The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

This iconic hotel offers a blend of historic charm and a central Union Square location, making it a memorable destination for visitors. Guests frequently commend the spacious and comfortable rooms, often featuring stunning city views, alongside the consistently attentive and friendly staff. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and business travelers due to its prime accessibility to attractions and conference venues, with many appreciating the well-appointed accommodations for a productive stay. Families and couples also find it an excellent choice for special occasions and exploring the city, benefiting from its convenient position and the welcoming atmosphere. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for breathtaking vistas, and be sure to inquire about the current status of all facilities, as the hotel is undergoing ongoing enhancements that may temporarily affect certain areas.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities and amenities designed to enhance guest stays. The fitness center receives high praise for being exceptionally well-equipped and spacious, featuring numerous treadmills, Peloton bikes, and various weightlifting machines, catering to diverse workout needs. The elite lounge, known as the Westin Club, is frequently highlighted as a beautiful and comfortable space, offering a generous breakfast spread, evening appetizers, and complimentary wine, coffee, and snacks, making it a valuable perk for eligible guests. While the elevators are noted for their unique glass design and city views, some guests experienced long wait times and found the external keypad system for floor selection confusing. Wi-Fi availability is present, though some guests expressed frustration over the cost and login process. The lobby is currently undergoing renovations, which has temporarily impacted its usual grandeur and accessibility.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is largely positive, with many highlighting the exceptional quality of the beds and linens, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Rooms are frequently described as spacious, clean, and well-maintained, offering a comfortable retreat. However, some guests noted instances of dust or a musty smell upon arrival, and a few mentioned worn carpets or dated bathrooms that could benefit from updating. In-room amenities vary, with some guests appreciating the presence of a coffee maker, while others noted the absence of a mini-fridge or bath robes. There were occasional reports of non-functioning phones or televisions. Noise levels are generally manageable, though some guests experienced street noise or sounds from adjoining rooms, which is common in a central city location. Housekeeping is generally effective, though some instances of missed service or unreplenished toiletries were reported.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining and food quality is currently mixed, largely impacted by ongoing renovations and staffing issues. The hotel's traditional restaurants and bars, including the popular Clock Bar, are temporarily closed, leading to a makeshift bar setup that some guests found underwhelming and overpriced. The Cafe Rito offers quick bites, though its pre-packaged options and high prices were a point of concern for some, with one guest noting a broken espresso machine. Breakfast options receive varied reviews; while the Club Lounge offers a well-regarded spread with hot options and fresh fruits, the general breakfast is often described as expensive with limited or cold selections. Many guests found better value and variety at nearby local diners. Room service is also currently unavailable, prompting guests to seek external dining solutions.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant highlight, placing guests directly on Union Square and within easy walking distance of numerous shopping destinations, diverse restaurants, and key tourist attractions such as City Hall, Chinatown, and the financial district. Its proximity to public transportation, including a historic cable car line, the BART/MUNI station, and various bus stops, provides excellent accessibility for exploring the wider city, including a short ride to Fisherman's Wharf. Guests appreciate the convenience of being able to walk to many popular spots. However, parking at the hotel is consistently noted as being very expensive, with daily valet rates often exceeding what many guests are willing to pay, leading some to seek more affordable alternatives in nearby garages.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests, standing out as a major strength. Many describe the team as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive, contributing significantly to a positive stay. The concierge service is frequently highlighted for providing excellent information and guidance on local attractions and transportation, with guests appreciating their personalized approach. While the check-in process is often noted as quick and efficient, some guests experienced long lines and delays, particularly during busy periods. Housekeeping generally maintains clean rooms, though a few reviews mentioned missed services or issues with towel replenishment. The valet service is described as efficient and friendly, despite the high cost. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent customer service and a welcoming atmosphere is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several important details that may impact their stay. The hotel is currently undergoing extensive renovations, which have temporarily closed the main lobby and some dining areas, leading to alternative entrances and services. A significant factor affecting guest experience is an ongoing labor dispute, resulting in protests outside the hotel with associated noise from drumming and shouting, which can be audible even on higher floors. This situation has also led to reduced staffing and the temporary unavailability of certain services like room service. A destination fee is applied daily, which often includes credits for on-site food and beverage purchases or other amenities. For loyalty program members, benefits such as room upgrades and lounge access are frequently appreciated. The hotel also offers unique features like a historic tour and, during holidays, a festive Sugar Castle display. Guests should also note the hotel's pet-friendly policy and a strict early cancellation policy.