Hotel Union Square050

Located smack dab in the heart of San Francisco's shopping district, Hotel Union Square is a delightful home away from home.

The 131-room art deco hotel is located within walking distance of many popular attractions such as Westfield Shopping Centre, Zeum Children's Museum, Yerba Buena Gardens, SFMOMA, and many others. Public transportation is easily accessible, with Muni and BART lines just half a block away, and the cable car line just outside the hotel doors. (We loved the clanging of the bell which we could hear from our room!)

Upon arrival, families receive two cable car passes, a tin of Ghiradelli chocolates, and a list of local kids' attractions. Parents also enjoy a welcome bag chock-full of fun freebies like granola bars, a razor, mints, etc.

The Ring In the Kids Suite is stocked with enough goodies to entertain the tiniest tot to the most rambunctious youth. There's an Apple Mac Mini, karaoke machine, lots of books, a cd player, toys, crayons, and more. Even the tub was unusually fun, with rubber ducks to keep my little one company. The trundle bed comfortably sleeps two kids, with a comforter so soft parents can't resist some snuggling.

A wooden screen separates the kids' area from where parents sleep. In this area there are two queen beds (works well for a family of four!) and a television. It's a huge space with great lighting from five huge windows all around the room, offering prime people-watching opportunities onto the busy street below.

From 5pm-6pm, the hotel serves sparkling wine in the lobby. We took one of the Mystery Tree House books from the room and Mom sipped some wine while reading aloud in a couple cozy lobby chairs.

With all their amenities, coupled with a super-friendly staff, Hotel Union Square offers a wonderful experience for parents visiting San Francisco or for Bay Area families longing for a weekend get-a-way.