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3.5
#123 of 239 hotels in San Francisco
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Daily Mandatory Destination Charge includes: Premium guest internet access; daily $35 food and beverage credit for use in all hotel outlets; 2-hour e-bike rental for up to 2 guests.
Don't just visit San Francisco, experience it. Located in the heart of Union Square, walk to world-class shopping and dining, museums, and tourist attractions like the world-famous Cable Car. Enjoy our grab-and-go market Herb N' Kitchen for anytime snacking, or relax in one of our two restaurants. You can even take a dip in our heated outdoor pool and spa. Before settling back into your room, see San Francisco from our perspective at our top-floor lounge Cityscape.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The Hilton San Francisco Union Square has received mixed feedback from its visitors. Guests have commended the hotel for its cleanliness and convenient location close to attractions and transit, though there are concerns about safety in the surrounding area.
While the modern atmosphere and variety of amenities are generally appreciated, some guests feel that the hotel could benefit from updates and that the value is diminished by high costs for parking, breakfast, and other services. Additionally, the quality of service and room conditions seem to vary, with some travelers experiencing excellent hospitality and accommodations, whereas others encounter issues with staff responsiveness and room upkeep.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Outdated
Rooms
Dated
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Satisfactory
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Hilton Union Square is our go-to hotel whenever visit San Francisco, if the price is right. This last stay was for two night in March. I ended up pre-paying for the room as I got a great rate. Stay itself was as expected. Great staff and service.
My one issue was with the reservation and room assignment process. I booked online as a Hilton Honors member. I indicate there were three adults in our party. One of our choices was a deluxe King room, with a note that some of these rooms had a fold out sleeper sofa. Since I had indicated there there three in our party I also added a note requesting a room with a sleeper sofa. When we went to check in I was told that there were no King rooms with sleeper sofas available. We were first offered a room with two double beds. Not only was that not acceptable it would have been for a lower price than what I already had pre-paid. We were then offered a King with a sleeper sofa on a higher room, with a view for "only" $50 per night more. Nope, also not acceptable. No rooms with two Queens available, which would have been fine. Next offer was for a King suite, and they would bring in a roll away. Again, not acceptable for the person who would have to sleep on the roll away. They finally did put us into a King with a sleeper sofa on a higher floor with a view, which sound like what the rep was trying to sell us for $50 per night more.
My issue with all of this was, why offer the King room as an option for three people if you can't provide it at check in. The other thing was that the rep at the desk didn't seem to have the authority to make changes that required an upgrade without checking with someone in the back.
Last small issue was that one we did get the room it had obviously been set up for two people. We needed to contact housekeeping for another set of towels, a drinking glass and an extra blanket.
We will definitely stay at Hilton again, just hope they get the reservation and room assignment straightened out.
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Date of stay: March 2020
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Location
Service
Room Tip:High floor
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from HiltonSFUnionSquare, Guest Relations Manager at Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Responded Mar 16, 2020
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience about your recent stay at our hotel. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that you encountered during your stay, especially your check-in experience. We appreciate your feedback and we will ensure that it is used to improve our guest's experience. We hope that we get an opportunity to provide you with a more positive experience in the future the next time your travels bring you back to San Francisco.
