Hotels: Washington Square Inn vs. Marriot Vacation Club

Question

Hi there.

We're coming to SF for 3 nights at the start of a road trip in late July.

We're a family of 6 - kids are 20,18, 16 and 13.

I'd like to stay somewhere central and walkable to places to eat and drink.

(We have two full days and have booked Alcatraz and a baseball game - but also want to explore as much of the city and sights as possible - possibly renting bikes to cycle over the bridge? The kids will probably want to check out the second hand clothing shops!)

I'm considering the Marrior Vacation Club and the Washington Square Inn - both look good to me, and have rooms available within our budget. Does anyone know about these hotels - specifically location and area? Which would you choose?

Thanks so much

Answer

For a family of six visiting San Francisco with two full days and plans to explore the city, both the Washington Square Inn and the Marriott Vacation Club have their advantages. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide based on location, walkability, and convenience for your planned activities.

Washington Square Inn

The Washington Square Inn is located in North Beach, just a short walk from Washington Square Park. This neighborhood is vibrant, historic, and very walkable. It’s known for its Italian restaurants, cafes, and gelato shops, as well as nearby landmarks like Coit Tower and the cable car lines. Key features:

Central and walkable: Close to North Beach, Chinatown, and the Embarcadero.
Atmosphere: Boutique-style hotel with a local, cozy feel.
Dining: Plenty of casual and mid-range restaurants within walking distance.
Shopping: Several second-hand and vintage clothing shops are accessible by a short bus or ride-share ride.
Transportation: Easy access to cable cars and public transit for other parts of the city.

Marriott Vacation Club (San Francisco)

The Marriott Vacation Club is located near Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the most tourist-centric areas of the city. This location is excellent for families, especially if you want to be close to popular attractions. Key features:

Close to tourist spots: Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and the start of the bike ride to Golden Gate Bridge.
Family-friendly amenities: Typically larger rooms and suites to accommodate six people more comfortably.
Walkability: Easy to reach many attractions and waterfront walks.
Dining: Plenty of tourist-oriented restaurants, though a bit pricier than North Beach.
Transportation: Good access to trams, buses, and ride-shares to other neighborhoods.

Considerations for Your Plans

Alcatraz and baseball game: Both hotels are reasonably convenient for ferries to Alcatraz and for getting to Oracle Park, though the Marriott near Fisherman’s Wharf is slightly closer to the ferry terminal.
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge: Starting from Fisherman’s Wharf makes it very convenient to rent bikes and ride across the bridge along the northern waterfront.
Exploring neighborhoods: Washington Square Inn gives more of a local San Francisco experience, with authentic eateries and a more residential feel.
Room size and comfort: With six people, the Marriott Vacation Club may have more spacious accommodations, reducing the need for multiple rooms.

Recommendation

If your priority is walkability to local eateries, a classic San Francisco neighborhood experience, and proximity to vintage/second-hand shops, the Washington Square Inn is ideal. If you prefer being in a highly tourist-friendly area with easier access to waterfront attractions, bike rentals for the Golden Gate Bridge, and potentially larger rooms for your family, the Marriott Vacation Club is likely the better choice.

Given your family’s mix of activities (Alcatraz, baseball, sightseeing, biking), staying at the Marriott Vacation Club may offer slightly more convenience, but both are excellent options and safe, central locations.

Hotels: Washington Square Inn vs. Marriot Vacation Club

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