SFO Renaissance Parc 55
 

We'll be staying a week in SFO next month and have booked a room at the Renaissance Parc 55 using Rewards Points. I'd like to hear some opinions on this hotel, I can't seem to find much info on it in the travel books. Do you think we would be better off at the Marriott Downtown.
Also, any advice on getting an upgrade to the Concierge level while using points. Both of the above hotels claim it is the managers decision when using points. I am a silver member of Marriott.
Thanks in advance for your help!

Welcome to FlyerTalk.

I think you'd be better off at the Renaissance. The downtown Marriott is in the midst of a labor dispute, and you may encounter noisy pickets...

Stayed at the Parc 55 back in Oct '99, soon after it became a Renaissance. Don't remember what it was prior to that.

Location: it is only two blocks from Union Square, although I think it is closed down for the next couple of years while undergoing a complete facelift. Only a block from the cable car (Powell & Hyde) line to Fisherman's Wharf. Right across the street from a BART station, if you need to use it to get around. Only a ten minute walk from the Metreon (right across from the Marriott), which is a high-tech retail center w/movie theater. Plenty of shopping to be had nearby. Not many good restaurants around other than in the hotels themselves. Many fast-food types on Powell.

Our room was on the 20th floor, I believe, with a view to the north towards the downtown financial area (Embarcadero Center). I love high floors for better views when staying in downtown hotels. The room was nicely appointed overall. Not very large room, but everything had it's place. Was not on a Concierge Floor. It is quite a large hotel, in excess of 1,000 rooms.

Cannot imagine the property has lost its appeal over the last year. Hopefully others who have had the occasion to stay there more recently will chime in and give you current insight.

AtlMan

I just came back from a weekend at the Stanford Park---location and service was top notch.

As far as ratings go, the Stanford park rates 4 stars, the parc 55 only 3.

[This message has been edited by Tango (edited 02-21-2001).]

I would stay elsewhere if I were you. I've had nothing but bad experiences at this hotel. From being stuck in smoking rooms, on numerous occasions, to no upgrades, to lousy front desk service, long check in lines. Stay somewhere nice, the Parc 55 leaves a lot to be desired.

I have stayed at this hotel -- it is nice, but nothing special. I have had great experiences at the Stanford Park, the Park Hyatt, the Westin St. Francis and the Fairmont.

------------------

Just a correction... it is the Stanford Court and not Park. Don't want you looking for a hotel you cannot find.

BTW, the Stanford Court (do a search in Marriott, you'll find a few threads,) is my favorite SF hotel. It is on Nob Hill, but not the top, so you save a little "up hill" walking. Sits right on the corner of California and Powell... where ALL of the cable cars cross. You can get anywhere easily from this hotel because of it's cable car location. (You can also buy multi-day passes for all public transportation at the newstand downstairs which really cut the cost of getting around.)

I could go on and on about the hotel, but won't. Stay there, and you'll be very happy.


------------------
Bob

I stayed there just a few months ago. We had nothing but excellent service and the location is very convenient to Union Square and lots of great things to do in the city.

I'm a Platinum and was upgraded to an enormous suite, which sure added to pleasant stay. One way you might get bumped up, check in very late. This hotel is very busy, lots of conventions and the like, so by checking in at 10 PM or later, chances are, most rooms are full, leaving suites as only choices left. Although for a week stay on points, you'll be real lucky to get a great upgrade.

Enjoy!

Thanks all for your input, I truly appreciate the help.

Looks like I'll be staying at the Stanford Court!

You'll love the Stanford Court. It's in the Luxury class of hotels. The Parc 55 is like a Holiday Inn compared to the Stanford Court. I hope you enjoy it.

I've stayed at the Park 55 and the Park Hyatt in San Fran both in the last 2 months.. The Park Hyatt was immensely better. If I had to choose, I'd definitely choose the Park Hyatt.. price was similar I think..

The restaurant at the Stanford Court was great for breakfast but I would skip it for dinner. Too many other excellent places at much more reasonable prices.