nmpls

It was better pre-covid, but its still pretty good. I really strongly prefer a freshly cooked breakfast like Adagio gives you v. buffets with weird eggs most places give you (unless I'm in a rush in the AM, but that's a me problem). I've pretty much switched my business to them from the Marquis. The Marquis never does upgrades best I can tell, and they still haven't reopened the lounge. This is despite the fact that I much prefer to stay near Market because of transit access and my general destinations. I don't stay at the nicer and more expensive properties because I'm either travelling for work, where state rate is an issue, and if I'm not travelling for work, I'm there for 1 night for a concert, so really I just need a bed and paying extra for things I won't use doesn't make sense.

ElevatorEnthusiast

Marriott Union Square is the most normal and boring but probably the safest choice. Marquis sounds like they are still penny-pinching on Elite benefits. St. Francis could be seen as dated by some, but I really enjoyed my stay late last year (even in the more dated Tower).

The two Marriotts have better beds than the Westin, but I would likely go for Union Square to avoid the hassle at the Marquis. US still has the potential for good views in the corner rooms - but basically no suites. US breakfast was in the lounge during the week and buffet downstairs on weekends a couple of months ago. St Francis was take-out cafe during the week and buffet on weekends. Marquis sounds like it's just take-out.

St. Francis is the most interesting property - the Tower elevators combined with the historical feel of the Landmark building make for a great and unique experience. I'd stay there at least once, but again, the safest choice for being pleased is likely the Union Square Marriott.

Kacee

I think that's right. If you win the room assignment lotto, there are some nice rooms at St. Francis (I like the older ones with high ceilings) but Union Square is safest. The Marquis is a convention property, I dislike it intensely.

Michilander

Thanks for the intel. I have booked Union Square.

bmwe92fan

Completely agree with all thoughts on the Marquis with one exception -- the fitness center there is the best in SF for Marriott - at least to me!

WillBarrett_68

100% agree, St Francis has the biggest variability, Union Square is extremely consistent, and Marquis is a giant warehouse.

ElevatorEnthusiast

One other positive point of credit for St. Francis, though - I found the service to be very good, even for such a large hotel. My check-in agent got me some towels to dry off when I arrived in the middle of a large rainstorm and walked me through the available upgrade choices in both the Landmark and Tower buildings (pros and cons of each with better views in the Tower, but more recently renovated rooms in the Landmark building). If I remember correctly, the housekeeping staff was also quite friendly when I passed them in the halls.

wcj1

I need a single night in SF this summer and was looking at the Marquis (I know some here don't like it, but we do) and I noticed this new thing on the rate page:
A daily destination fee of USD 25 plus tax will be added to the room rate and includes USD 25 food and beverage credit, enhanced Wi-Fi and more.

That's disappointing and will make it less likely for us to stay in the future.

I'm now clicking around and haven't stayed at the Marriott Union Square yet, but I don't remember this from before:
A daily destination fee of USD 25 plus tax will be added to the room rate and includes a food and beverage credit, 2 cable car tickets and more.

I don't ever look at the Marriott Fisherman's Wharf (until now) and:
A daily destination fee of USD 20 plus tax will be added to the room rate and includes activities, discounts, Internet and more.

The Westin St Francis notes an early departure fee of one night + tax (which I think is new). Same with the St Regis, Palace (we stayed there the last time and were underwhelmed), W, Ritz, Le Meridien, Clancy, Marriott Oakland City Center...

I'm weary of clicking through and this downhill slide in property changes.

SPN Lifer

The early departure fees are perhaps justifiable if disclosed.

