acwsf

The Crowne Plaza Union Square is in a great location, IMO. I've only been in the lobby so I can't really comment on the experience of staying there (quality of room, etc.). You are one block away from Union Square and near many bus lines and shopping. And, you are you are on a flat street! Enjoy your trip.

lmhornet

"The Crowne Plaza Union Square is in a great location"

It certainly is if you like steet people panhandling you. Anyone going to SF should be aware of the terrible problem with panhandlers. You can barely walk a block without a filthy, scabby wino trying to get money from you. They are especially bad along Market St.

SFImporter

lmhornet - the situation in San Francisco has improved much since our great mayor decided that the city should stop handing out copious amounts of money and start providing services for the homeless population.

That's not to say that all the panhandling is gone - but he made a big dent in the problem.

TarheelsInNj

I was also interested in Nob Hill Hotel- any recent experiences there?

We're also looking at Executive Hotel Vintage Court, which is I think in a similar location.

acwsf

jfawp - do not be discouraged by Imhornet's comment. Yes, SF does have a HUGE problem with homeless and you can find some in every neighborhood (even in the Marina and Pac Heights) in SF. Yes, there are some areas with more homeless than others. Yes, you will see homeless on your visit. However, please don't be concerned about your safety or being overrun by homeless at the Crowne Plaza. I would say some of the other major chain hotels around Union Square (i.e, the Hilton, Parc 55 Renaissance) are in a closer vicinity to unpleasant elements than where you are staying.

J_Correa

I've never felt unsafe in SF due to the homeless - for reference I am a woman under 5' tall.

jfawp

Is the Crown Plaza near the "tenderlion" area? Should I rethink? I've run into homeless in Mexico and New Orleans, is problem worese in SF? And is the CP on Market St? Several people have mentioned "safe", is there a lot of muggings/ etc. in this area, or is it just like any other large city, just be careful and stay where tourist should stay????

acwsf

Do not change your reservation. The Crown Plaza is north of Union Square and the Tenderloin begins WEST and a southwest of Union Square. When I recommend that people stay near union square, I always recommend that they stay east of Union Square or north. CP is also about 4-5 blocks north of Market Street. The worse part of Market Street begins at 5th street (where it isn't so bad) and continues up in numbers (6th-10th street) until South Van Ness. You are not near those areas. Don't worry!

jfawp

acwsf: Thanks a lot, coming to SF on honeymoon so want it to be a wonderful experience!!!!!!!!!!

TravelTess

If you are going to be in SF for your honeymoon, don't stay at the Crowne Plaza. It's a corporate hotel with no romance. You can get some good specials at the St. Francis (part of Westin, check their website), which is the Grand Dame of Union Square. It's a beautiful hotel with a huge lobby, lots of marble and old-fashioned service. Request a room in the tower. If you want to stay on Nob Hill, check the websites of The Fairmont Hotel and The Mark Hopkins for good rates. You can take cable cars up to your hotel from Union Square. It's so much fun and very romantic.

As for your other days, come down here, to Carmel and spend a few days in Napa. It might be raining in Dec/Jan or it could be very nice, you never know. Dress in layers, it gets cold as the sun goes down. If you need suggestions on hotels in Carmel, please let me know.

lmhornet

"lmhornet - the situation in San Francisco has improved much since our great mayor decided that the city should stop handing out copious amounts of money and start providing services for the homeless population.

That's not to say that all the panhandling is gone - but he made a big dent in the problem."

You have to cause correct and effect wrong. Stop handing out money and the panhandling goes. The reason is not the provision of services, however. It is if the panhandlers can't get free money, they move on to someplace else.
Either way, its good for SF.

lmhornet

"I've never felt unsafe in SF due to the homeless - for reference I am a woman under 5' tall."

So you feel safe when the filthy, scabby bums coming up to you to ask for money? Gee, that's a relief. I thought tjat it might be an unpleasant experience that you'd like to avoid.

acwsf

Unfortunately, after all my ramblings about the Crown Plaza, I have to agree with TravelTess. You left the honeymoon part out of the original post (althought it may have appeared in subsequent responses and I missed it!)!! Yeah, CP is not very special. In December you might be able to get a good deal at a nicer hotel. Good luck!

jfawp

Thanks TravelTess and acfsw. I don't think I had mentioned honeymoon before. Actually we're getting married 12/3 - going to Charleston and Savannah for our honeymoon, but unbeknownst to Mr. Right, I'm giving him this trip for Christmas, as an extension of our honeymoon!! I'm very excited, it's hard not sharing with him what's going on!! I have to keep sounding excited about Charleston and Savannah (which I am, it's just that I've never been to SF, so I'm really excited about that and surprising him.)

J_Correa

Although it isn't my preference for bums to ask me for money, it isn't exactly scary. It is just one of those things. I just ignore them and go about my business.