San Francisco Area Starwood Hotels (General Discussion 2008 Onward)
May 4, 2008, 8:55 am
#31
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Plat MM, AA Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, IHG Plat, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 5,015
May 5, 2008, 8:35 pm
#32
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*P, SPG
Posts: 290
Just looking for some advice from people familiar with the area as I will be traveling to SFO on May 17-19.
I am a SPG base so upgrades will not apply to me.
I'm debating between (per night rates):
LM SFO - $229+ for a Superior, fully prepaid on spg.com
Westin St. Francis - $154+ for a Deluxe, fully prepaid through orbitz.com (pkg'd with my flights through UA)
Westin Market Street - $170.10+ for a Traditional, 24 hour cxl policy (AAA Rate), or 4000 pts + $60 (C+P).
I don't foresee us being in the room too often, however I would still like to stay somewhere half decent. I've read a few negative reviews about the St. Francis, so I'm wondering if it really IS that bad. I know a lot of people reading are Plats that haven't stayed in an non-upgraded room in a while, but hey, worth a try right?
4000 pts + $60/night seems like a really good deal for Market Street, albeit for a standard Traditional Room. But...so does $229 + taxes for the LM.
Any advice would be well appreciated! ^
I am a SPG base so upgrades will not apply to me.
I'm debating between (per night rates):
LM SFO - $229+ for a Superior, fully prepaid on spg.com
Westin St. Francis - $154+ for a Deluxe, fully prepaid through orbitz.com (pkg'd with my flights through UA)
Westin Market Street - $170.10+ for a Traditional, 24 hour cxl policy (AAA Rate), or 4000 pts + $60 (C+P).
I don't foresee us being in the room too often, however I would still like to stay somewhere half decent. I've read a few negative reviews about the St. Francis, so I'm wondering if it really IS that bad. I know a lot of people reading are Plats that haven't stayed in an non-upgraded room in a while, but hey, worth a try right?
4000 pts + $60/night seems like a really good deal for Market Street, albeit for a standard Traditional Room. But...so does $229 + taxes for the LM.
Any advice would be well appreciated! ^
May 5, 2008, 8:41 pm
#33
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: SEA
Programs: SPG Plt, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Gold, AA LT Gold
Posts: 424
Just looking for some advice from people familiar with the area as I will be traveling to SFO on May 17-19.
I am a SPG base so upgrades will not apply to me.
I'm debating between (per night rates):
LM SFO - $229+ for a Superior, fully prepaid on spg.com
Westin St. Francis - $154+ for a Deluxe, fully prepaid through orbitz.com (pkg'd with my flights through UA)
Westin Market Street - $170.10+ for a Traditional, 24 hour cxl policy (AAA Rate), or 4000 pts + $60 (C+P).
I don't foresee us being in the room too often, however I would still like to stay somewhere half decent. I've read a few negative reviews about the St. Francis, so I'm wondering if it really IS that bad. I know a lot of people reading are Plats that haven't stayed in an non-upgraded room in a while, but hey, worth a try right?
4000 pts + $60/night seems like a really good deal for Market Street, albeit for a standard Traditional Room. But...so does $229 + taxes for the LM.
Any advice would be well appreciated! ^
I am a SPG base so upgrades will not apply to me.
I'm debating between (per night rates):
LM SFO - $229+ for a Superior, fully prepaid on spg.com
Westin St. Francis - $154+ for a Deluxe, fully prepaid through orbitz.com (pkg'd with my flights through UA)
Westin Market Street - $170.10+ for a Traditional, 24 hour cxl policy (AAA Rate), or 4000 pts + $60 (C+P).
I don't foresee us being in the room too often, however I would still like to stay somewhere half decent. I've read a few negative reviews about the St. Francis, so I'm wondering if it really IS that bad. I know a lot of people reading are Plats that haven't stayed in an non-upgraded room in a while, but hey, worth a try right?
4000 pts + $60/night seems like a really good deal for Market Street, albeit for a standard Traditional Room. But...so does $229 + taxes for the LM.