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The location of this hotel is excellent and within walking distance of Union Square and the Powell Street cable car (tip: buy your ticket in advance and expect a long wait to get on!). We had 2 rooms and both were clean and comfortable. There is a microwave oven near the ice machine (if you like to re-heat leftovers as San Francisco can be expensive to eat out). I dropped a star because they only appeared to have 1 bar person on the early New Year's Eve shift so getting a drink in the lobby was very slow that night. That said, a shout out for our server is deserved as he looked after us so well (sorry, we have forgotten the name but he's from Costa Rica!). Now, some reviews have reported the homeless problem in SF and it is very real ... with 2 rooms we were paying $160 in city tax (nothing to do with the hotel) and it's hard to see what the city is doing with that money for the poor unfortunates that have nowhere to go. After dark, the streets outside turn into "tent city" and, although it didn't bother us, I can see why some people might find it skeevy. This is nothing to do with the Hilton chain or this hotel but is a problem that needs to be fixed. On a more personal note, the CityScape sky-bar offers panoramic views over the city and is well worth a look. All in all, we thought this was an excellent choice for a SF vacation and would return in future.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Value
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Room Tip:Try to get an upper floor in tower 1 for better views.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from HiltonSFUnionSquare, Guest Relations Manager at Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Responded Jan 12, 2020
Thank you for sharing your experience with future travelers, TucsonTraveller! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us and that you had the chance to check out the amazing city views from Cityscape Lounge on the 46th floor of the hotel. We also appreciate your candid feedback: unfortunately, we do share some of the issues that other cities face, and we're working closely with our neighbors to ensure that our city is welcoming and accommodating for all. We are seeing improvements and hope that all visitors have an exceptional experience in our unique and amazing city. We hope that you will consider staying with us again in the future.
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A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
We had a really good stay/experience here. It started off a little rough with a room situation, but it got worked out in the end and the the time spent there turned out really well.
The only hiccup I can think of during our stay there: Being a Hilton Honors member I booked my stay through the app. I chose the room we wanted and was all set. Upon arrival I had the option to go straight to my room, using the digital key through the app, and avoiding all lines at the check-in counter. I decided though to go to the counter and get physical keys as well since I have had issues with the digital key in the past and, I wanted a key for my friends. I didn’t realize my room had been changed until I got to the room and looked out the window and saw no city view. I called the operator and asked why my room had changed on me. Long story short, they changed my room for me and put me back on the side I had originally picked. The Bellman met me at my new room with new keys.
Hotel staff: Very friendly and helpful. The men at the front door were always asking if we needed a taxi or anything when we were leaving for the day. The guards were also watching out for us at night when they thought we parked a car across the street, letting us know the city starts ticketing at a certain our. The maids always asked us if there was anything we needed when they saw us in the mornings. We didn’t really use their cleaning service during our stay, but we did swap out towels once.
Room: Good - there was some water damage it looked like on the ceiling It was a bit small but worked. Bathroom felt a little cramped, especially if you used the toilet because the hand towels were directly in your face, but that might not be the case in all rooms either; there were also some small stains on the shower curtain but I could see how they can get missed. Beds were comfortable and room was pretty quiet from outside and hallway noise.
Cityscape Lounge: An absolutely beautiful place at night. It’s open Fri-Sun on the top floor of tower 1–we went both Friday and Saturday night. Great drinks and again, the staff was very friendly. The views were unbeatable. You literally could see the city light of SF for miles.
Location: A bit close to the tinderloin so just make sure you’re careful if you’re wandering around at night. We never had any issues, it’s just hard to see the condition these people are in sometimes. Generally if you walk up a block or two you can get around it. Other than that, you’re only one block over (the opposite direction of the tenderloin) and one block down from Union Square—they have some great coffee there and it’s a nice place to relax as well. And then one more block over and two up and you’ll be at the gate to Chinatown! So much great food to be had there! You’re only a couple blocks up from Market St. where you can easily catch the BART, busses, or trollies.
Overall, I would definitely stay here again!
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:On-site parking is a bit expensive. Close to the Tenderloin but was never an issue for us....
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Aaron Danzig, Other at Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Responded Oct 20, 2021
Thank you so much for the wonderfully detailed review! We love showing our guests that Hilton hospitality! Glad we were able to fix the issue with your room. We are excited welcome you again when your travels bring you back to San Francisco.
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The SF Hilton Union Square has to one of my top ten most favorite hotels, and I've already stayed there twice in one year (with a third booking coming up next May). I travel for business booking up to 55 rooms each time and both times the company I travel with said the hotel excelled in every aspect. The service from the time we arrived till departure was exemplary. I worked closely with the Sales staff arranging the many reservations and that experience was truly amazing, so efficient and especially kind! The front desk was very friendly and helpful. Most importantly, the rooms were lovely. I have stayed in many hotels in the bay area, this has to be my favorite and like I said in my top ten favorites around the USA!
