Location Can't Be Beat
I stayed at this hotel for five nights on business April 16-20, 2012. This is the third time I have stayed at this hotel. Located right across from Union Square, the hotel is in the middle of so many of the things that bring you to San Francisco. The start of the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable car lines are just three blocks away as is the Powell Street BART station giving you convenient, direct access to SFO airport and easy access to OAK airport -- there is a short shuttle ride at the end of the BART ride to the airport. You can walk to many locations but all sorts of public transportation are available at or near the hotel, including the historic street cars from all over the world that travel to Fisherman's Wharf via Market Street.
The hotel is really two buildings -- the original section built right on Powell Street and a more modern tower behind the lobby that basically houses sleeping rooms. It can be a little confusing finding your way around in the hotel if you are attending conferences there with meetings in multiple rooms.
I have stayed in both the old and the new section. The older section has a lot of charm that some may find dated. The tower rooms are much more modern but still are a little short on features that are common in newer hotels -- especially accessible power outlets. The beds are absolutely wonderful. For the environmentally conscious traveler the hotel offers you the option of declining housekeeping and actually rewards you with your choice of vouchers good for food in the hotel, including items from the mini bar, or Starwood points. One small shortcoming is the lack of easily-accessible casual dining with a broad menu in the hotel.
All of the staff I dealt with were very helpful and accommodating. Overall, this is a wonderful place to stay and make your base for exploring this incredible city.