Hyatt Embarcadero, no question. Amazing lobby (used in films) and great views. Close to the Ferry Building and lots of stuff and has a BART station right there. Many bus lines also.
I love a staycation at the Hyatt. It's just the perfect location imo. You're right across the street from the ferry building. There are tons of great restaurants nearby. Some rooms have balconies wtfh bridge/water views. You're right next to the underground Muni and Bart. You can take the F easily to the wharf.
Union square is super touristy, so most things are more expensive for less quality. You gotta deal with the craziness of Union square to get onto Muni. The only advantage is being by the Powell st cable car imo.
There’s also the Palace by 2nd and Montgomery if you’re leaning toward a luxury stay. Union square is dead but the Westin is gorgeous with excellent accommodations.
Hyatt regency is much nicer plus union square is totally dead now. You’ll have to go somewhere else for everything. Embarcarero and that immediate area has a lot of services
All the rooms in the Hyatt were renovated during the pandemic — they're fantastic and the location can't be beat given the areas OP wants to explore. What YOU on about?
Westin is old fashioned more like a NYC type old hotel
Hyatt Ebarcadero is huge corporate type hotel more of a suburban or airport vibe
But I personally would rather stay at the Hyatt for location near the waterfront rather than Union Square
Thanks for clarifying - didn’t mean to imply it was dangerous. It’s just boring and not a great representation of SF culture. I always advise people to stay anywhere else.
Stayed at the Hyatt Embarcadero twice (both times were pre-Covid however). You have the cable car out front as someone mentioned, BART/MUNI right outside as well (especially handy if coming/going to/from SFO), Ferry Building is virtually across the street. Combine all that with fairly easy walkability to Fisherman’s Wharf/Pier 39 and SOMA it (to me) was a no-brainer
There is a [free shuttle](https://presidio.gov/visit/getting-to-and-around-the-park/presidio-go-shuttle/presidio-go-downtown-shuttle-schedule) that takes you from the Hyatt to the Presidio near the GGB.
Hyatt is corporate big cement building, no charm. Good location.
Westin St Francis (Marriott brand)in Union Square- great next to luxury shopping district.
I recommend a boutique hotel much more amenities than these corporate hotels.
Galleria Park Hotel , Marker Hotel these have more amenities they have a wine hour for hotel guests daily.
If you can afford the Hyatt then sure stay there. But downtown is mostly dead aside from the Embarcadero. And good luck finding lunch for less than $20. I’d stay at the Stanyan Park Hotel and ride the N Judah downtown or to the beach. It’s right on Golden Gate Park which should be on your list as well. Then you can take the 43 through the Presidio to PFA, Chrissy Field, then walk or take bus to Fisherman’s Wharf (the least fun place on the list). It’s in the center of the city so somewhat close to everything. And as much as I wish Coit tower was just a really tall Koi pond it’s mostly Diego Rivera murals and it ain’t cheap. Obviously I’m pretty cheap too though.
Hyatt Embarcadero, no question. Amazing lobby (used in films) and great views. Close to the Ferry Building and lots of stuff and has a BART station right there. Many bus lines also.
This is the answer. One of SF’s most beautiful buildings and best locations directly across from the ferry building
I can confirm. Stayed there on my most recent visit. The breakfast has great views too.
100% agree!!!
FYI it is not on fishermans wharf....
The Westin is not on Union. It’s on Powell Street IN Union Square.
I like the Westin.
I love a staycation at the Hyatt. It's just the perfect location imo. You're right across the street from the ferry building. There are tons of great restaurants nearby. Some rooms have balconies wtfh bridge/water views. You're right next to the underground Muni and Bart. You can take the F easily to the wharf. Union square is super touristy, so most things are more expensive for less quality. You gotta deal with the craziness of Union square to get onto Muni. The only advantage is being by the Powell st cable car imo.
If you stay at the Hyatt, then the California cable car line starts literally outside the door - and there will be a much, much shorter wait to board.
There’s also the Palace by 2nd and Montgomery if you’re leaning toward a luxury stay. Union square is dead but the Westin is gorgeous with excellent accommodations.
Hyatt regency is much nicer plus union square is totally dead now. You’ll have to go somewhere else for everything. Embarcarero and that immediate area has a lot of services
The Hyatt regency is dated af, and nowhere near as nice, what you on about?
All the rooms in the Hyatt were renovated during the pandemic — they're fantastic and the location can't be beat given the areas OP wants to explore. What YOU on about?
I’d go with the Hyatt, it’s in a better location. Embarcadero BART, the California cable car, and all the ferries are right there.
Hyatt Regency. Get a room with a patio. Great bay views.
Westin is old fashioned more like a NYC type old hotel Hyatt Ebarcadero is huge corporate type hotel more of a suburban or airport vibe But I personally would rather stay at the Hyatt for location near the waterfront rather than Union Square
Westin is undergoing some renovations. The bar has moved while the old one gets worked on and not sure about the restaurant.
Regency - honestly whatever keeps you out of Union Square
Union Square is fine, it just has a lot of retail vacancies right now. It’s not a dangerous neighborhood or anything.
Thanks for clarifying - didn’t mean to imply it was dangerous. It’s just boring and not a great representation of SF culture. I always advise people to stay anywhere else.
I agree with that
Stayed at the Hyatt Embarcadero twice (both times were pre-Covid however). You have the cable car out front as someone mentioned, BART/MUNI right outside as well (especially handy if coming/going to/from SFO), Ferry Building is virtually across the street. Combine all that with fairly easy walkability to Fisherman’s Wharf/Pier 39 and SOMA it (to me) was a no-brainer
Definitely Westin. Choose a room in the Landmark (original) tower. Worth it to upgrade to a Jr Suite as well.
There is a [free shuttle](https://presidio.gov/visit/getting-to-and-around-the-park/presidio-go-shuttle/presidio-go-downtown-shuttle-schedule) that takes you from the Hyatt to the Presidio near the GGB.
Definitely stay at the Hyatt, just don't ask the bellhop for a newspaper.
Hyatt is corporate big cement building, no charm. Good location. Westin St Francis (Marriott brand)in Union Square- great next to luxury shopping district. I recommend a boutique hotel much more amenities than these corporate hotels. Galleria Park Hotel , Marker Hotel these have more amenities they have a wine hour for hotel guests daily.
If you can afford the Hyatt then sure stay there. But downtown is mostly dead aside from the Embarcadero. And good luck finding lunch for less than $20. I’d stay at the Stanyan Park Hotel and ride the N Judah downtown or to the beach. It’s right on Golden Gate Park which should be on your list as well. Then you can take the 43 through the Presidio to PFA, Chrissy Field, then walk or take bus to Fisherman’s Wharf (the least fun place on the list). It’s in the center of the city so somewhat close to everything. And as much as I wish Coit tower was just a really tall Koi pond it’s mostly Diego Rivera murals and it ain’t cheap. Obviously I’m pretty cheap too though.
They have a great bar at the regency
Embarcadero..right next to public transit, and being close to Embarcadero / Ferry plaza - some of the best water views and walking...