I generally don't do too much work in San Francisco, but when I do, I enjoy being near Union Square or Nob Hill. This part of town has rapid BART access from the airport and is on the cablecar route which makes for fun after work exploration. I do my best to keep my loyalty to the Marriott Family of hotels, but do have Hilton and Starwood accounts too. So far the best place in the Marriott group is the Renaissance. It offers the federal government rate for rooms, especially if you check a couple weeks out. Too far in advance, you can't see that rate for some reason. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Check in is a breeze and everyone..from doormen to bell boys know the area and offer great advice. I asked for some recommendation for a place for dinner in neighboring Chinatown (about 2 blocks from the front door). Great recommendations on that front too. The staff also offered information about complementary car service in the area around the hotel in the morning starting at 7 am. First come, first serve, a great way to get to office buildings in the financial district, city hall and the federal buildings.

The hotel is an older style on the outside, but has large rooms with stone countertops in the bath room. Rooms are very clean and functional. I'm on the east side of the 5th floor with a great view of the Coit Tower, TransAmerica Building and the Bay. The only minor ding against this hotel is the lounge for Elite members. The Club Lounge has a decent view of the financial district, but is a bit limited on food selections compared to other Renaissance Hotels.

Great location for our family of 6. We were given a corner room with two beds connecting with a king room. It was a perfect set up with our 4 kids. Every morning we would stroll across the street for a great cup of coffee and then go and sit in the park to watch Tai Chi (also a small playground where the kids could run a bit).

I cannot say enough about the actual location on Nob Hill which was ideal in so many ways with the cable cars running right past the hotel. Although there was maintenance and all lines weren't running, it still was fine.

We walked a lot and were always so happy when we retuned to our peacful hill top oasis.

We stayed here one night in January - I think we had an upgraded room, two queens, a day-bed, a view of some San Francisco type dormered buildings across the street and a distant view of the bay and the lighted hills at night. Very good value for the area, pleasant and comfortable with a splendid friendly staff. Nice lounge where we had wine and delicious snacks - did not eat in their restaurant but think it is probably good judging from the quality of the "starters" in the bar. Highly recommend. Close to cable cars.

Everything about this hotel is lovely. The lobby atmosphere isn't as warm as it could be, but the staff will make up for the stark decor. The views from Nob Hill are tremendous and it is an easy walk downhill to Union Square and not too bad walking back up.