Can you recommend any of these SF hotels?

ursula · 09-05-2008, 09:47 AM

I'm planning a trip to San Francisco and I'm trying to choose among the following hotels:

The Fairmont
Hotel Palomar
Hotel Monaco
Prescott Hotel
InterContinental San Francisco
Mark Hopkins InterContinental

Has anyone stayed at any of these? Scanning the travelocity and expedia scores helped me narrow it down to these, but I can't really narrow it down any further. And they're all in the same price range with the discounts I'm getting, so that's not really a factor. I'm leaning towards the Fairmont because it's so historic. Any suggestions?

Nappy_curly_crown · 09-05-2008, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ursula

I'm planning a trip to San Francisco and I'm trying to choose among the following hotels:

The Fairmont
Hotel Palomar
Hotel Monaco
Prescott Hotel
InterContinental San Francisco
Mark Hopkins InterContinental

Has anyone stayed at any of these? Scanning the travelocity and expedia scores helped me narrow it down to these, but I can't really narrow it down any further. And they're all in the same price range with the discounts I'm getting, so that's not really a factor. I'm leaning towards the Fairmont because it's so historic. Any suggestions?

I stayed at the Fairmount a few years ago and LOVED it! It sorta reminded me of the Ritz-Carlton. Its VERY nice, located near a trolly lines that can take you into downtown ( i hate cabs and i like exploring the city like a native..lol). I would definately recommend it.

ursula · 09-05-2008, 01:56 PM

Sounds good to me! The pictures on their website definitely look Ritz-Carlton-y. Thanks for the feedback!

rileyb · 09-05-2008, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ursula

I'm planning a trip to San Francisco and I'm trying to choose among the following hotels:

The Fairmont
Hotel Palomar
Hotel Monaco
Prescott Hotel
InterContinental San Francisco
Mark Hopkins InterContinental

Has anyone stayed at any of these? Scanning the travelocity and expedia scores helped me narrow it down to these, but I can't really narrow it down any further. And they're all in the same price range with the discounts I'm getting, so that's not really a factor. I'm leaning towards the Fairmont because it's so historic. Any suggestions?

I've been in all except the Prescott and all are wonderful hotels - you really can't go wrong. The Hotel Monaco is the funkiest of the hotels - very fun. They give you a goldfish in your room for your stay

The Palomar is in a little bit of a sketchier neighborhood than the others, but still not dangerous.

Sigi · 09-05-2008, 02:09 PM

It's been more than 7 years, but DH and I stayed at the Fairmont and enjoyed our stay.

The New Black · 09-05-2008, 03:00 PM

The Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf was good for me.

ursula · 09-05-2008, 03:04 PM

rileyb, I can't believe you've been to almost all of them! Good to hear from someone who can compare them all, and it's also good to know that I can't go wrong with any of them.

ducky · 09-05-2008, 10:00 PM

I've stayed in none of them, but I live in SF and they are all in OK-to-good parts of town.

Wow, we're having an earthquake as I'm typing this.

rileyb · 09-06-2008, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ursula

rileyb, I can't believe you've been to almost all of them! Good to hear from someone who can compare them all, and it's also good to know that I can't go wrong with any of them.

I used to live there and at some point in time had friends, family or vendors stay in each of them so I got to see the rooms. I ate dinner at the restaurant at the Palomar... the name escapes me but it was really good.

ursula · 09-06-2008, 01:58 PM

Are you OK, ducky? I actually lived in the Bay Area, too (Berkeley and Oakland for 8 years), but I never experienced an earthquake. Or, maybe I did but didn't know it.

rileyb, it's called the Fifth Floor restaurant. My boyfriend discovered that Zagat rates it one of the best hotel restaurants. Sounds like it might be worth going to even if we don't stay at the Palomar. Of course, we'll be there for a conference, so we'd probably run into a lot of people there. But I imagine it will be hard to avoid people wherever we go. (My misanthropy will have to be held in check for a few days...)

rileyb · 09-06-2008, 04:02 PM

Yes, the Fifth Floor, thank you. It is great, but there are tons of equally great restaurants in the city if you want to be antisocial.

Cheleigh · 09-06-2008, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ursula

I'm planning a trip to San Francisco and I'm trying to choose among the following hotels:

The Fairmont
Hotel Palomar
Hotel Monaco
Prescott Hotel
InterContinental San Francisco
Mark Hopkins InterContinental

Has anyone stayed at any of these? Scanning the travelocity and expedia scores helped me narrow it down to these, but I can't really narrow it down any further. And they're all in the same price range with the discounts I'm getting, so that's not really a factor. I'm leaning towards the Fairmont because it's so historic. Any suggestions?

I'd lean toward
1. Fairmont
2. Mark Hopkins

I stayed at Hotel Monaco recently, and it's cute and very charming, but not exactly on the same "level" as the first two. The Prescott is an older hotel--nice, but not a huge place like Fairmont and MH. If you're looking for the "big hotel" experience pick Fairmont or MH. If you like smaller boutique hotels, then Monaco or Prescott. I've never been/seen Palomar.

ursula · 09-08-2008, 07:46 AM

Thanks, Cheleigh! I hadn't really thought about it before, but I guess I would prefer a larger hotel. I may need a back-up choice, so I think I'll go with the Fairmont first and Mark Hopkins second. Thanks to everyone for their advice.