by the SF is shady at night time if you take a left.

For Breakfast if you can get the full breakfast waived, than SF Hilton is better, and if you are travelling solo having the Star$ voucher for later in the day is a plus. If you want to be assured of free hot breakfast items stay at the Parc 55.

In the future I will just stay at whichever property is cheapest. In this case, the Parc was cheaper the one night and SF Hilton the other two.

mrredskin

Planning two nights in Sonoma region for the whole wine experience thing, and weighing my options between these three hotels. I don't see much info on any of them, recently. I can get the same rate at each, so logically I'd think the DT or Hilton would be the top two choices. Opinions appreciated.

365RoadWarrior

I don't have a good recommendation for you. All my travel to the area is pure business. But a warning: there are a bunch if hotels that suggest they are in Wine Country that are not. Fairfield, Vacaville, American Canyon.

MsAssertive

We just did the wine country trip in late December and split it between the HGI Napa and HGI Sonoma County Airport. Much preferred the Napa location as the amenities were nicer, breakfast was fantastic, and the staff was incredibly welcoming. Sonoma County, in contrast, felt like a typical business property and in fact, had a building under construction right in front of the hotel. Avoided the other Hilton locations due to Trip Advisor reviews. Good luck and enjoy the trip!

LongingForORD

Hi, I will try to help as I live here (of course I am biased). None of the Hilton family hotels are what you would think of as quaint Wine country, but many are great choices, especially if you are trying to use/get points.

Not sure which exact properties you are talking about, as there are several Hampton's.

I think the only Doubletree is in Rohnert Park, off the freeway, in a business park, sort of big and kid of resorty. Close to the new casino, so too congested for me.

Hilton is in Santa Rosa, in a nice area, but sort of commercial. Pretty view, but nothing walk able.

HGI at Sonoma Airport is one of my favorite, smaller and much more homey than usual. But still off the freeway with views of nothing. I stay here as a staycation because they have an indoor pool and my niece likes it. Very nice staff, decent food, and local wine in the bar. Very quiet.

Hampton Inn in Windsor is where my guests usually stay (if they are not mooching with me), it is right off the freeway, and across from the local grocery stores and Johhny Garlick (if you are a Guy Fiero fan) and unfortunately Applebee's. . Typical Hampton, but again nice staff and many restaurants walkable. Easy access to freeway.

Sonoma county is a large area and you will need a car to get around. So all Hilton family hotels have freeway access. As a local, I love the North/West county area, as it is the most rural and what I think of as "wine country". If you also want to go to Napa country, you will need to have access across the mountains, so that might figure into your location.

Not sure if that was helpful, but if you have specific questions about location, ect.. please ask me and I would be glad to help. Or PM me.

Any way enjoy your trip out here, it is incredibly beautiful with lots of fun things to see and do.

pauleeepaul

Without knowing more I would say there is a logical disconnect between this statement and your handle

hedoman

It's been a few years, but have had multiple stays at Hilton and DT. Between the two, it's a toss up. Hilton was managed by Starwood during my stays. DT, being a former Red Lion has more large rooms and larger overall feel. Hilton is a large spread at a higher elevation. Both are in their own fairly remote settings that should provide peace and quiet. Hampton is on the highway and would only be considered if faster on/off 101 were important. The HGI near Santa Rosa airport is truly in a business park and you are right in not considering it. And you know that Sonoma is not Napa, unlike some people.
Based on you wanting to do the wine thing, Hilton gets a slight nod.

LongingForORD

Nope, I live here.... but since you asked, I joined FT many years ago when I was living in the ATL, I have since moved to 4 miles from STS, but in my heart I am still a ORD girl (you know, you can take the girl out of Chicago, but you can't take the Chicago out of the girl). Much as I miss Chicago, I would not trade Sonoma County for anything, as great of a place as it is to visit, it is a better place to live.

As a side note, when I was a small child my Dad would drive my sister and me to ORD early on Sunday mornings and let us sit inside at the big windows and watch the planes take off, yep I am that old, no security, no parking fees, just free entertainment for the kids (and sleep in time for Mom).

ptownca

As an alternative, I've stayed at the Napa Embassy Suites three times now and have been overall pleased. It is a bit different than most ES, as the central courtyard is open air and has a duck pond with geese.

Good treatment as a gold. Not been there as a Diamond.

mrredskin

Based on what I've read about Napa and Sonoma, we're just going to do Sonoma since we'll only be there for 2.5 days. We will have a car, as well.

An ES would be my top choice but $$ doesn't justify it for this trip.

The Hampton I was referencing was the Rohnert Park. Windsor is definitely more appealing but not sure if it's $60 more per night, worthy. HGI airport price is too high to be considered.

We really aren't requiring the "quaint wine country" vibe - especially since we'll have a car.

Another option is the Sheraton in Petaluma. Further south, but we'd have a club level room. Too far south, maybe?

From what all of you have mentioned so far, Hilton seems to be the best choice right now.

Kacee

Yes, too far south. Highway 101 is subject to horrible back-ups between Novato and Santa Rosa. You'd be right in the middle of that. I'd avoid Rohnert Park for the same reason.

That would be my first choice of the Hilton properties in Sonoma County.

UKOK

Does anyone know if it's possible to enter / exit the Hilton Union Square from the back of the building onto Ellis Street?

sethb

Yes, it is, via the parking garage.

UKOK

Perfect, thanks.

FlyerGoldII

We want to go to such a hotel - nearest hotel to Union Station - and near to the BART station (so we do not have to take a taxi/uber or airporter shuttle from SFO to the hotel)?