Yet with those San Francisco properties adding destination fees, we are getting Bonv∘yed left and right!

flyzeus

Stayed at the Marriott Union Square as Marriott Gold for 1 night using FNA 35K + 15k Points. Wanted to check in but we subject to $50 charge so I passed. The room was ready by the 4pm check in. I mainly booked this place bc of the added perks of the daily destination fee of USD 25 plus tax that includes a $25 food and beverage credit and 2 cable car tickets.

the $25 beverage and food credit can be used at the breakfast buffet ($30 per person) or in the evening at Bin 480, the hotel lounge and bar. Just note the additional fees of tax and 18% service charge. I ordered drinks at Bin 480 and then enjoyed in the room.

the 2 cable car ticket vouchers ($8 value each) are offered at check in and had no trouble redeeming them. The cable car stops are conveniently in front of the hotel. Also the Hyde Cable Car stops near Ghirardelli Square. Svae the cable car vouchers to get 10% discount on purchase at tickets can save 10% on purchases at Ghirardelli.

Radiation Station

Hi everyone, I would be grateful for some advice. My girlfriend and I are visiting SF for the first time in August this year. I am looking for recommendations for a property that is convenient for the main tourist attractions and is in a safe area (we have heard some things about the increasing homelessness and drug crime in SF, which is sad and a little worrying).

I have a good rate at the Adagio but I have heard the property isn’t in the best area and there are currently some renovations going on at the hotel, which may be noisy.

I am not massively constrained by budget but would ideally not pay more than $400 a night. Priorities are a good, safe location and access to a decent gym (this could also be near the hotel rather than in it). Good air conditioning and sound proofing are also appreciated. I am Marriott Ambassador, so good elite treatment would be nice but I never expect this in the USA tbh.

yyzflyer

If the lack of a lounge is not important and location is, I wouldn't rule out the Marriott Fisherman's Wharf. We got a decent if not overwhelming suite upgrade there, it seemed "safer" than other locations downtown (tried 4 in total) and anywhere we needed was easy access by tram or cable car. It is close to the "must-see" sights for first time visitors and decent restaurants. There was nothing really wrong with the others and I'd certainly recommend The Clancy (former Courtyard Downtown) for service and proximity to the ballpark, although further from the touristy stuff.

ElevatorEnthusiast

I'd agree with Fisherman's Wharf on location - haven't stayed there, so can't comment on the property - due to proximity to North Beach with good Italian and the beautiful hills around Coit Tower. For sub-$400 and the general unpleasantness of Downtown aside, I'd recommend the Palace as you'll fall out of STR range at that price. I didn't even get an upgrade there and really enjoyed the comfort and quiet of my standard room facing a brick courtyard (they would have upgraded me had there been availability and had I not checked in at 8 AM). Common areas are beautiful, too.

Kacee

The Palace would be okay, though you'll likely have some street people in the vicinity, and no views. RC would also be worth considering. The Union Square/SOMA options can all be a bit gritty. If you're not wed to Marriott, the HR probably has the best location for a visitor, though it's nothing special particularly from a service perspective (and some of the rooms can be a bit loud). Another option would be the new FS Embarcadero in the former Mandarin/Loew's space (with stunning views).

As a local, I have a knee jerk negative reaction to the wharf. That's the TS of SF. Also, I wouldn't be worried so much about crime, just observe normal big city precautions. The homeless situation is totally out of control though.

ElevatorEnthusiast

I don't disagree with the thought that SF honestly isn't that bad - I have only ever seen one fight where a food delivery driver in SoMA started assaulting a homeless person and acting like a ridiculous "macho" man. Otherwise, it's pretty easy to tell who could be hostile and just avoid them, in my experience. As for the Wharf, I agree - the actual Wharf isn't anything fun or special, but I always walk by the Marriott when I'm in North Beach/Little Italy, so it seems like a good location if you just go the other direction. One other thought - there is the Le Meridien in the Embarcadero (same complex as the HR, but further from the water) - this used to be the Park Hyatt many years back, and I haven't stayed. It could be a good option for Marriott in that (definitely better) location as it doesn't seem to get terrible reviews the last time I checked. FS Embarcadero was stunning because of the views, but the F&B at room service back in 2021 was abysmal (hopefully, they finally opened a real restaurant).