Hotel in SF

Question

Hi,

I would like to have some advice regarding the Hotel location in SF. We will have a short stay - 2 days in San Francisco, and plan to use public transportation. I'm thinking of hotel around Union Square, as it's connected to airport via BART, and there are plenty of hotels. The only concern I have is safety, is it a safe area? Other candidates are Fisherman's Wharf or nearby international airport, but not so convenient as Union Square.

Thanks a lot.

Answer

For a short 2-day stay in San Francisco using public transportation, Union Square is generally the most convenient hotel location. It has excellent access to BART from the airport, multiple Muni lines, and cable cars, making it easy to reach major attractions like Chinatown, the Ferry Building, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Regarding safety, Union Square is a busy commercial and tourist area. During the day, it is lively and well-patrolled. However, like many urban centers, there can be issues with panhandling, pickpocketing, and occasional property crime, especially after dark or on less-trafficked streets. Standard precautions apply:

Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
Stay on well-lit streets at night.
Be cautious when using ATMs or walking alone late in the evening.

Alternative locations:

Fisherman’s Wharf: Very tourist-friendly, lots of shops and restaurants, and walking distance to Pier 39 and Alcatraz tours. It is safe in tourist areas but less central for public transportation and getting to other neighborhoods quickly. Hotels here are generally more expensive for the size and amenities.
Near the International Airport (SFO): Convenient if you have an early flight, but it’s far from most San Francisco attractions. You will need to rely on BART or rideshare for all sightseeing, which can eat into your limited time.

Recommendation:

Union Square is the best balance of convenience, access to public transport, and hotel options for a short stay.
Choose a hotel on a main street close to Union Square (e.g., Geary, Powell, or Post streets) to stay in a busier, well-lit area.
If you plan to spend more time around the waterfront and enjoy tourist attractions there, a night in Fisherman’s Wharf could be considered, but for just 2 days, Union Square saves travel time.

In summary, Union Square is safe enough with common urban precautions and highly convenient for a 2-day trip using public transport, making it the most practical choice for your stay.

Hotel in SF

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