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Date of stay: December 2023
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Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Very disappointed with this large hotel in a premier US City. The room itself is decent size and clean. The bed is comfortable. That is the only positive thing to say. There is one small window on part (yes, part) of a wall, so not much light gets in. The bathroom is so tiny that everything is on top of itself. Two people could not fit. There are silly cafe-style shutter doors to get in the bathroom. The drawer is basically in the toilet. It is actually dangerous, as you cannot use the outlets except over the sink. (City inspectors would not approve). And to make matters worse, on check-in, they offered a Hilton Honors member staying four nights “a room in the new part” for a mere $50/night. We have traveled extensively for business and pleasure, and to San Francisco regularly about twice a year. We will avoid this hotel and hope you do too. Starting night 3, hope the hotel management sees this and takes real action instead of a simple “sorry you were unhappy” response.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Venture31112566092, Manager at Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Responded Jan 31, 2020
Thank you for your feedback on your recent stay, Bemistoncook. We're disappointed that your room experience was not up to your expectations, and would love the opportunity to get to know more. Please reach out to us at SFOFH-Guest@hilton.com so we can connect regarding your feedback.
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I recently had the pleasure of being a guest at this hotel this past month on June 18 to June 21st. From the moment we booked our room until check out, we were treated amazingly. I can't recall the name of the person who upgraded our room, but she was wonderful and the suite was incredible...my boys were thrilled. Because we arrived so early based on a very early morning flight, the front desk person allowed us to bring our bags up to another room while our room was still being cleaned. While we were having breakfast they were able to finish our room and let us check in at 11, which was greatly appreciated, especially since our day had started so early, and we were exhausted.
On our last day at the hotel, I still had a $30 credit that I needed to use so I had thought picking up sandwiches at the deli downstairs to bring on the flight might be a good idea, but I didn't realize the deli was closed for two hours. The front desk manager was so accommodating, she spoke with (I think) someone from food and beverage, who went in to the deli and actually made us two pastrami sandwiches to bring on the plane. To me, that kind of service is unheard of and above and beyond anything I'd expect.
So in saying all of that, I just wanted to say a big thank you to the Hilton Union Square and the staff for making a much needed brief vacation, absolutely perfect for both myself and my sons!
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Date of stay: June 2021
Rooms
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Aaron Danzig, Other at Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Responded Jul 14, 2021
Thank you so much Stay404788 for the wonderful review! We love showing our guests that Hilton hospitality! We hope to welcome you again if your travels bring you back to San Francisco.
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INCREDIBLE/STUPENDOUS STAY!!!!!!!! I booked a two night stay at this property. From my first interaction with Stephanie at the front desk to follow up conversations with Stella regarding my stay as well as any necessary items to make my stay more pleasant. Top notch, an 11 on a 10 scale regarding hotel room guest services is how I would rate this hotel. On our final day at the hotel, my wife and I chose to have breakfast down stairs in the " poached" restaurant. With no carving station ( but you can get made to order egg items) the price is a bit steep. There is an automatic 15% gratuity added on to the meal check. Which was absolutely understandable due to the fact that most of the world fails to tip or is cheap when dining at a buffet. Should you find yourself in a position to dine at poached....DO IT!!! Quite often when eating in a gratuity included restaurant the service can be sub-par since the staffs tips have already been established. Not so with two gentleman by the names of Max and Carson. The service that my wife and I received was everything that one would expect from a fine dining restaurant with no automatic tip built into the price. Great hotel, great service, great time all around.
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Date of stay: January 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from HiltonsOfUnionSquare, Manager at Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Responded Feb 7, 2020
Thanks for making our day, Robert! Feedback like yours is why we have the greatest job in the world. I'll be sure to share your comments with Stephanie, Stella, Max, Carson, and the rest of the team, and we'll look forward to hosting you again soon!
