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Hilton San Francisco Union Square: What to Expect from a Stay at the Hilton Near Union Square in SF
by Jill Loeffler •
I recently had the chance to get an insider's look at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square. Here is a recap of my visit and what you can expect during your stay.
The first thing you will notice when you step inside this four-star Hilton hotel is its enormous size. The largest and tallest hotel in the city, it offers more than 1,900 rooms, so this place is buzzing all day.
The hotel is at 333 O'Farrell Street, about three blocks from Union Square. Its central location and convenient access to public transportation make it a favorite of both business and leisure travelers.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Rooms at this Hotel
Given the size of this hotel, you have several room options. They include:
- Two Doubles
- One Queen
- Junior Suite
- Standard King
You can also upgrade to a nicer room on a higher level. These include:
- Two Doubles, Two Queens, or One King with a Skyline View
- Two Doubles or One King with a Private Balcony Skyline View
Most of the rooms in the hotel that I visited were a decent size and reasonably standard for San Francisco. The rooms with two doubles had the tightest fit as they had to accommodate two beds.
However, even these rooms offered plenty of space for a room in downtown San Francisco. Here is a look at a standard room with two double beds.
All the rooms I visited included a desk with a comfortable chair, a flat-screen TV, and relaxing beds. If you want Wi-Fi or high-speed wired internet, you will have to pay an additional charge (around $12.95 daily).
NOTE: I highly suggest joining the Hilton Honors Club as there is no fee to become a member. If you are a member, Wi-Fi is free. There are other worthwhile benefits come along with it.
The bathrooms were also significant, with plenty of room to spread out. They were spotless, but some had older fixtures. Here are just a few pictures of the bathrooms from this room with two doubles.
One of the things to note is that the doors to the bathroom in some of the rooms had two double doors. They swing out into the room. Make sure you keep these fully open or closed so it doesn't interfere with getting in and out of your hotel room.
If you are like me and enjoy traveling light, then you will be excited to see the high-end products. The Hilton San Francisco Union Square offers shampoo, conditioner, and lotions from Peter Thomas Roth.
TIP: The rooms in Tower 3 are the smallest. If you need a little more space, request a room in either Tower 1 or Tower 2.
Other Hotel Amenities
Some other amenities at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square include parking in the building, a heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi on the 16th floor, and a restaurant and coffee shop in the lobby.
Parking & Public Transit
SF parking is expensive, and the parking here is in line with other Union Square hotels. They have a large parking garage near Tower 3.
The cost to park on your own per day is around $74. They have both secured and covered parking.
TIP: Unless you drive outside the city, there is no reason to rent a car. Public transit is excellent in this part of town. You can also easily find a cab, which will cost you less. You can also rent a car (right across the street from the hotel) just for the day if you need to drive outside the city.
The BART station and the cable car turnaround are only about three blocks away. Both will take you to many places in the city.
You can also pick up a variety of buses and street cars on Market Street, which is only about three blocks away.
Restaurant & Coffee Shop
You will find various places to eat, drink, and relax in the Hilton San Francisco Union Square. Here are all the options:
Cityscape Lounge: This is my favorite spot and one you must check out. It's their signature cocktail lounge on the 46th floor of the building and features some of the best views around. You can see Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and most of downtown SF from the lounge. They also have a great selection of cocktails, wine, beer, and small plates. It is open from 4:30 until midnight Sundays through Mondays, and 4:30 pm to 1 am Fridays and Saturdays.
Herb N' Kitchen: You'll find Herb N' Kitchen near the hotel's lobby. It's a grab-and-go spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have gourmet salads, sandwiches, coffee, and cold beverages. You can also call down and ask for delivery to your room. It is open 24 hours daily.
Poached: This is their breakfast spot for their hotel guests. They offer everything from breakfast staples to internationally inspired dishes. They are open weekdays from 6:30 am to 10:30 am and weekends from 7 am to 11 am.
The Lobby Bar: This is where you can grab a quick drink or relax as you catch up with friends. It also offers a lot of space if you need to stretch out and get a little work done. It is open from 3 pm until midnight daily, and until 1 am on Friday and Saturday nights.
>> Find additional places to eat around Union Square
Location
This hotel is in a prime location. It's close to public transit, Union Square, and the theater district. You will find dozens of shops, restaurants, and bars just steps from their front door.
Here is a map of its location and a few important points nearby.
- Black Star: Hilton Union Square
- Blue Star: Union Square
- Red Star: BART & Public Transit
- Green Star: SF Museum of Modern Art
Book a Room
The rooms here are reasonably priced for a four-star hotel in downtown San Francisco, starting as low as $220 for a basic room. This price factors in its size, amenities and location.
Overall, it's a great four-star find for the price. I'd rank it 4 out of 5 stars.
Are you interested in booking a room? Find the best deal on TripAdvisor today!
>> Find additional hotels around downtown SF
Things to Do Nearby
Union Square: The hotel is just a few blocks from Union Square. This plaza in the heart of the city is surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and galleries. It's also full of history, which you can learn about on a guided tour. Find out more about what to do in Union Square here.
Theater: You are also near many of our top theaters. You will find Broadway shows at the Orpheum and Golden Gate Theaters. You will also find large, long-running, international shows at the Curran. Find a full schedule of upcoming shows here.
Cable Cars: The hotel is just two blocks away from the Powell Street cable car turnaround, which is the start/end of two lines that run between here and Fisherman's Wharf. Don't miss your chance to ride one of these classic beauties up and down our hills! Find some tips to ride.
Nearby Museums: You will also be within walking distance of several top museums, including the SF Museum of Modern Art, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, and the Museum of the African Diaspora. Find a full list of all of our top museums here.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!