All roads, in the end, lead to San Francisco. From the hardest Yankee to the most demure southerner — it’s one of those cities that demands its pound of cultural and kitschy flesh. The Colosseum in Rome, Big Ben in London, the Eiffel Tower in Paris — some places are must-see destinations for a reason. San Francisco, as many of the locals will tell you, is no different. Well, actually it’s very different — it thrives of being different, contrary even. But, that gives it its character.
Who comes to San Francisco? Families on holiday, couples on honeymoons, kids on field trips — the city takes all comers and it takes them with a hint of panache and that perennially relaxed, California vibe. Maybe it’s the fault lines, maybe it’s the weather, but it takes a lot to get a Californian steaming mad — unless you cut him or her off in traffic on the 405, then, all bets are off. The traffic aside, people are chilled, as they say.
Granted, the main attractions haven’t changed a heck of whole lot over the decades. There’s the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Alcatraz, and the Transamerica Pyramid. Every one of them is worth the time and effort — especially if this is your first visit. If this is your second or third, or if you’ve relocated to the City, then you can skip all that let it thrive in the periphery of your everyday imagination. If you’re more inclined to visit SF MOMA, Market Street, and Union Square San Francisco hotels in the area can help you secure some prime sightseeing strike bases.
Getting a room in a well-placed hotel is so, so crucial. Given that the city is seven-square miles, it doesn’t take much to get around — if you’re in the right place to start with. If you’re hungry to sight see and shop, don’t bother with hotels in the Tenderloin or even in the South City. You’ll be spending the majority of your time looking over you shoulder or elbowing people on the Muni buses and Bart trains. No, if you’re smart and book a hotel in and around downtown, you’re golden.
The more choice hotels are the Hyatt Residency and Le Meridien in the Financial District. There is also the Hotel Vitale, which puts you closer to the Embarcadero. If you’re looking for a more centrally located hotel, you can go wrong with the Villa Florence or the Palace Hotel. And, if you wan to be well-positioned and in the lap of luxury at the same time, definitely reserve a room a the St. Regis Hotel. Whatever you fancy — and where ever you plan on staying — reserve well in advance.
The quintessential Union Square San Francisco hotels are those that happen to never leave you feeling like you’re holed up in the Holiday Inn in Des Moines.