Whatever you do, don't stay at the Marriott downtown. Not a romantic hotel. Unless you're a Shriner wearing a Fez.

Philforest writes:

I rate the SFO Hilton & Towers as the worst hotel in the world. "

You gotta give us a little detail on that statement. I've stayed there quite a few times (as does the president & his wife). THe only complaint I've ever had is the typical ocassional Hilton ineptitude. The facilities were 3 to 4 star.

What's happened to you there to account for your "worst" tag? Really? Worse than say the Basel in Tel-aviv or the Travelodge in Vegas?

Matt--too bad on Beach Blanket Babylon. One of the funniest shows, if not the funniest, I have ever seen. Saw it a couple of years ago. Would love to go back and see what new Monica-gate material has been added to the show, I would assume. If you haven't, it's a must see for your next trip to SF.

Djlawman

I'm sorry that you did not have a good stay at the Hilton Hotel and towers, S-F Phil. True it is a big hotel but I've never had problems (except walking a mile to check in.)

Consider you didn't stay at a MOTEL SIX where they leave the light on for you but one Tin Star accomodations from what I hear!

But nothing can't be bad at the (I can't remember the name) guest hostel on Nathan Road, Hong Kong where I crashed with my friend Rick. The bed was cot taht fell apart when I went in it. The shower was hose. and the bed were next to the big window looking otu at Nathan Road taht only shut half way...

WOrse: some drunken Aussie in the two rooms nearby drinking and screaming and then snoring (thin walls.)

I told Rick the next time we go anywhere together I will NOT take his advice and Book when I get there. I will amke the reservations IN ADVANCE.

FYI: the YMCA was booked for a month! It was better than some NYC hotels!


------------------
MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!

my judgement on the Hilton SF is not so far away from philforest - a caserne, to big, to unpersonal. When I wake up I have no San Francisco feeling at all. If you can afford it: Ritz, Sherman House, Mandarin; only one class less: Mark Hopkins (InterConti) with the sighseeing top of the Mark bar, the Renaissance Stanford Court, the Clift (and a really cheap outsider tip: the Atherton (60 Dollars).

I really recommend the Inter Continental in SF. I have abandon Hilton a long time ago, they have bad service over reservation on the phone. Rooms are okay..

The hotel is on top of the hill, but catching cable car is easy, just get a pass or something.

Regards,
Empress

If you are willing to spend the money, the Ritz-Carlton is the nicest. I got a free weekend stay there a couple of years ago becasue they left me and my family at the airport for 3 hours when they kept saying they were coming for us. The service and even the basic room are unsurpassed by any other chain hotel, in my opinion. Also very nice is the Hyatt Regency, though not nearly as expensive.

I probably went a bit overboard when I called the Hilton the worst hotel in the world. I probably should have called it something more like the worst "upscale" hotel in The City. I have had bad experiences there - in fact, I've had bad experiences most times I've stayed in Hilton properties, but Rudi's characterization is precisely the way I'd describe the place, "a
caserne."

Just a note about Beach Blanket Babylon being sold out. I live in the South Bay Area and was going to take my husband to The City for his birthday for a fun weekend. I began calling Beach Blanket Babylon ticket office weeks and weeks in advance but they were sold out. I called daily, but no cancellations. Finally, we arrived at the Pan Pacific (where I had won a free weekend stay) and I mentioned to the Concierge, "Since BBB is sold out, what do you recommend." She ended up getting us a front row reserved table for BBB that night! They hold tickets aside for Concierges, so never say die. Always check with those wonderful Concierges.

Nanook: I like the way you capitalize "The City." It's been many, many years since I lived there, but it's still the greatest place on earth, and the only place worthy of having "The City" capitalized.

Thought I would revive this thread rather than start a new one.

I am looking for recommendations from the following Hotels for 5 nights in Dec. The conference rate on the ranges between $110-$220 a night which whilst steep is nothing for SF from what I can tell by searching for Hotel rates on various sites (infact the conference rate was usually 50% cheaper than the rates I was able to come up with).

The conference is at the Moscone Center but distance is not too much of an issue as there are shuttles from all the hotels listed below every 20 mins (well at least that is what is advertised). Room size, on the other hand is somewhat of an issue as there will be two friends sharing a room (tiny rooms may not be as comfortable, it is a week afterall).

The hotels to choose from are:
SF Marriot
"W"
Nikko
Hyatt R and Grand
H Britton
Clift
Cathedral Hill
Crowne Plaza US
Hotel Diva
Fairmont
Handlery Union Sq
Holiday Inn Fin Distrct
H Union sq
Kensington Park
King George
Mark Hopkins InterC
Metropolis
Monticello Inn
Sheraton Palace
Pickwick
Powell
Renaissance Parc 55 and Stanford Crt
Argent
Sir Francis Drake
Villa Florence
Westin SF
York

I am asked to put down 4 choices in order of preference.

Any other FT's going to a conference in SF Dec 1-5?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Too bad Madarin oriental isn't on the list, if it were I wouldn't be asking for any recommendations http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif Jr Suite (corner) at MO is my favorite SFO lodging though it has been about 5 years since I stayed there. Given the prices of the above hotels I would be scared to price it these days.

[This message has been edited by Mvic (edited 10-13-2000).]

I love the Mark Hopkins--they've just done an extensive rennovating job so I haven't been there since it's been completed. But the hotel just gives one a feeling of quiet elegance--Club Floor was wonderful--location on Nob Hill can't be beat--if you do stay there, have concierge make reservation for you for dinner at Venticello Restaurant--a couple of easy walking blocks away--charming and fun plus good Italian food.

I just stayed at the "W" a couple of weeks ago and really liked it. It will be my new SFO 1st choice!

My previous favorite was the Marriott - You have to love the architecture, it is by far the most interesting building downtown. Sure the rooms are nothing special, but that is what I like about Marriott, they are consistant. And the View Lounge is awesome, as well as the location at Yerba Buena Gardens.

Can't beat the Marriott for location either - across the street from the Moscone Center.

Although I agreed w/ everyone in terms of Hilton SF lack of services, but overall, we have had ok impression of it - got upgraded about 80% and it is close to everyone.

But, favorite hotels got to be:
Fairmont - the view
Ritz - "the dinning room" a must have

and, Nikko is good too.

Helen