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I was in San Francisco for less than 24 hours for a work dinner and stayed at one of my old haunts. I used to spend two weeks per month in the City by the Bay and have spent many nights at the Westin St. Francis San Francisco On Union Square. The hotel is a classic and has been around since 1904. The accommodations are divided between the Landmark Building (which underwent a $45 million renovation) and the Tower Building. I’ve stayed in both and don’t have a particular preference. Since this stay was so short, I barely spent any time in the hotel.
Anthony’s Take: The Westin St. Francis San Francisco On Union Square is a San Francisco institution and a convenient place to stay whether you’re in the city on business or for a vacation. I like that this Westin has a lounge and that it offers a nice assortment of snacks and beverages throughout the day (in addition to evening appetizers and breakfast). While I was there, the workers were on strike outside. They have been striking for months and are rather loud and disruptive.
Booking
I booked a Traditional King, Guest Room, 1 King Landmark directly from Marriott.com on a “Member Rate Flexible” for $313 including taxes and fees. This includes a $30 Destination Fee. The nightly rates fluctuate wildly based on what is going on in San Francisco. The hotel can also be booked with Marriott Bonvoy® points (40,000-76,000 points per night) with rates varying since Marriott eliminated its award buckets.
Transportation to/from the Hotel
I took an Uber Comfort from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to the hotel. It took around 26 minutes for the 14.5-mile ride and cost $48. Heading home, I took another Uber Comfort for $37 and it took around the same amount of time.
Location
The hotel is across the street from Union Square. There are tons of restaurants, stores, and more right outside your door. Tourist attractions and many businesses are also not too far away.
Check-In
I arrived around 6:00 PM and my room was ready. The agent informed me that I had been upgraded to a Deluxe King, Guest room, 1 King, Tower Building. I did not need a late checkout and was informed that I had access to the Westin Club based on my Titanium status.
The hotel charges a $30 daily Destination Fee. This was not explained to me, but it includes the following:
- Daily $30 Food and Beverage Credit to be enjoyed at our Restaurants including In Room Dining
- Explore historic San Francisco with 2hr Bike Rentals for two guests per stay
- Reusable Westin St. Francis Water Bottles to keep yourself hydrated for two guests per stay
- Uber credit of $10 to explore the hills of San Francisco or dine with UberEATS for two guests per stay
- Daily Enhanced High-speed internet Access (Wi-Fi)
I did not use any of the benefits, but my visit was very short.
The glass elevators leading up to the Tower Building rooms provide great views.
The elevator lobby was modernized and clean.
The hallways were also well maintained.
Deluxe King, Guest room, 1 King, Tower Building (2183)
The hotel has 1,276 rooms including 81 suites.
The room opens with the spacious bathroom on the left. It contained a vanity with a single sink, toilet, and a shower/tub combo (I am not a fan of these).
The vanity offered lots of counter space.
The vanity held a bar of Westin’s signature White Tea soap and some body lotion.
The toilet had lots of room around it. I hate it when these are wedged into the bathroom.
The shower/tub combo was fine with adequate water temperature. The water pressure was a bit weak.
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash were mounted to the wall in the shower.
Outside the bathroom was a small table with a coffeemaker, coffee, cups, condiments, and an ice bucket.
The bedroom area was past here. It contained a king-sized bed, two nightstands, a table and two chairs, and a desk. The Westin Heavenly Bed and bedding is alway great and the bed was comfortable.
The table and two chairs were in front of the window.
The desk and chair were to the side.
The TV was on an extension of the desk across from the bed.
An empty refrigerator was in the cabinet below the TV.
The closet held a luggage rack, safe, iron, and ironing board.
Westin Club
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco On Union Square offers a Westin Club lounge. This offers breakfast, snacks and beverages throughout the day, and an evening reception. I missed breakfast and the evening reception, but did check out the space.
It was tastefully decorated for the holidays.
The Westin Club is large with lots of seating.
Some tables were reserved for Ambassador members.
There were two people in the entire lounge when I visited.
Coffee and tea are available throughout the day.
Cold soft drinks are also on offer.
The buffet offers candy, fruit, and packaged snacks when it is not serving breakfast or its evening spread.
Snack dispensers
Kettle Chips and Kind bars
Candy
Public Areas & Amenities
The hotel offers comfortable lobby seating, a coffee bar, a restaurant, the Westin Club, a fitness center (pictured above and below), and meeting spaces.
The fitness center offers a good amount of equipment and free weights.
Overall Impression: I am a big fan of the Westin St. Francis San Francisco On Union Square. It’s good for business travelers and those looking to explore the city. My stay was comfortable and convenient and I’ll be back.
Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: When I’m staying at a Marriott hotel, I want to maximize my points earned. My card of choice is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. With it, I earn six Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. It also includes up to $300 statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month ) for dining in restaurants worldwide. Plus, a free night award every year after my card renewal month that I can redeem at any Marriott hotel with a redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points. Learn more. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please visit here. Terms apply.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
(Exterior, Lobby, and Fitness Center Image Credits: Marriott.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
1 comment
I think it’s rather rude to cross the picket line and stay at a hotel where workers are striking. Especially the fact that one cannot use the destination fee benefits because of the strike – just more money grab for the hotel.
Granted, the strike is over as of December 24, but that’s something you should consider, as there are plenty of other Marriott hotels in the area.