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#12589 - 08/17/04 02:21 PM
WM San Francisco Resort Review
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CSTUCKY
Administrator/Forum Host
Registered: 02/11/04
Posts: 1683
Loc: Kirkland, WA, USA
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Have you stayed at WM San Francisco? Here's your change to tell other WorldMark owners what it's really like. How big is the pool, hot hot is the hot tub? What amenities are available at the resort? What do you wish you had known before you left home?
Edited by TinaOS (06/08/06 12:44 PM)
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#12590 - 12/08/04 06:08 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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debinwindsor
Registered: 03/29/04
Posts: 21
Loc: Windsor, CA
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We stayed 1 night on bonus time. We live an hour away, so we took our car and parked right across the street. It was 12 bucks for the night to park there (we had to leave the next morning).
This was a cute old hotel - it looks like most of the other older/historic buildings in San Francisco. The location is great - very close to downtown and transportation. I thought it was easy to find too - and I went at night in the rain!
Don't go expecting the same huge luxurious worldmark resort you are used to. This is much smaller and older - but all of San Francisco is old, so what do you expect?!? We had a 1 bedroom which was adequate for our needs. The kitchen is just a mini-kitchen with a sink, microwave, frige, coffeemaker and ice bucket. They had glasses, paper plates, paper bowls, plastic silverware, salt, pepper, coffee, sugar, tea.
I liked this better than a hotel because of having separate rooms (although there are many hotel units here too) and having the cooking capabilities that we did have (with kids that is important to not have to run out everytime they say they are hungry). It kind of reminds me of the timeshares in Waikiki - they are all older too because they stopped builiding there in the 70's - so the outsides/lobbies look new, but the insides are "dated". I thought it was cute though - I especially liked the art and the art-deco ceiling lights. Everything inside did look new -from the furniture to the bathtub, sink, and toilets. The art-deco style and the old fashioned window air conditioner/heater units were what "dated" this property as older. BUT - I thought it was cute and the heater worked great! There is no pool, there is a workout room. This is a property to go to for location location location - not to "hang at the resort" like you can at Running Y or Eagle Crest.
Debbie
Windsor CA
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#12591 - 01/03/05 03:40 AM
Great location, nice property
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livinginexile
Registered: 03/29/04
Posts: 30
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I am also from this area, although I live in the midwest currently.
If you love San Francisco (which I do, deeply), this is a wonderful addition. For those who know the city this is the former Hotel Julianna. It's in a great location, just a couple blocks from Union Square and within walking distance to Chinatown, the North Beach, and Nob Hill locations.
The rooms are small, but are nicely decorated. We stayed in both studios and one-bedrooms over the Christmas holidays before driving up to Windsor. The one bedrooms have a separate, small, but very nice living room with a couch, chair, small table and chairs for 2, and a very cool flat screen TV. The couch is a fold out bed. There were two bathrooms, one attached to the living room and another attached to the bedroom. As usual, there is a separate tv in the bedroom.
The studios are variable in size. My parents had a studio that was on the small size, but very cute and cozy. It faced Bush street and was full of light, but a bit noisy (but they can't hear so they didn't care). We had a studio that was larger, but dark (as it was on the backside of the building).
There are no washer and driers in the units, they are more like hotel rooms. But they are on the first floor and completely convenient. One can sit in the comfortable lobby if you are waiting for clothes to dry.
The staff is also great. I was amazed at how calm they were, given all the turn over with the various bonus-time users during Christmas.
Regarding parking....we actually parked on the street for most of the time and paid a total of $6 to park two cars. But don't count on it. We had extremely good parking karma!
_________________________
Kim
East Lansing, Michigan
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#12592 - 02/09/05 06:02 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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thebillking
Registered: 02/09/05
Posts: 1
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We stayed one night in a 9th floor studio. In the description was the one dangerous word, "stairs". The elevator stops at the eighth floor, and you follow the signs to the stairs to the 9th. They are steep, narrow, and not for the faint hearted, or physically challenged. We will return again, as soon as possible, but never again to the ninth floor.
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#12593 - 02/21/05 03:26 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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marty6strings
Registered: 11/06/04
Posts: 5
Loc: Ben Lomond, California, USA
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Just returned today (02/21/05) from a three night stay at San Francisco - two nights in a studio and one night in a 1 bedroom top floor.
