typical

Stayed at the Courtyard Union Square before Christmas. Somehow despite it being a complete reward stay - points only, they managed to hold the authorisation twice on two different cards for almost $450 each (including on a Mastercard prepaid debit card, so it's actual money that got held) AND bill me for nearly $500 on top.

And I got a "zero charge, zero balance" receipt on check out, too. At least they've now reversed the almost-$500 charge.

They also at first put me in the "hobbit room" up the stairs (no lift access - that's how you'll know it). Thankfully I got a slightly nicer room after asking to be moved.




It wasn't a terrible hotel all in all, though I didn't exactly feel like Plat counted for anything much there. Good location for me, if several blocks from Union Square (uphill). With the pain over the billing and the otherwise completely unremarkable time there, I won't be rushing back.

pvn

I've stayed there a couple of times, I haven't had trouble with billing there but I did get someone else's underwear when I sent my laundry out once (that's probably on the cleaners, though). Otherwise I'd agree with your assessment. Seems like "tenderloin" would be a more accurate name than "union square."

Kacee

Back-charging, for an award charge no less, is totally inexcusable.

While the exact dividing line can be debated, it's pretty hard to argue that west of Jones counts as "Union Square." If a developer were pitching condos they'd call it "lower Nob Hill." Which is of course code for "Tenderloin."

golfingboy

Quick question - we have the Marriott Fisherman's Wharf booked for end of February. The nightly rate was $129 for three nights. I read the reviews and they are generally unfavorable which is primarily driven by the lousy breakfast benefit and the typically high price with subpar service for that price point.

I am a gold so breakfast doesn't matter and the city has so much to offer cuisine wise. The rate is dirt cheap IMHO for a property in the heart of SF. Leisure trip and we intend to only be there to shower and sleep. Doing Golden Gate/Presidio/Ghirardelli is on the list of activities.

Any reason to book away from this property? All other properties in SF are going for $230++.

Muerz

Kacee

Great price and great location for all that stuff. Walking distance to Fort Mason and there's a Trader Joe's very close by. Only negative about the location is no BART access. But Union Square and Market Street have gotten so awful, I see plenty of advantages to this location.

MDtR-Chicago

No.

golfingboy

Awesome! Thanks everyone - Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf it is!

Apparently many reported that the hotel lacks a CL and the restaurant breakfast benefit for elites was limited to a rather sparse continental breakfast offering with a $7 upcharge for the full buffet.

Maybe things changed?

Looking forward to spending time in the city - it has been too long since I last spent some quality time in SF.

SkiAdcock

\

Things have changed. From the exec lounge sticky.

"San Francisco / Marriott Fishermans Wharf / NO LOUNGE; Full buffet brekkie for Plat+1 daily; 2 drink coupons (per stay); 01/19 update"

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...worldwide.html

Cheers.

kgkg

How good is the breakfast and nighttime snacks at JW San Francisco's lounge?

azoomee

I'm a platinum elite with ambassador and trying to take a spring break trip with the fam to San Francisco. The lowest I could find for 4 nights was 50k/night at the Marriott in SF -- all other hotels are either 50k or 60k/night. Is there any way to get a discounted points rate -- guessing no but figured I'd ask.

Separately, I booked the Marriott Fishermans Warf thinking it would be somewhat nicely located, should I choose another hotel?

BillBurn

Not unless you stay outside of the city. One idea: the Oakland Marriott is only 35K/night, That's a recently renovated property with a lounge and that's just a couple stops on the BART to downtown SF. Remember you also get the 5th night free so if you are going to stay 4 might as well stay 5 if you can.

Actually just checking the website it looks like both of the Courtyard's in Downtown SF (and at the wharf) are also 35K/night.

BillBurn

There's a separate thread on SF Marriott hotels you may want to check out as I am sure there will be lots of opinions. The Fisherman's Wharf Marriott is not a bad choice for a tourist as the Wharf has lots of touristy things to do and your are just a couple blocks from both cable car lines. It's also easier to make it out to Presidio/Golden Gate from there. It wouldn't be a bad place for a family vacation by any means although I haven't stayed at the property (just walked by it), so hopefully you can get some opinions here or on Trip Advisor.

platbrownguy

And even if you can't stay 5 nights you should book 5 nights & get the extra night credit.

hi55us

I'm planning my honeymoon for this August and have 2 free night certificates from opening the Ritz card. I still have platinum status from the ritz card and expect it to stick until August. Debating the best property to use my free nights.

Initially I booked the Ritz because it was 2 free Ritz certs, but looks like I can use it to book any Mariott/SPG property and I'd prefer to use it at a property with more perks for platinum members (mainly free breakfast). It looks like the Mariott Marquis and JW Mariott in Union Square are strong choices and would give me free breakfast, but I'd love to hear everyone's opinion. First time visiting SFO in a while.