Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf?

[rachelhelen82]

Fingers crossed we’re flying into San Francisco mid October this year. I’ve already booked the Handlery, Union Square, (free cancellation) for our three night stay but after looking on Booking.com last night I noticed the Holiday Inn Express was only £100 more and includes free breakfast.
Which would you say would be the better location/hotel? I’m thinking I prefer the look of Fisherman’s Wharf but we’ve never been before so I’ve nothing really to base that on.
Just to add we’re a party of two adults and a 13 year old.

[400ixl]

Fisherman's wharf every time. Far more of a tourist atmosphere and more tourist things to do in walking distance.

Stayed in the Holiday Inn Express and it is well located. Rooms are big, has a Denny's in the same building and you can use the pool in The Holiday Inn next door if you wish.

Unless you are there for shopping or business I wouldn't stay in Union Square.

[aqualiv]

We stayed at the Argonaut at the far end of Fishemans wharf and loved the location
We only popped into the centre once mostly just to go on the cable car

[kateb78]

We stayed at the Handlery a few years ago. We did all the usual tourist things and we were glad we stayed where we did - fisherman’s wharf was just a bit too busy for us. We didn’t struggle to get anywhere as all the transport options are right on the doorstep. We used buses and cable cars plus did a lot of walking! Union Square has lots of shopping options too.

It’s a question that always draws lots of debate! When I asked the same question it was a 50/50 split

[enjibenji]

I have booked Hyatt Centric in Fishermans Wharf. It has gone up by $400 since I have booked, I was looking to change it as parking quite high but we paid $65 a night for parking last time we were there. I decided to stay in this area this time as before we were quite far away from Fishermans Wharf. 😊

[disneywiseowl]

We’ve stayed at the HIE & found it was the ideal location for us as most of the SF attractions are easier to access from there, than from Union Square. The breakfast was very good but it did get busy at times so I’d recommend getting there early if possible.

[rachelhelen82]

Thanks everyone. We’ve decided to go for Fisherman’s Wharf, we quite like busy areas and think we’ll be glad of the breakfast as it’ll save time trying to find somewhere we all like each morning. Fingers crossed that we actually get to go 🤞🏻

[Buzz242]

Fisherman’s Wharf every time for us, we usually stay at Pier 2620 but I think it’s changed it’s name since we last went.

[ClaireNJ]

Originally Posted by rachelhelen82

Thanks everyone. We’ve decided to go for Fisherman’s Wharf, we quite like busy areas and think we’ll be glad of the breakfast as it’ll save time trying to find somewhere we all like each morning. Fingers crossed that we actually get to go 🤞🏻

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Good choice we’ve been 3 times
Twice in Union Square, the Hilton & Fusion, good for shopping
And then the Sheraton at FW
It’s a lot less noisy at FW though & if you want a change IHOP & Denny’s nearby 🙊😋😋

[Willeve]

We stayed at Fisherman's Wharf, definitely great location for tourists, especially first timers. Close to Alcatraz landing, Pier 39(?) and for cycling the bridge. We also got the cable cars from here into the downtown area. Can’t go wrong. When we went (Aug 2016) it wasn’t at all seedy which is what I’d been told, felt very safe walking around, even in the evening.