The site is perfectly located - 2 blocks to the Powell cable car lines (Mason & Hyde), 3 blocks or so to Union Square and 1 block from Grant Street - the entrance to Chinatown. Come down Bush, pull to the white curb, unload your luggage and then cross back over to park in the Sutter-Stockton garage. When you leave the garage, if you go to the fourth floor level and look for the Bush street exit - it will put you right at the site - easy pick-up and go.
The studio was a large room with a double bed, a small table, two chairs, an entertainment center with a DVD/VCR player, a 29" flat screen TV, a microwave, small refrigerator, glasses (assorted), corkscrew and upscale paper plates and bowls. The plastic forks, spoons and knives are packaged with salt and pepper packets - but let's be honest, your in the biggest gourmet city on the planet - why would you cook in? We warmed some boxed leftovers but o/w we ate out. Coffe service for one is supplied and coffee is provided in the lobby. The bathroom had everything. Closet had wire baskets to place clothes in, iron, ironing board a luggage holder. For two people it was more than adequate - after all the reason why you're there is the city you're in and your right smack in the middle of it. We were in unit 802, the upper unit on the right in the resort picture. Most of your view is the Sutter-Stockton parking structure but above that sits the skyline looking toward Macy's on the other side of Union Square.
There is only one elevator and when housekeeping is in full swing you might as well just schlep the stairs - only eight floors - and it gets you tuned up to take on the city.
The one bedroom top floor was interesting. There are four rooms on the top floor - 901-904. We were in 902. It actually was a two bedroom unit. Two complete bedrooms, with bath & entertainment centers. The other 2 bedroom unit is 903. Although the units are listed as top floor (and they are) you are situated behind the facade of the hotel so your view is not all that great. I took a look at 807 - a one bedroom corner unit - and it seems more serviceable. The sitting room in 807 has a sofa bed and when it's not in use there actually is another room that you can use. In the 2 bedroom units (902/903) there is no room in the "other " bedroom because of the double bed. The stairs are a slight problem. They're tight, steep and have two right angles - one at the bottom and one at the top.
The lobby is very warm and cozy with a gas fireplace and comfortable stuffed chairs and a sofa. The exercise room has a treadmill, an elliptical machine and a multi-weight machine.
The staff is very knowledgeable and courteous. I have yet to stay at a Worldmark Resort where that isn't the case.
For the view and the food - check out the Empress of China on Grant between Clay and Washington. The lounge at the Carnelian room opens at three in the Bank of America building. It's 52 floors up and the views are spectacular. Sunday brunch is $40 - with champagne included. The Yerba Buena Center has tons for children to do - especially the Zeum. They have an ice rink there also. You can walk over Mission street by going to the second level. That will also take you to The Museum or Modern Art. The Metreon is nearby with the Imax theater. We saw "The Polar Express" there in 3D - spec-tac-u-lar!
With an internet station adjacent to the front desk - this Worldmark resort has everything and more that you need to enjoy yourself in San Francisco.
Marty 
_________________________
[blue]Out of my mind.... be back in 5 minutes[/blue]
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#12594 - 05/02/05 11:17 AM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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Whindy
Registered: 05/02/05
Posts: 2
Loc: Fullerton, CA
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Just got back...I found the unit to be as advertised. Not the usual WM condo but very nice none the less. I thought the location was ideal, close to Chinatown, Union Square and the cable car line.
The front desk staff was excellent. The gave me directions and good information for the entire weekend.
As I was leaving I was approached twice by new 'concierge' staff. I found them agressive and overbearing, not characteristic of the normal friendly WM style. Maybe this will calm down when they gain some experience.
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#12595 - 05/02/05 09:05 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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allenke
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 219
Loc: Oregon
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Also just got back from San Francisco. I had booked way out when this first became available to book so booked a one bedroom on the 9th floor (top floor) thinking I would have the best view. That was a mistake, since it did not have any view to speak of. I found the unit nice, but would rather have had a 1 bedroom on any of the floors below for the following reason: The living room part of the 1 bedroom had another Queen bed in it that filled most of the living area - no couch to sit on. The reason they did this was because they were unable to get a sofa bed couch up the small tight stairs leading to the 9th floor (elevator only goes to the 8th floor). If you are having to have another actual bed rather than a sofa bed, then this is the room you will want - there was only four units on the 9th floor two one bedrooms and two studios. We got to see one of the 1 bedrooms on the floors below and we would have been much happier with them. They felt so much more open and would be nice to have a couch to sit on. We really loved this resort as it is in such a premo location. Hard to believe that you only had to walk one block to the dragon gates that open up into China Town. We were there only 3 days, rode my bike around the town, rode the cable cars, visited Fisherman's Warf, Union square, drove down the crookedist road, ate at Green's (great Vegetarian Resturaunt with views of the Golden Gate Bridge)at Fort Mason, saw the Palace of Fine Arts (also at night - it was so beautiful), drove through Nob hill, spent time in the Golden Gate Park, did the shoppy Sausalito town (actually, while Cheryl shopped, I road my bike up from Sausalito up past the Golden gate bridge out towards the light house), we then drove out to the light house later. One day we spent driving out and walking throught Muir Woods Park, then on up to Point Reyes Light house. Beautiful country. We had a really great time.
