V-Flyer

After spending way too long trying to decide which hotel to stay at for our SFO trip next year, we have finally decided on the Vitale (we really want to stay at the St Regis but its just too expensive). The only thing that is worrying me slightly is the Vitale's location which if I'm right is in/nr/at The Embarcadero Waterfront or something [?]

Now, is this a good location for tourists to be based? We like to walk quite a bit but not too far, especially on an evening, is the area good for bars/restaurants? or would we be better staying in a hotel at Union Square?

Any info much appreciated
Thanks,Neil[?]

Well I love the Hotel Vitale. Prefect on Saturday mornings as the Ferry Terminal has a very nice market. The BART is right there along with a bunch of street cars. Prefect place to run (the SF marathon starts right at the Embarcadero and in front of Hotel Vitale).

It's not bad....a few minutes walk down to the wharf and there are a few good restaurants in the area...there are others that know SFO far better than myself.

Kneel,

The main drag that goes up from Embarcadero to Union Square is Market Street. It is clotted with more homeless than your average Tesco scone has currants...I would suggest you avail yourself of the BART (which travels underground) or the historic streetcars (a collection from around the world that runs on the surface, up the middle of the street). These streetcars go all the way up Market to the Castro District (home to all sorts of low places).

As for The Vitale, it's fine. It is part of Tablet Hotels Group, which runs a good ship of fun, design-forward hotels. Have you checked their Web site to see if you could get a killer deal? http://www.tablethotels.com

And yes, the Ferry Building (strangely not named after you...) is lovely and filled with cool restaurants. Do you like a nice oyster? Hogg Island Oyster Company is a must, as is Slanted Door (Vietnamese) and other places thereabouts. You could take a ferry to Tiburon and eat at Guaymas (Mexican upscale) or Sam's Anchor Cafe (outdoor pier with yummy seafood). Well worth it...

I used to live there and travel there quite often, so please do feel free to ask me for a list of clubs, restaurants, things to do, etc.

Who knows, maybe I'll even fly down there myself and join you on your honeymoon...three's company???

GJ

Originally posted by GrinningJackanapes

These streetcars go all the way up Market to the Castro District (home to all sorts of low places).

And GJ would know about that!

The Vitale is fantastic. All of GJ's comments are right and you can get to SOMA by a nice walk and the museums / gallerys there as well as to Union Sqaure. Also, just over the road is Boulevard one of SFs best restaurants, and along Steuart Street (opposite the entrance to the hotel are some good bars and restaurants particularly Ozumo, sushi, fab (great views over the bay too)!

Plenty of taxis call outside the hotel if you need to go further!