Hotels in Union Square, San Francisco

Whether it's luxury shopping, high culture or fine dining, Union Square is undoubtedly the brilliant beacon at the heart of the Golden City. In fact many San Franciscans would say, with its extreme concentration of superb department stores, art galleries, theaters, and world-class restaurants, that this is the premier plaza on the West Coast. What's sure is that, to get to know San Francisco properly, you have to beat your path to Union Square and become part of its bustle.

Hotels in Union Square

As the cultural and retail epicenter of San Francisco, it's not surprising that the surrounding blocks are packed with all manner of fabulous hotels—or that hotel rates in Union Square sometimes tend towards the high-end. The finest luxury accommodation in Union Square is found within a block or so of the square itself. The elegant Westin St. Francis has pride of place, directly overlooking Union Square from Powell Street. The Taj Campton Place may top the poll, though, when it comes to opulence, service, and location. Classy but affordable hotels can be found in the district too—a good example being the positively reviewed (and relatively inexpensive) boutique Hotel Rex on Sutter Street.

Things to see in Union Square

Union Square's palm-fringed park—complete with its centerpiece Dewey Monument lofting the Goddess of Victory skywards—is well worth spending some time hanging out in. Especially with a coffee in hand, so head to Café Rulli to watch the world go by in comfort. The streets around Union Square are best known as the place in San Francisco to shop until you drop. The top location for such boutique luxury retail has to be Maiden Lane, a pedestrianized oasis of calm just off the Square. The buildings housing many of the stores in the neighborhood are well worth a look at. Some, like Macy's or Gump's, show-case wonderful Art Deco or Beaux Arts stylings. And if you tire of its retail pleasures, let the Square's Cable Car take the strain. You can catch a ride on these classics from the Powell and Post corner of Union Square.

Good for All Travelers

There's so much to do here that the Square can be said to be a district with truly universal appeal—provided, that is, that watching your budget isn't top of your priorities. Couples will find plenty of romantic adventures here, from the ice rink that arrives in winter to the many exquisite restaurants. Families will enjoy the street entertainers and artists in the Square, as well as attractions like the Dr. Seuss Art Gallery. Culture seekers will rave about a district groaning with captivating art galleries. And everyone is bound to find that ideal store to suit them to a tee.

How to get to Union Square

If you're arriving at San Francisco International Airport, you can easily get to Union Square on the Pittsburg/Baypoint BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) line, alighting at Powell or Montgomery Streets. This will get you within a couple of blocks of Union Square, from where you can catch either a Cable Car or a MUNI Streetcar to your hotel. As long as you're able to secure a parking place, then driving into central San Francisco is certainly possible. Just drive across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay bridge if you're coming from the east, take the 101 from the south (San Jose), or the cross the Golden Gate Bridge on the 101 from the north (Santa Rosa).