A couple of hints for parking: As stated in the materials sent from WM, it cost upwards of 30.00 or more to park in S.F. This is a resort that you may want to just come for the weekend with your car. After 6pm on Friday, you can park across the street (parking garage) for 7.00 until 7am. (33.00 for 24 hours), then take off for the day and when you return after 6pm on Sat., parking is free at the metered curb sites until 7am on Monday morning - if you can find a spot. Then get out of town!! When driving over to Fisherman's warf, drive over to Fort Mason (to eat at Green's of course), you can park free in their parking lot and take the paved path that wonders along the view of the bay over to Fisherman's Warf (about a 10 min. walk). There is very limited parking at one end of Firsherman's warf, but it is extremely difficult to find parking. I did find one there, but had other cars circling like vultures who came later and still tried to take it from me while I was waiting for a car to leave. I am not so sure that I would take a car next time, if staying for a week, but if just for the weekend, I would do it again, now that I know these little parking suggestions.
Ken
_________________________
Forgiveness is the gift you give yourself.
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#12596 - 05/14/05 01:07 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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inland46
Registered: 05/14/05
Posts: 7
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We stayed at the SF WM and was pleased with the overall stay.
It was not up to the grand accommodations of WM designed and constructed resorts, but its LOCATION is what makes this resort so nice.
We had no problems, considering the building is old. The renovations were good.
Looking forward to Solvang and Anaheim....
_________________________
The Agent
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#12597 - 06/02/05 04:35 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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goodjobWM
Registered: 08/19/04
Posts: 69
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hi there,
top floor units don't have good view. does any unit have a decent view ? thanks
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#12598 - 06/02/05 05:10 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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inland46
Registered: 05/14/05
Posts: 7
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Our view was limited, but it was a great location.
We had a corner unit on the 6th floor (probably the most desirable location), but could only see down the two streets - Stockton Street, overlooking the tunnel down to Union Square, and Bush Street. The resort is not tall enough for a real view of San Francisco. Its all location.
We had dinner in the Grand Hyatt (down the hill 1 block) on Stockton on the top floor. If you want a view, have dinner there one early evening.
_________________________
The Agent
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#12599 - 07/05/05 12:51 AM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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jocthegr8
Registered: 07/05/05
Posts: 1
Loc: Arizona
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Got back from the San Francisco property last week. Had a terrific time. The best thing about the property is the great staff. James the bellman was particularly knowledgeable about the area, and the other staff was more than helpful. The rooms, different for a Worldmark resort, but the location, it was right in the heart of everything you'd want to see in SF.
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#12600 - 07/30/05 11:13 AM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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MissLisa
Registered: 07/30/05
Posts: 11
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It IS an excellent location. We travel frequently to SF and stay nearby. On our last trip, we spotted the WorldMark sign and were so glad to have a WM property right in the heart of SF.
A restaurant suggestion: One of our favorite places to eat in SF is walking distance from the Hotel - Far East Cafe on Grant Street. Authentic Chinese food and the private dining rooms predate the famous earthquake - they are fun!
_________________________
Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Mark Twain.
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#12601 - 08/08/05 02:08 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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ifiddler
Registered: 08/08/05
Posts: 2
Loc: Orange County, CA
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Lucky for us, my brother lives across the Bay in Berkeley, so we parked for free there and took the (Daly City) BART back to the Powell station. Our room was on the 4th floor, with a view of the apartment building across. It was my 2 kids and fiance in a 1 bedroom. The 2 kids shared the fold out couch in the living room. They had their own bathroom and a cool flat screen tv. A short hallway down had a closet with 1 blanket, ironing board and iron. A bar sized sink, tiny fridge, microwave and coffee maker. So don't think you'll save any money by bringing food with you unless you want sandwiches and cereal!!! There were 4 paper plates, 4 sets plastic silverware and real cups and glasses. The bedroom had a small closet, tv and bathroom and the most uncomfortable bed! It was too bouncy and sloped from the middle outwards. You had to leave bathroom doors ajar to bath so that steam would not set off alarm too! It would have been nice to have had in the indent a vanity with mirror, light and some drawers instead of a useless table and lamp. This is not the condo you might think, but rather more like a regular hotel. I was surprised the Concierge could not obtain tickets for the Alcatraz tour. Isn't that part of their job??? I loved the location, close to Market Street (shopping), many restaurants and bus service close by. There is a free laundry on the first floor and small workout room. I'd stay again, but bring tons of $$$ with you because eating is very very very expensive over a 4 day period. Average meal for 4 was about $56 or more. Dinner for 5 was well over $100.
