When we stay in SF we usually stay on the Embarcadero because we love the water views and dining. Transportation alternatives are readily available. We also like the Union Square area. Our favorite getaway hotels are Harbor Court, Omni, Fairmont, and even hotel Nikko when we are in Japantown or in for jazz. I never feel totally comfortable in the the Civic Center area, but when necessary have had no problems with due caution. SF is a wonderful place. You will love it!

Thank you applejacks!

I live in the Bay Area and work in the Embarcadero area (right across from the Ferry Bldg): and agree with the previous poster that the Embarcadero area is great - many restaurants in walking distance, safe, not crowded (but people around). I also like Union Square which is much busier as it's the primary shopping area. One caveat about the Omni is that it's in the Financial district which is safe, but empty at night (easy walk to other areas though). I personally wouldn't choose the Fairmont or any other Nob Hill hotel - I like my hotels on flat ground, and like to be somewhere when I walk out the door, rather than having to take transportation to get somewhere (even a cup of coffee).

Also check out the Marina area - super area - and motels/B & B's along Lomnbard and Cheastnut and Union Sts, and the bonus of the nearby Palace of Fine Arts, views from the Marina Green of the Bay/Alcatraz/Sausalito/Golden Gate Bridge, etc etc.

My favorite is the Chelsea Inn and it's "sister" hotels, but there is a nice/newish B & B in the Presidio also.

http://www.chelseainn.com/

We visit San Francisco every several years, mostly during a conference that my husband attends. Because his conference is in the Moscone Center, we end up staying in the Union Square area, even though neither of us likes shopping.

We've stayed in sevearal hotels on the Chinatown side of Union Square, most recently the Donatello, and have been happy with the location and the hotel; I think on a previous trip, we stayed at Hotel Rex, or something right on that street. I like walking or running in the morning, and can do that from there (though the Embarcadero is better if you're a runner), and usually end with a stop in Chinatown for breakfast items that I take back to our hotel room. From that part of town, it's easy enough to catch a bus or the cablecar to other parts of the city.

As mentioned before, Union Square is safe at night, or as safe as any other big city.

>>Union Square is safe at night<<

Yep - but if you walk 3 blocks west and 3 blocks south you might feel threatened.

My choice would be the Embarcadero if you want to be "downtown" and the Marina if you want to stay in a more residential area.

Stu Dudley

Thankyou all so much. I hadnt heard of the Embarcadero area prior to the post and it seems to be just what we're looking for. Job done!

We visit SF fairly often and prefer the Embarcadero area. There are some great restaurants that you can walk to. Second choice would be Union Square. The hotel that we stay at most often is the Hyatt Embarcadero. SF can be pricey because it is so popular year round. Once you make a reservation, keep checking on line periodically. Sometimes you can get lucky and come across a good deal. Most of the big hotels, like the Hyatt, have liberal cancellation policies. If you find a better deal, just cancel the first reservation.

I stayed at the Hyatt Embarcadero this past June (my very first visit to SF) and loved the location and the ease of getting there from the airport (BART -- direct to the "front door" of the hotel!) I had checked rates online and didn't think I could afford it, but then a AAA rate appeared that was only $50 more than a Fisherman's Wharf hotel that I had considered. AND it included the incredible breakfast buffet! I liked the activity in the area, including the shops in the ferry building, and the Saturday morning market. I would definitely stay there again.

The only reason I can think of to stay in Union Square would be if you were there to shop, shop, shop at the department stores. There are very few "local" type restaurants or coffee houses in that area.

The Embarcadero is very nice if you can get a deal on a hotel. Ditto any of the hotels in the Financial District - these are more oriented to the business traveler, but sometimes they get a little anxious and lower their prices on weekends. And yes, the Financial District is kind of dead after office hours, but there is enough foot traffic on major streets like Montgomery and California; plus, in May, it will be light till mid-evening.

The Marina has the advantage of countless good dining choices on Union Street and Chestnut Street. This neighborhood is active into the wee hours - a very youthful demographic with a liking for the bars is out in force, especially on weekends. The accommodations there, however, are more motel than hotel by far. I have a friend who travels to San Francisco on business regularly who stays at the Pacific Heights Inn on Union Street and recommends it - try to get one of their small suites with a kitchen.

You notice I didn't even mention Fisherman's Wharf. There's a reason for that!

Anyway, keep in touch as your vacation takes shape!