Any advice would be well appreciated! ^
May 5, 2008, 8:51 pm
#34
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*P, SPG
Posts: 290
I threw in the St. Francis' as more of an afterthought, just cause it popped up when I was pulling up my flight arrangements.
What my question probably really is, is which is the better value? LM @ $229+ or Market Street with 4000 pts + $60?
May 5, 2008, 10:11 pm
#35
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: UA1k3.00mm;AAex-EXP;Hy Glob;Acc Plt;HH Dia;Onyx Plt;Mar LT Tit;IHG DiAm;RR P;RRA G;BW D;Hcom G
Posts: 2,759
I think the St. Francis is in the best location across the street from Union Square.
You can't beat the cash and points at the Westin Market St. though.
The LM is near a couple of theatres, but not as many as the St. Francis is near. There's a half price ticket booth in Union Square across the street from the St. Francis.
Every U.S. President since Teddy Roosevelt has stayed at the St. Francis.
You can't beat the cash and points at the Westin Market St. though.
The LM is near a couple of theatres, but not as many as the St. Francis is near. There's a half price ticket booth in Union Square across the street from the St. Francis.
Every U.S. President since Teddy Roosevelt has stayed at the St. Francis.
May 6, 2008, 11:54 am
#36
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SQL
Programs: SPG Platinum; Hyatt Platinum; UA 1K
Posts: 3,170
True, but no President has ever died there (although Jerry Ford came close and Al Jolson did) - for that you have to go to the Palace a bit down Market Street.
Last edited by VPescado; May 6, 2008 at 12:11 pm
May 6, 2008, 6:28 pm
#37
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Miami/Philly
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat, HH Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 103
Frankly, if you want to build up your points quickly a stay a Le Merdien will help and it is definitely worth it for the lovely rooms and the great location. I was just there two weeks ago and love this hotel. It's very zen as are most LMs. It has terrific, comfortable rooms and is far from the maddening crowd of Union Square. LM in SF is attached to the lovely Embaradero shops and is exactly six blocks from the Ferry Building. Union Square is less than 10 minutes away on foot. SOMA is even closer.
I've stayed at the Westin St Francis 4X in the last 3 years and each time the experience has gone further down hill for me. My last room on the 22nd floor was shockingly tired and worn out in appearance. Though the parking valets and bellmen were unfailingly pleasant, I felt the front desk staff was cold and indifferent. Maybe it's the mobs of tourists, the harried font desk staff or the poor value for the money spent here, but I doubt I'll stay there again.
What is the Palace going for during your trip? The Palace is well located on Market (right above the Montgomery Street Bart Station). Typically, when LM is sold out or priced too high for a classic room I'll stay here for the historic elegance.
I've stayed at the Westin St Francis 4X in the last 3 years and each time the experience has gone further down hill for me. My last room on the 22nd floor was shockingly tired and worn out in appearance. Though the parking valets and bellmen were unfailingly pleasant, I felt the front desk staff was cold and indifferent. Maybe it's the mobs of tourists, the harried font desk staff or the poor value for the money spent here, but I doubt I'll stay there again.
What is the Palace going for during your trip? The Palace is well located on Market (right above the Montgomery Street Bart Station). Typically, when LM is sold out or priced too high for a classic room I'll stay here for the historic elegance.
May 6, 2008, 7:51 pm
#38
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*P, SPG
Posts: 290
Frankly, if you want to build up your points quickly a stay a Le Merdien will help and it is definitely worth it for the lovely rooms and the great location. I was just there two weeks ago and love this hotel. It's very zen as are most LMs. It has terrific, comfortable rooms and is far from the maddening crowd of Union Square. LM in SF is attached to the lovely Embaradero shops and is exactly six blocks from the Ferry Building. Union Square is less than 10 minutes away on foot. SOMA is even closer.