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#12602 - 08/12/05 03:18 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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nancycarrol
Registered: 05/13/04
Posts: 3
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What a wonderful addition to WM, location is exceptional and the staff is very friendly and helpful! I live in the East Bay and wanted to take my 2 grandchildren (8 & 10 yrs) to the city for a couple of days. We checked in on 8/8/05 and the staff was great, very easy check-in. We arrived early and the room wasn't ready but they secured our bags so we could walk around or just relax in the lobby with comfy chairs and fireplace. Loved the 1 bedroom with 2 baths especially because the bedroom was a short hallway down from the living room, makes it more private. The room was extremely clean with a great fresh smell, 2 televisions, microwave, mini-fridge and coffee maker. We found we need another blanket, called the main desk and had the blanket within 5 minutes - wow.
Earlier in the day we had taken BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) from the East Bay and visited the temporary site for the California Academy of Sciences (on Howard bet 4-5th Streets) - then walked to the hotel - maybe 10 blocks. Remember, you can buy $24 kids BART tickets for $6 at Powell St station. The next day we walked up 2 blocks (walk up Grant - it's less of a hill), caught the cable car down to Market $3, took the F line (Muni-metro) on Market to Fisherman's Wharf ($1.25 A, .35 kids) - free transfer for 2 hours. Took the ferry to Tiburon to have a wonderful lunch at Guayma's (spelling) at the dock and then back to the city.
Some say food is expensive in the city - but I think it doesn't have to be. For breakfast or anytime, you can walk to Lori's Restaurant (Powell St - about 3 blocks away). It's very family friendly - breakfast all day for around $6 (the kids love Lori's) - other entress less than $10. You can also eat at China town (1 block from main entrance on Bush) and eat a pork bun for breakfast about $1, grab an orange from the market $.75. We like to plan a nice dinner somewhere and if you take the ferry to Tiburon have that dinner at Guayma's or just appetizers. Hey, if you want a great experience, go for drinks and appetizer at the revolving restaurant Equinox on top of the Hyatt Regency (on Market and Main St). Dinner is pricey so try to eat a great lunch and then top off with the atmosphere and appetizers or soup (great french onion).
If you want the Alcatraz on foot tour, it's fine - but if you'll like to get to Alcatraz and not walk, I suggest Blue and Gold Ferry Bay Tour - it goes under the Golden Gate bridge and around Alcatraz and is narrated so you get the history.
My only warning is "do not take the steps up Stockton to Bush", which is the last block of Stockton before the hotel. The city never cleans them (it's 3 stories - and the smell and litter is sickening). It's a shame because the closest deli is just below the steps but I'd rather walk around the block.
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#12603 - 09/01/05 02:28 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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dk0504
Registered: 09/01/05
Posts: 1
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My husband and I are recent Worldmark owners and SF Worldmark was our first visit last night (8/31/05). We used bonus time. Great location as everyone has already mentioned.
We visited on a Wednesday and parked in the garage around 5:30pm, and left at 8am or so. The cost for parking only came to $14. That isn't so bad if you are just there for a night. I was expecting $25-35.
We stayed in a studio - it was pretty clean. For some reason, I expected shampoo and conditioner like other hotels. They provide you with towels and soap. So, bring toiletries. The employees are very nice and helpful.
We live in N. CA and will visit again.
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#12604 - 09/05/05 06:10 AM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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john63
Registered: 09/05/05
Posts: 1
Loc: Melbourne, Australia
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Could you please tell me if the weather is ok during this time of the year. Was it still pleasant?
John
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#12605 - 09/05/05 09:57 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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bigghoggee
Registered: 12/28/04
Posts: 179
Loc: California - North
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San Francisco weather is usually unpredictable, but during this period the weather is usually foggy in the morning then clears up to a nice warm temperature in the afternoon and then back to being foggy at night. Best way to dress in San Francisco is to wear layers of clothes.
