The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

The Westin St. Francis has stood on the west side of Union Square since 1904, and it carries a lot of San Francisco history in its lobby. The hotel was damaged in the 1906 earthquake and fire and then rebuilt, and it has hosted presidents, entertainers and generations of travelers since. Today it is a Westin, with two distinct parts: the original landmark building, which has the classic ornate public spaces and more traditional rooms, and a tower added in the 1970s, whose exterior glass elevators give riders a view over the square and the city. The address is 335 Powell Street, so the Powell Street cable car line runs right past the door, and Union Square, the department stores and the theater district are all within a couple of minutes' walk. It suits first-time visitors, families and travelers who want a big full-service hotel with an unbeatable central location and a strong sense of place.

Which part should you stay in? The tower rooms are generally more modern, with higher floors that offer views over Union Square, the downtown towers and, on clearer days, the bay. The historic building has more character, with older architecture and layouts, and rooms can vary in size and style, so read the room description carefully when you book.

If you care most about views, ask for a high floor in the tower; if you want a feel of old San Francisco, the main building is the choice. Requests for specific floors or views are not guaranteed, but they are worth making at booking and again at check-in.

The location is the main selling point. From the front door you can ride a cable car to Fisherman's Wharf or down toward Chinatown, walk to the shopping around Union Square, reach Powell Street BART and Muni Metro for trips across the city, and find theaters and restaurants within a few blocks.

Nob Hill and Grace Cathedral are an uphill walk, and the Financial District and the Ferry Building are reachable on foot or by a short ride. The area is busy at all hours, so expect noise and crowds outside, and ask for a higher floor or a quieter side if you are a light sleeper.

The hotel offers full-service amenities typical of a large downtown property, including restaurants and bars, a fitness center, concierge service and meeting facilities. Details such as dining outlets, spa access and fees change over time, so check the hotel before you book. Many large city hotels add a daily destination or resort fee and charge for parking, which can be high in this part of the city, so look at the full price including fees and consider using transit or rideshare instead of a car.

Who is it for? Travelers who value location and history over quiet charm, including first-time visitors who plan to use cable cars, shop and see the major sights on foot or by transit. Families like the central position and space; couples enjoy the views from upper floors and the sense of occasion. If you prefer a boutique or neighborhood stay, there are other options in this guide, but few hotels sit as squarely in the center of the action.