I've stayed at the Westin St Francis 4X in the last 3 years and each time the experience has gone further down hill for me. My last room on the 22nd floor was shockingly tired and worn out in appearance. Though the parking valets and bellmen were unfailingly pleasant, I felt the front desk staff was cold and indifferent. Maybe it's the mobs of tourists, the harried font desk staff or the poor value for the money spent here, but I doubt I'll stay there again.
What is the Palace going for during your trip? The Palace is well located on Market (right above the Montgomery Street Bart Station). Typically, when LM is sold out or priced too high for a classic room I'll stay here for the historic elegance.
I've stayed at the Westin St Francis 4X in the last 3 years and each time the experience has gone further down hill for me. My last room on the 22nd floor was shockingly tired and worn out in appearance. Though the parking valets and bellmen were unfailingly pleasant, I felt the front desk staff was cold and indifferent. Maybe it's the mobs of tourists, the harried font desk staff or the poor value for the money spent here, but I doubt I'll stay there again.
What is the Palace going for during your trip? The Palace is well located on Market (right above the Montgomery Street Bart Station). Typically, when LM is sold out or priced too high for a classic room I'll stay here for the historic elegance.
The Palace is booking at $279+ on spg.com.
Rates are starting to drop a bit. I can get $161+ for a Traditional at Market Street. LM has a prepaid rate on spg.com for a Superior at $199+.
I'm starting to lean towards LM, as the more I read about Market Street and LM, the more it's showing that the ~$40/night difference is well worth it at LM.
EDIT: That being said, the SUMMER2 rate for Market Street is back up, so there's rates of $149+/169+ for Traditional and Deluxe rooms respectively (and 5000 bonus SPG points!) I've searched the Westin site high and low and I can't tell what the difference between the two rooms are (other then maybe a higher floor). Does anybody know?
Last edited by incognism; May 6, 2008 at 8:04 pm
May 6, 2008, 9:27 pm
#39
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Calgary
Programs: AC, AA, SPG
Posts: 776
EDIT: That being said, the SUMMER2 rate for Market Street is back up, so there's rates of $149+/169+ for Traditional and Deluxe rooms respectively (and 5000 bonus SPG points!) I've searched the Westin site high and low and I can't tell what the difference between the two rooms are (other then maybe a higher floor). Does anybody know?
The only difference is a higher floor. The WMS is very average and not too polished when it comes to service but has a great location and would do you well for that price (and the bonus points!). The bed is comfortable, the room will be clean and the shower will be hot.
Just a quick note on one of your previous posts, if you book pre-paid through Orbitz which was one of your considerations be aware you would not get stay credit or points for your room. Also, Cash and Points won't get you a stay credit or points for the cash portion either.
May 7, 2008, 1:17 pm
#40
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: UA1k3.00mm;AAex-EXP;Hy Glob;Acc Plt;HH Dia;Onyx Plt;Mar LT Tit;IHG DiAm;RR P;RRA G;BW D;Hcom G
Posts: 2,759
May 11, 2008, 7:45 am
#41
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BLI
Programs: Alaska Million Mile Flyer, Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,194
The Palace is likely to have high rates over May 17-19 since the Software and Information Industry annual conferences are there starting the 18th.
Personally, I like the W (was just there last weekend) -- right next to SF MOMA, and a short walk from Market and shopping.
Personally, I like the W (was just there last weekend) -- right next to SF MOMA, and a short walk from Market and shopping.
May 11, 2008, 8:17 am
#42
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Monterey, California
Programs: Affiliated with all, participate in some
Posts: 2,188
5,000 points is a lot of points to pass on for an anticipated better room in Le Meridien.
As a base SPG member you may end up with a room with no view at any of the Starwood hotels. Le Meridien is surrounded by other skyscrapers and you need to be up above about the 10th floor to see over any other buildings. I do like the location of Le Meridien better with all the features of the Embarcadero Shops, Resturants, and theaters.