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#12606 - 10/31/05 07:37 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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lv2travel
Registered: 08/20/05
Posts: 3
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Just spent two nights at the Worldmark SF and enjoyed myself. Check-in was so easy and the wine and cheese in the lobby were very welcome after a long day.
Studio was very small, but clean. The street noise was very evident about 5:50 a.m. on Saturday morning, but that was just the "sounds of the city". The Stockton stairs (mentioned in an earlier post) had been painted and were very clean. I hope it stays that way, as I have been on them when you could almost not stand the smell, but they are the quickest route to the Union Square area.
The location is convenient to the cable car and many good places to eat and great shopping. A very welcome addition to our Worldmark network.
Cheryl
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#12607 - 11/02/05 09:54 AM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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marcia0303
Registered: 11/01/05
Posts: 1
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We just stayed at the WorldMark San Francisco and I thought I would add my two cents for those who have never been there before. This is an older but lovely hotel that is full of architectual character. We had a 1 bedroom suite on the 3rd floor with limited view. We were told of the limited view when we reserved using bonus time.
We had a small livingroom with flat screen high definition television, refrigerator, microwave, couch, end tables and coffee tables. . The bathroom was small but functional and the bedroom was not huge but very nice. If you have stayed at other Worldmarks like Depoe Bay this is a small suite, however we compared it to a normal hotel room and were more than satisfied.
We honestly didnt miss a view since we knew we were paying only $44.00 for the room. Do any kind of search for any kind of room in this area of SF and you will find that you are saving many many dollars to stay here.
The cable car to Market Street in one direction or Fishermans Wharf in the other direction is one short block away. It is a slight incline to the cable car which means it is a slight decline when you arrive back at the hotel tired from all the walking around! If you are in a wheelchair, SF is a tough town to walk around but I walk with a cane most of the time and am not in the greatest shape and I had no problem walking to the cable car.
Two blocks in another direction will get you to the beginning of Chinatown with the ornate Chinese Gate entrance. Lots of great shopping, rubber necking and restaurants in this area.
The cost of parking is something everyone really does need to be aware of when visiting this resort. There is a parking garage across the street and Worldmark has 24 hour parking for about $5-$8 dollars cheaper than using the Parking Garage. HOWEVER, if you plan it correctly you can save even more money by noting the hours the price changes at the garage. The garage charges $7 for the ENTIRE NIGHT from 6 PM to 7 AM the next morning. After 7 am the price goes to $2.50 per hour. On the night before you are to leave Worldmark, move your car out of the 24 hour Worldmark parking rates and into the garage after 6 pm. Pay the additional hourly rate for just a couple hours before you leave in the morning and you will save $20 or more dollars. We stayed multiple nights and so just figured the cost of the 24 hour parking garage into our budget. When I checked into other hotels in the area and towards Fishermans Wharf parking was an additional cost as well. It is just going to cost to park at this site so live with it.
We were quite happy with the hotel and plan to use it as much as we can when we are in the area. I highly recommend it. The staff was great as usual and the location is superb.
If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask me by email.
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#12608 - 11/06/05 08:32 AM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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Craig
Registered: 07/10/04
Posts: 334
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah
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I stayed at the San Francisco Hotel for the first time on 10/22/05 for 8 nights. I enjoyed the hotel and location so much that I have already booked a trip there in a year from now. I enjoyed the fact that the workers unloaded the cab of my luggage before I had even finished paying the cab driver. Also they brought my luggage up to my 9th floor room for me. The customer service was great. I liked taking a cab from the San Francisco airport because it was fast and easy. The cost was $45.00 each way plus tip. The hotel is good about hailing a cab down for you if you like traveling this way. The lobby is a great place to read, rest and people watch. The location could not have been better for me. In just 30 minutes I could walk along Stockton to Fishermans Wharf. The gates of China town were just a 60 second walk down hill. I don't think WorldMark could have a better location. The customer service was the best I have ever had at a hotel. San Francisco is a chilled out location and has something for everyone.
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#12609 - 11/13/05 10:13 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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Yogi2750
Registered: 08/01/05
Posts: 2
Loc: CA.
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Our stay at the S.F. Worldmark was very enjoyable. We live in Vallejo, CA and took the ferry from there over to S.F. We then took a taxi to Worldmark. We found the staff there to be very pleasant and informative. Union Square is a short two blocks away. The location couldn't have been any better to us. For the longer trips, we used the taxi service and found the fares to be reasonable. We will return again to this resort mant times.