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Stayed here for 3 night as part of our USA trip! Lovely hotel. Very clean and lots within the hotel for food if you Didn’t want to venture out! Urban tavern highly recommended, chicken and sticky rice was delicious.
Cable car start route is only a 5 min walk which is great $8 for one ticket. We were getting an Uber home from Fisherman’s wharf as we found it better to get cable car down and Uber home especially if it was late, Lots of homeless around but you get that everywhere in San Fran.
I would definitely stay at this hotel again as it’s got everything you would need. Cityscape lounge on 46th floor is a must, excellent views of the city - $8 a beer. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from HiltonSFUnionSquare, Guest Relations Manager at Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Responded Mar 10, 2020
We’re pleased to hear that you had such a positive experience staying with us, K-SHalf123! We are happy to hear that you got to take a ride on the historic San Francisco Cable Cars, which are a short walk from the hotel. It is also great that you had the chance to checkout the spectacular city views from Cityscape on the 46th floor of Tower 1. We look forward to welcoming you back as our guest soon for another memorable stay.
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We travelled from San Francisco International Airport via the BART (their version of the London Underground) it cost $10 each. We went to the information desk at the airport and bought the “clipper” tickets (oyster type card) and topped up ready for the train. We arrived at Powell Station (closest to the hotel) about 40mins later (very clean and safe trains) lots of city “ambassadors” in orange jackets to guide you or assist.
The walk from the hotel is 5mins. The Hilton is a very large hotel, we stayed in Tower 1, floor 36 with 2 double beds and a balcony overlooking the city. The temperature in July was a maximum 19 degrees, so pack a jumper.
Union Square is a 3 min walk, all of the big hotels are slightly out of Union Square. We didn’t try the pool but it was clean and quiet. The on-site shop is obviously expensive (all hotel shops are) so we simply used local shops to buy water. The roof top bar is amazing and the service is very quick.
We walked most places but did catch the cable car $8 dollars (you can pay by cash)
You’re going to have to get use to the homeless with obvious mental health issues, we visited 20 years ago and it was the same but Covid hasn’t helped.
An excellent family friendly hotel and very safe. We walked at all times of the day.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Local diners for breakfast.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Aaron Danzig, Marketing at Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Responded Jul 25, 2022
Thank you for the great review! We are so happy you enjoyed your time at our hotel as well as in San Francisco. Safe travels!
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This hotel was never great. Post-pandemic, it’s far worse. Like all hotels in this “sort of normal” period, it’s offering little in the way of service, including daily room cleaning. The bars and lounges are closed. All that was available was a take out option from the lobby of prepared foods. There is no car valet service, and the garage is terrible to navigate.Hardly any staff working at the front desk, so a long check in. And an AC panel above the tub dripped cold water when you showered. And this was the result after reserving one of the more expensive premium rooms.
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Review collected in partnership with Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Date of stay: June 2021
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Aaron Danzig, Other at Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Responded Jun 15, 2021
We’re very sorry to see that you were disappointed with your stay, Steve D. Please reach out to SFOFH-guest@hilton.com with any additional information you’re able to share so that we have the opportunity to Make it Right.
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Hi
I visited from the UK in July. We didn't receive any food, vouchers or spend against the $25 we paid. It worked as a destination tax and we didn't get any funds refunded after we departed
There are more places to choose from in the San Francisco area.
PRICE RANGE
C$293 - C$443 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
hilton san francisco union square hotel san francisco, hilton hotel san francisco, san francisco hilton
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSan FranciscoDowntown San Francisco / Tenderloin / Downtown / Theater District
NUMBER OF ROOMS
1,921
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including any mandatory fees. Taxes not included. Please see our partners for more details.
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Hilton San Francisco Union Square - UPDATED 2024 Prices, Reviews & Photos
Frequently Asked Questions about Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Which popular attractions are close to Hilton San Francisco Union Square?
Nearby attractions include San Francisco Magic Theater at the Marrakech (0.1 km), San Francisco Urban Adventures (0.2 km), and San Francisco Playhouse (0.3 km).