Westin Market is a minute walk from the St. Regis and W Hotels. You are better located to transportation options at the Westin Market. The rooms have large flat-screen tv, and while the view is not as pretty to the western part of SF from the Westin, it is the same view most people get at the W Hotel (compared to the possibility of having a North Beach/Coit Tower view from Le Meridien if your room is high enough).
As a base SPG member you may end up with a room with no view at any of the Starwood hotels. Le Meridien is surrounded by other skyscrapers and you need to be up above about the 10th floor to see over any other buildings. I do like the location of Le Meridien better with all the features of the Embarcadero Shops, Resturants, and theaters.
Westin Market is a minute walk from the St. Regis and W Hotels. You are better located to transportation options at the Westin Market. The rooms have large flat-screen tv, and while the view is not as pretty to the western part of SF from the Westin, it is the same view most people get at the W Hotel (compared to the possibility of having a North Beach/Coit Tower view from Le Meridien if your room is high enough).
May 11, 2008, 12:05 pm
#43
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*P, SPG
Posts: 290
5,000 points is a lot of points to pass on for an anticipated better room in Le Meridien.
As a base SPG member you may end up with a room with no view at any of the Starwood hotels. Le Meridien is surrounded by other skyscrapers and you need to be up above about the 10th floor to see over any other buildings. I do like the location of Le Meridien better with all the features of the Embarcadero Shops, Resturants, and theaters.
Westin Market is a minute walk from the St. Regis and W Hotels. You are better located to transportation options at the Westin Market. The rooms have large flat-screen tv, and while the view is not as pretty to the western part of SF from the Westin, it is the same view most people get at the W Hotel (compared to the possibility of having a North Beach/Coit Tower view from Le Meridien if your room is high enough).
As a base SPG member you may end up with a room with no view at any of the Starwood hotels. Le Meridien is surrounded by other skyscrapers and you need to be up above about the 10th floor to see over any other buildings. I do like the location of Le Meridien better with all the features of the Embarcadero Shops, Resturants, and theaters.
Westin Market is a minute walk from the St. Regis and W Hotels. You are better located to transportation options at the Westin Market. The rooms have large flat-screen tv, and while the view is not as pretty to the western part of SF from the Westin, it is the same view most people get at the W Hotel (compared to the possibility of having a North Beach/Coit Tower view from Le Meridien if your room is high enough).
May 13, 2008, 8:46 am
#44
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 86
Questions about Palace
I'm staying at the Palace the weekend of May 22 and had a couple of questions about the hotel and area. I'm taking my wife, our 14 month old son and mother-in law (it was a mother's day present) for a weekend in SF and wine country.
1. I'm renting a car to drive up to wine country from Dollar for two days which doesn't seem to be too far away from the hotel according to the map. Anyone know if its walkable within 20 minutes? Any other rental car places closer? I'm actually renting and returning each day so I don't have to pay for parking at the hotel.
2. Is the BART station literally in front of the hotel? How long is the ride from SFO? I think we will end up taking this from SFO so we don't have to hassle with putting a baby car seat into and out of a cab. I don't want to hassle with luggage and a toddler if the BART station is more than a couple of blocks from the hotel.
3. How far of a walk is it to Fisherman's wharf from the hotel? Is there a bus or trolley that runs close to this hotel?
4. Any recommendations on reasonably priced good restaurants near the hotel? We like seafood, steaks, pastas/pizza, sushi. There is one small cafe that my wife and I love which might be a ways off near Chestnut and 21st street: Pacific Catch. But we'll definitely hit this one up along with Scoma's of course.
5. Anyone have any experiences with ABC Bay Area Child Care agency? It is the agency that the hotel recommended in case we want to use child care. Right now as it stands he is coming with us to wine country. I know it won't be as enjoyable for me, but this is my third time going and my wife and mother-in-law have all gone before. I'll be the designated driver and baby sitter while my wife and in law do the tastings since it is their gift from us.
Thanks in advance for your replies!
1. I'm renting a car to drive up to wine country from Dollar for two days which doesn't seem to be too far away from the hotel according to the map. Anyone know if its walkable within 20 minutes? Any other rental car places closer? I'm actually renting and returning each day so I don't have to pay for parking at the hotel.
