There are so many new topics that I'm not sure where to post this question anymore, so I'll go with good old Buzz. My romantic getaway evening with my wife this saturday (her birhtday) is almost set. But in the course of four hours, the SF Hilton (both 1800hhonors and the hotel direct) has alternately told me that they are 1) out of special rate rooms; 2) not giving (confirmed) towers upgrades this weekend; 3)sold out at any price.

After this weekend, I or my wife will be travelling for 3 straight weeks, so I'm NOT going to let Hilton screw this evening up for me. Besides, I am getting sick and tired of Hilton's inattentiveness, lack of clear information, fighting for points, etc, etc. So "Gold" status be ****ed, I am very comfortable saying right now that Hilton basically sucks.

So lately I have been splitting my allegiance between Hyatt and Marriott. But I have no experience with their properties. I am looking for a SF Hilton and Towers equivilent. I am considering any of the Hyatt and Marriott properties, especially the Grand Hyatt. I'd like to keep it under $200 for the night.

Any recommendations???

PS: I am also eyeing the Nikko (which I LOVE but get no points for) and the Fairmont (for the "history," but its tough to catch the cable cars mid-track up there on top of the hill...)

Don't know if you have Starwood points, but the Westin St. Francis right on the square and steps from the cable cars is very nice.

I thinkthey may even have weekend rates. You can check the Starwood site or ask and I'll check my Starwood list of sales.

Echo the Catman on the Westin. Added benefit of Union Square right outside. Grand Hyatt is also excellent.

Fairmont has a $139 special for the coming weekend, which is an incredible value for this hotel.

Matt, check your e-mail.

The new "W" is nice and is close to SoMa, which right now is pretty trendy for food and drink. Be happy to point out a couple of the better spots.

Matt, if you can get the $139 for the Fairmont, DO IT!!! The view alone is worth it. If not, give The Huntington (also Knob Hill) a call at 415-474-5400. Nice, "old school" traditional hotel. Much better suited to the romantic weekend than the "chains". Have fun.

p.s. Try "The Boulevard" for dinner. Corner of Mission & Stuart.

[This message has been edited by geo1004 (edited 05-25-99).]

Thanks for the suggestions! And special thanks to NJDavid and Sggolf.

Using Sggolf's connections, I did relent and take a towers room (couldn't resist that double dip). But I still bristle at the thought of how Hilton has been treating me lately...

Of course, at this late date, Beach Blanket Babylon is sold out, but I did make reservations at the Cornelian Room (for the view more than the food). Now I'll just look for a nice place for some blues or jazz after dinner, and call it a birthday present .

BTW, the United IAD-SFO e-fare of $318 that I got by e-mail today was nearly $100 more than the fare I purchased on United Connection on Monday. I LOVE airfare sales (and this memorial day one will be particularly good...with the double dulles I'll ALMOST make up my upgrades with the miles I earn...)!!!!

Thanks for the suggestions! And special thanks to NJDavid and Sggolf.

Using Sggolf's connections, I did relent and take a towers room (couldn't resist that double dip). But I still bristle at the thought of how Hilton has been treating me lately...

Of course, at this late date, Beach Blanket Babylon is sold out, but I did make reservations at the Cornelian Room (for the view more than the food). Now I'll just look for a nice place for some blues or jazz after dinner, and call it a birthday present .

BTW, the United IAD-SFO e-fare of $318 that I got by e-mail today was nearly $100 more than the fare I purchased on United Connection on Monday. I LOVE airfare sales (and this memorial day one will be particularly good...with the double dulles I'll ALMOST make up my upgrades with the miles I earn...)!!!!

This is not so much a reply to Matt as it is to the board in general.

Living in Portland, I have the great pleasure of jetting down to S.F. several times a year for fun and food. It is virtually impossible to find the great hotal bargains of the past (like in the early '90s). $129 (per room) now seems to be a bargain, but this deal is my all-time fave.

Three times a year the Golden Gateway Holiday Inn at Van Ness and California offers $49 or $59 (weekdays), $69 or $79 (weekends) prepaid coupons good for a night's stay during specific months. It is a perfectly fine place to stay. Coupons aren't refundable if you end up not going, but are totally transferable.

Call 415-441-4000 to be put on their mailing list. They will notify you by mail about a month before they advertise the promotion to the general public.

If you're not married to the idea of staying near Union Square/downtown this is a great spot. It's right at the end of the California cable car line. Of course, cable cars aren't the deal they once were - $2 each way with no transfers or return trips - but don't let that discourage you from taking them. The best transit deals in the city are the one-day ($5), three-day ($10) and seven-day ($15) passes. These give UNLIMITED rides on the Muni, trolleys, the BART along Market St. and ALL cable cars, and come with a list of museums and other attractions that give you $1 off. Buy them at the hotel gift shop.

Cheers,

Samantha

[This message has been edited by essxjay (edited 05-26-99).]

[This message has been edited by essxjay (edited 05-26-99).]

Try the King George Hotel. It's a lovely small boutique style hotel, just off union square.

Rooms are generally around 100 a night.
It's one of my favorite SF hotels.

I think it's on Mason, just off of Powell.

Omni for Boomer- Sssssssshhhhh! Don't tell anyone about the King George Hotel. It will become popular and the prices will rise. It's a SF "sleeper" and a great deal at $100/nite. I refer to it as the "King Geo." Cheers.

I rate the SFO Hilton & Towers as the worst hotel in the world. I have a sentimental attachment to the Fairmont, since that's where my date and I went the night of my high school prom, but it is getting a bit stodgy. For downtown, there's a Radisson and the Nikko, both just across the street from the Hilton, and the Marriott Marquis about four blocks away.
BTW: Never trust the locals for hotel recommendations. When's the last time you stayed in a hotel in your home town?
Phil

Although I live here and therefore do not frequent local hotels often, my friends and family all stay at the Park Hyatt (Clay and Battery) - beautiful, well-maintained, great location, excellent (reknowned) breakfast.

I used to live in the suburbs of San Francisco but stayed in hotels quite frequently. If I had to work late (after midnight) the company would pay for a hotel room. If I was going out on the town (e.g. Black and White Ball, Opera or Symphony Opening) I would stay in a hotel room rather than drive home at 2 AM. If I wanted a romantic weekend getaway I would stay in a hotel room. Sometimes you CAN trust the locals.

The best hotels in SF are the Mandarin Oriental and the Ritz.

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Cheers,
HKF