WNLuvr

Looking to spend one night in SF for New Year's Eve, and even after reading the posts on the St. Francis vs. the Palace can't make up my mind. Here are my options...(BTW, being SPG Gold I'm not expecting too much at either location on this popular night)

Westin St. Francis 1 King $129
Palace "Superior" 1 King $154
Palace "Deluxe" 1 King $161

So what's the consensus...it is worth the extra few $$ to spring for the Palace for one night? And anyone know what the difference between superior and deluxe is there? (I'm assuming the only real difference is the price)

Thanks,
WNLuvr

fly co to see the yanks

William might have some thoughts on this one.

sawsmanfc

Depending on your tastes, you might want to check out the Shertaton @ Fisherman's Wharf. Only a couple of blocks from the Wharf (lots of fresh crab this year), and gets you away from downtown.
If you can get tickets, Beach Blanket Babylon, a long running live comedy show in North Beach is funny and highly rated.

Eastbay1K

Much depends on where you "want to be" at night. Cabs can be very hard to come by that night. The BBB show is great, but very expensive on NYE and probably sold out already (both 2 shows that night). The Palace and StF are very close to each other. You may want to enquire if the Palace is going to have open restaurants on 1 Jan, such as if you wanted to have a lovely breakfast in the Garden Court - last time I was there it was closed. As between the 2 hotels, they are probably the 2 most contrasted and compared hotels on this board.

Starwood Lurker

Sorry, never been there. But, the deluxe room category is supposed to be better than the superior room category.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

juanvaldez

I'm actually wondering why you aren't choosing the Hyatt Embarcadero, where you can see fireworks from your room since the Ferry Building is right outside....

But if this is the one night that you need to maintain status or something, then you might prefer Westin St. Francis since Union Square will be bustling on New Years Eve.

Unfortunately, I've never stayed at Palace, so I can't offer an opinion of the room quality, but for one night, no biggie I guess.

Have you priced the Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf?

Eastbay1K

A few more cents... I have had rooms of all varying types at both hotels. I have found more variability with staff and rooms over the years at the Palace, and for that reason, prefer the StF. Also, if you want your NYE to have some fireworks on a Heavenly Bed, you will need to stay at the StF.

My last stay at the Palace consisted of no platinum upgrade at all (with an apology at checkin) and 2 closed restaurants.

Personally, as you, I'd go with the StF and ask if a Tower room upgrade might be available as a gold.

ss315

I've stayed twice at the St. Francis and had high tea at the Palace. MY first stay at the St. Francis was HORRIBLE. My room is dirty, the fixtures were rusty, paint was chipping, etc. I wrote a letter to SPG and they comped me a return visit. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!! I was on the 27th floor, overlooking union square, in a recently renovated room. IT was really nice.

The Palace has a wonderful lobby (can't speak for the rooms). The St Francis probably caters more to business travellers. I would say it's worth the splurge.

However, the St. Francis is on Union Square and a block from this neat night club, Harry Denton's Starlight room. That would be a neat place to spend New Years. IT's very classy.

I would not stay at the Wharf. It's so touristy. I used to live 2 blocks from there. The hotels are dives compared to the St. Francis and Palace.

wildblueyonder

I think the St. Francis is great. I think the Palace is great (although I don't usually stay there--only because you can't choose the 500 point gift).

I know a handful of people on this board like the Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf, but I think it's an absolute pit--I would never choose to stay at that place. Bad early 80s vintage rooms, caved in beds, tons of noisy kids running up and down the halls, etc.

The Palace rooms, on average, are probably nicer than the St. Francis'... very classy and historic, but still modern. No views.

The St. Francis generally has very nice, modern rooms (I only stay in the Tower), and often offers great views of the city and/or bay.

I don't think you can go wrong with either.

WNLuvr

Ended up going for the Palace at $161...I know others have gotten it for a lower rate but I'm satisfied. Made reservations for New Year's morning brunch at the Garden Court restaurant, which should be nice too.

We plan on flying into Oakland and taking BART to the hotel. Since the station is right there we really don't need a cab. Hope we won't get strange looks for walking up to the doormen from the subway holding our own luggage!

WNLuvr

Eastbay1K

Not at all. Actually, the front door is on New Montgomery, so its not immediately @ the BART exit (but within a minute walk). When I get funny looks, its not because I've arrived by BART

wildblueyonder

You will love the Garden Court... Possibly the most incredible dining room in the country.

ep_jr

My fiancee and I will be at the Palace for NYE as well. If you haven't booked dinner for the 31st, I'd recommend getting reservations ASAP. Most good restaurants are already booked solid. Some great places are still available but at off times. I have been emailing the concierge, and he has been very helpful in making arrangements.

His email is [email protected]

Enjoy New Years!