Union Square Shops & Festivals, Protests, Statues
by Ewingjr98 about Union Square
Union Square has a little of everything. Antiques, theaters, and high class shops next to bums, hippies, and international festivals. Where to begin?
I've visited the area around Union Square five or six times, and each was a different and memorable experience. I've been shopping at classy stores like Williams Sonoma and Barnes and Noble. I've been accosted by bums who both begged for money and yelled about how much they "hate Nazis" (don't we all?). I once stayed in the Kensington Park Hotel just a block from the square and enjoyed the nightlife and a few local restaurants. I also visited the Indonesian tourism festival in 2007. I recently heard some hippies yelling about how 9-11 was a government conspiracy. In May 2008 we saw some acrobatic climbing wall dancers imitating Cirque du Soleil... very impressive. The next day we saw a celebration for Buddha's birthday.
No matter what you can count on some excitement here.
Wonderful hotel with a great location
by TripAdvisor Member tampacub11
My family and I stayed at The Kensington Park Hotel in San Francisco from May 8 to May 13. We paid $110/per night for the first 4 nights booked through a discount travel website. We decided to stay an extra night to see more of San Francisco. The hotel staff added on an extra night for $149, the hotel's current room price at the time. We felt an extra night in the city was well worth the money and the staff made the booking changes very quickly.
This hotel has a great location. It is less than a block away to shops in Union Square. There are plenty of diners and restaurants that are easy to walk to. We especially enjoyed the food at Cafe Mason located on the corner of Mason and O'Farrell. During our stay, we walked from the hotel to Chinatown, Union Square, San Francisco Shopping Center, The Disney Store(Great for kids and Disney lovers and it's practically next door!), Market Street, the Cable Car turnaround, and other nearby stores. We also felt the location of The Kensington Park Hotel was very safe and our room was secure.
Our room had 2 double beds and was very, very clean. It was nicely decorated, spacious(for San Francisco, very spacious), had comfortable beds, and was pleasant overall. The bathroom has a sink with counter space, a hairdryer, a toilet, and a shower/tub combo. The shower had great water pressure and was very nice after a long day of walking.
The room also had an iron with ironing board, closet with hangers, TV with some cable channels, armoire(holds the TV and has 3 drawers), a desk with chair, a living chair, and a nightstand with phone. Local calls cost $.75 each. We also had wireless internet in our room.
The hotel staff were very helpful and friendly. The housekeeping service was wonderful. Every day we came back to our room to find our beds made, fresh towels, and everything in its place. There is also afternoon tea or sherry available in the lobby, but we did not have any. We mostly traveled to the 9th floor for free coffee. Coffee, ice machines, and vending machines are on the 9th and 12th floor. Our room was on the 7th floor, so it was a quick elevator ride to the coffee.
Overall, we enjoyed our stay very much and would stay here again.
***I'd also like to add that you should be VERY careful when leaving your car unattended in downtown. There are certain times when it is okay to park your car at meters or on certain streets. Your car will be towed away during the restricted hours such as the times for street cleaning. Tow trucks are everywhere in downtown. Please look for signs that post restricted hours whenever you park in downtown. It's better to be safe than sorry. Have a great trip!
The Perfect Spot!
by A TripAdvisor Member
My daughter and I enjoyed a delightful stay at this wonderful hotel in San Francisco. We were there for one week. We were a little concerned that there would be no air conditioner (being from Florida!) but this turned out to be no problem at all. The weather outside was very cool (we visited in late July), and the window opened. We had to keep it closed at night because it was so cold outside! The room was adequate for the two of us, very quiet in the evening, and the beds were extremely comfortable. We have stayed in many hotels, and this one was by far the CLEANEST. The bathroom was kept spotless every day, a request for more toilet paper was honored IMMEDIATELY and the service from the front desk was top notch. Bob, the concierge, was quite helpful in renting a vehicle for us and in helping us with our trip to the Napa Valley.
The hotel is very convenient...a big plus when visiting this terrific city. It is right in Union Square, a couple of blocks from the cable car turn around. It is within walking distance to Chinatown and Japan Center. The trolley stops are all nearby, making trips to the Fisherman's Wharf a breeze.
Take advantage of the tea and sherry in the late afternoon...it is delightful! Napa Valley is about 1 1/2 hrs away, and you can even visit the Petrified Forest and Old Faithful. Carmel is about 2 hrs away....the drive down is magnificent. We saw seals sunning themselves on the rocks. Truly a memorable ride.
All in all...the Kensington Park Hotel helped to make our stay in San Francisco one we will always remember. We highly recommend it, and we would love to stay there again!
Great Little Hotel
by TripAdvisor Member DBarrick
We saw the hotel on the internet but not sure about it. Booked it with my travel agent who recommended the hotel. We arrived in San Francisco Feb 27/05 to March 4/05. Great little hotel, half a block from Union Square and cable cars. Excellent staff, helpful, very clean, not your "chain type" hotel but excellent value, sherry & tea in afternoon nice touch. Suggest you book on line. Agent charged $129 per night Cdn or about $100 US.upon checking out I discovered our rate would have been 70US plus tax or $80.00 per night. So BOOK ON LINE. For Breakfast turn left out of hotel go to corner turn right, go one block and turn right look for O'Doull's pub, best place around for breakfast.
Lovet it !!!
by TripAdvisor Member itinar
Our family stayed at the Kensington in two rooms for two nights. This hotel is really nice in an excellent location and has a touch of class and elegance.
The rooms are very nicely decorated and well equiped. I would recommend the Kensington anytime.
Great location, good value, small but clean rooms
by TripAdvisor Member jimdsail
Good location just off of Union Square. If you need to get to Moscone center it's about a 10 minute walk through downtown. Rooms are small and old, but everything was clean and functional. Staff was helpful.
Cute as a button!!!
by A TripAdvisor Member
This is the cutest hotel I have ever stayed in. The room we had was on the 11th floor, room 79. We had a city view that was just beautiful. The room was decorated in earth tones with burgundy accents. The bed was very comfortable. As other reviews noted, there are no air conditioning units but you really don't need one due to the weather being very cool in San Francisco. You will want to dress warm when you go out into the city. The staff is very nice and helpful. My stay here was nothing but great. When we go back, we will staying here again. I can hardly wait!!!
Forum Posts
High End Hotel-Bargain Price
by stevee
Looking for a "higher" end hotel for a bargain price if there is such a thing. Any suggestions. I need 2 rooms for just 1 night in late September.
Re: High End Hotel-Bargain Price
by Lhenne1
I've had great luck using priceline and "betting" on an up-scale hotel. On my last trip to SFO, I stayed at the Kensington Plaza Hotel (a really nice boutique hotel) near Union Square. I got a great deal through orbitz.com ($135 a night on a weekend).
Re: High End Hotel-Bargain Price
by Lhenne1
Sorry, it was called the Kensington Park Hotel.
Have fun in San Fransisco!
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