2. Is the BART station literally in front of the hotel? How long is the ride from SFO? I think we will end up taking this from SFO so we don't have to hassle with putting a baby car seat into and out of a cab. I don't want to hassle with luggage and a toddler if the BART station is more than a couple of blocks from the hotel.
3. How far of a walk is it to Fisherman's wharf from the hotel? Is there a bus or trolley that runs close to this hotel?
4. Any recommendations on reasonably priced good restaurants near the hotel? We like seafood, steaks, pastas/pizza, sushi. There is one small cafe that my wife and I love which might be a ways off near Chestnut and 21st street: Pacific Catch. But we'll definitely hit this one up along with Scoma's of course.
5. Anyone have any experiences with ABC Bay Area Child Care agency? It is the agency that the hotel recommended in case we want to use child care. Right now as it stands he is coming with us to wine country. I know it won't be as enjoyable for me, but this is my third time going and my wife and mother-in-law have all gone before. I'll be the designated driver and baby sitter while my wife and in law do the tastings since it is their gift from us.
Thanks in advance for your replies!
May 13, 2008, 9:12 am
#45
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: On the road, 24/7/365
Posts: 3,467
<1. I'm renting a car to drive up to wine country from Dollar for two days which doesn't seem to be too far away from the hotel according to the map. Anyone know if its walkable within 20 minutes? Any other rental car places closer? I'm actually renting and returning each day so I don't have to pay for parking at the hotel.>
I'm not sure where the Dollar office is, but many downtown hotels have car rental locations. You should be able to do a search with any of the car rental companies for off-airport rentals. Downtown zip code is 94105 (and several others).
<2. Is the BART station literally in front of the hotel? How long is the ride from SFO? I think we will end up taking this from SFO so we don't have to hassle with putting a baby car seat into and out of a cab. I don't want to hassle with luggage and a toddler if the BART station is more than a couple of blocks from the hotel.>
Yes, BART is right in front of hotel, if you go out the Market Street door. I think the ride to SFO is about 35 minutes.
<3. How far of a walk is it to Fisherman's wharf from the hotel? Is there a bus or trolley that runs close to this hotel?>
I think the Wharf is about two miles, if you walk down Market and along the Embarcadero. There is a streetcar ("F"?) that'll take you nearly the whole way.
<4. Any recommendations on reasonably priced good restaurants near the hotel? We like seafood, steaks, pastas/pizza, sushi. There is one small cafe that my wife and I love which might be a ways off near Chestnut and 21st street: Pacific Catch. But we'll definitely hit this one up along with Scoma's of course.>
I'm vegetarian, so I'll leave this for someone else! On the other hand, if you want to try meatless...
I'm not sure where the Dollar office is, but many downtown hotels have car rental locations. You should be able to do a search with any of the car rental companies for off-airport rentals. Downtown zip code is 94105 (and several others).
<2. Is the BART station literally in front of the hotel? How long is the ride from SFO? I think we will end up taking this from SFO so we don't have to hassle with putting a baby car seat into and out of a cab. I don't want to hassle with luggage and a toddler if the BART station is more than a couple of blocks from the hotel.>
Yes, BART is right in front of hotel, if you go out the Market Street door. I think the ride to SFO is about 35 minutes.
<3. How far of a walk is it to Fisherman's wharf from the hotel? Is there a bus or trolley that runs close to this hotel?>
I think the Wharf is about two miles, if you walk down Market and along the Embarcadero. There is a streetcar ("F"?) that'll take you nearly the whole way.
<4. Any recommendations on reasonably priced good restaurants near the hotel? We like seafood, steaks, pastas/pizza, sushi. There is one small cafe that my wife and I love which might be a ways off near Chestnut and 21st street: Pacific Catch. But we'll definitely hit this one up along with Scoma's of course.>
I'm vegetarian, so I'll leave this for someone else! On the other hand, if you want to try meatless...