Westin St. Francis Hotel050

The Westin St. Francis is one of those quintessential San Francisco hotels, which makes you feel like you've just stepped out of, or are stepping into, the pages of history. It's impossible not to notice the grand building, which reigns over Union Square, its cheerful staff hailing cabs outside from morning til night.

For traveling families who want to be in pulsing heart of San Francisco, The St. Francis is the perfect hotel.

My son's eyes grew wide as we entered the magnificent lobby, right off bustling Powell Street. He noticed the beautiful old-fashioned brass mailboxes. He noticed the ornate elevators. The chandeliers. The marble floors. The black and white photos from glamorous days now long past.

Our corner room was inviting and cozy, with windows looking out over Union Square. The warm beige, brown, and ivory hues lent a relaxing air. The sitting area, with a couch, two reading chairs, and several end tables was the perfect place for me to work and my son to read. We appreciated the plentiful lighting in the room, often a problem in hotel rooms. A decorative marble-topped desk, also with a light afforded plenty of room for everyone to claim a space with their laptops. The lovely crystal chandelier added a beautiful decorative touch.

The bathroom, while small, proffered a luxurious shower/tub combination with a double Heavenly Shower Head system, spa-quality toiletries, and plenty of thirsty towels. The bathroom also featured thick cotton robes, beautiful tiles, a pedestal sink, a makeup mirror, and hair dryer.

A large, high-definition flat screen television features a variety of cable stations (HBO, Nickelodeon, the Cartoon Network) as well as pay-per-view movies.

The bedding is luxurious and a variety of pillows is available. All of the rooms are smoke-free.

One of the best things about the Westin St. Francis for families is that Westin Kid Club makes kids feel right at home. Ask at the front desk about available board games, a variety of books, potty seats, high chairs, jogging strollers, booster seats, bottle warmers, bed rails, diapers, baby blankets, cribs, and rollaway beds.

Other amenities include: Morning newspaper, ironing board, in-room coffee/tea, mini bar/refreshment center, in-room safe, foreign language services, laundry and dry cleaning. The Business Center is open 24/7 and features high-speed Internet, laptop docks, faxing, printing, and shipping. In-room WiFi is available for a charge.

Need a slight extension to your vacation? Day use of the guestrooms is available for an additional charge. To receive points and special offers, ask about the Starwood Preferred Guest Program.

The Gift Store is open 7am-10pm daily and stocks gifts, toiletries, snacks, and even a Michael Mina cookbook. Don't miss the kids picture book called Francis the Earthquake Dog, which tells a story based on an account from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Parents, be sure to ask the front desk what number to dial in so kids can hear the story being read!

Other services and stores in the lobby-level arcade include Victoria's Secret, a florist, and other shops. Be sure to peek in the historical cases in the Tower lobby, filled with items dating back to when the hotel opened in 1904.

St. Francis Health Club and Spa features massage, nail salon services, facials, body treatments, steam rooms, weight machines, and free weights. A daily guest use fee is charged.

Hotel dining options include: in-room dining (traditional breakfasts, pizza, quesadillas, dim sum, salads, burgers, chicken breast, prime rib, salmon, and a variety of desserts. The Kids Club Menu includes mac and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and milk and cookies); Michael Mina's award-winning signature restaurant; Oak Room Restaurant and Lounge, including a children's menu; Caruso's sandwiches, salads, cocktails, bar.

Transportation is made simple with Hertz car rental located in the hotel, an airline boarding pass kiosk in the lobby, airport transit easily arranged via taxi, shuttle, or limousine. Parking is valet parking only.

The concierge is happy to help with babysitting referrals, jogging maps, entertainment suggestions, bicycle rentals, restaurant reservations, and much more.

When making reservations, be sure to ask about the San Francisco Family Fun Package, which includes overnight accommodations, City Walks with Kids deck of cards, a complimentary movie (one per night), and a complimentary children's meal with the purchase of a paid adult meal. The San Francisco Experience Package includes overnight accommodations and two adult San Francisco Explorer Passes valid for two days. (Children's Explorer passes can be purchased at the hotel.)