Dave and Marilyn
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#12610 - 01/08/06 03:35 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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alumnieib
Registered: 01/08/06
Posts: 1
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Just returned from two night stay at SF resort. We used bonus time. I had a seminar at the Moscone West so this was very convenient. I love this cozy hotel. The staff was excellent. The only complaint is the fact that the small studio we had did not have any lamp by the bed for reading (it was small!!) They could at least have put a clip style lamp on the headboard of the bed.
I would recommend always gettin a one bedroom. Nevertheless, we will be returning. The location is great.
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#12611 - 01/08/06 07:46 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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roadsister
Registered: 03/18/04
Posts: 1430
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We were there at the same time....I stayed Friday night (room 503) on bonus time in a one bedroom...love the location!! Walked to Chinatown for dinner and then on to the Bottom of the Hill club to see my nephew's band play! People I brought with me couldn't get over how close we were to Union Square and didn't bother them that the units were smaller. The STockton/Bush garage right across the street has a special....between 6:00 pm and 7:00 AM the next morning it is only $7.00 to park your car....then $2.00 for each hour after that. great deal as we drove out and it cost us $15.00 total!
Wish it wasn't so hard to get bonus time...mine was a fluke for one night!
_________________________
Worldmark Owners helping Worldmark Owners!
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#12612 - 02/16/06 01:35 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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randylockard
Registered: 02/16/06
Posts: 7
Loc: Anchorage, Alaska
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Stayed at the resort for a week February 2006. What an amazing location! Literally 1 block from the green archway to Chinatown downhill and 1 1/2 blocks uphill to the cable car pick up. The cable car runs downhill (left with your back to the resort) to Union Square, Yerba Buena Gardens and the San Francisco Shopping Mall and uphill to Fishermans Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, North Beach, and Coit Tower. Yes, the resort has no pool or balconies. The room was clean, nicely laid out and well kept. The view from the room was amazing if you like brick walls. If you are staying in the room all vacation you are truly missing out anyways lol.
I had done lots of research and planning before my trip and also purchased a couple books on SF, plus many maps. Believe it or not the map I was handed when I checked in was the best little map I found!
I found the staff to be extremely courteous, knowledgeable and friendly. They had an answer for anything I asked, plus many recommendations for dining out and things to do.
These are a few of the things that I found that might be helpful:
#1) Cable car rates have increased signifigantly. It will now cost you $5 to ride the cable car from one end to the other. You must then exit and pay again to return. My suggestion is to either buy the 7 day pass for $24 or the day pass for $10. Either of these will get you on the Muni Bus, Cable Cars or Electric Busses. The passes can be purchsed at Walgreens (one block up hill and 3 blocks downhill to the left).
#2) There are laundry facilities at the resort. The detergent is provided but not fabric softener sheets for the dryer. These do not take money to operate.
#3) There are many, many discount coupons available on-line for the various attractions such as Alcatraz Island tours, bay cruises and city tours.
#4) Taxis are available to take you from the SF Airport to the resort for about $40. The various shuttles will do the same (although possibly with multiple stops for other people) for about $12-14 per person.
#5) Right inside the front door at the resort there is a pillar that has discount coupons from various stores/restaurants and shops. One of the coupons is $5 off each person back to the airport from one of the shuttle companies. For most of the coupons to be used the front desk MUST make the reservation for you (which they were very happy to do for me).
#6) Chinatown is basically divided into traditional and tourist. When exiting the resort turn left and walk downhill one block and left again under the green archway into Tourist Chinatown. When exiting the resort walk across the street and down the stairwell. Walk under the bridge back towards the resort into Traditional Chinatown. This is where you can get your fresh veggies and fruit, baked goods plus many other things I could not identify.
#7) Figure a few extra bucks on anything you buy as San Francisco has an 8.5% sales tax.
#8) The best views in the city (and OF the city) are from Coit Tower. Cost is $3.75 per person to go to the top. Take the cable car towards Fishermans Wharf and exit at Greenwich Ave. It is a walk of about 5 blocks uphill but the view is spectacular.
#9) Do not be fooled by the fact you are in California. San Francisco rarely tops 70 degrees in the Summer and can get downright cold and damp in the shadows of the numerous buildings or near the water.
#10) If in doubt ask a local. Not one time did I get a rude or uncaring answer for directions or suggestions. The people there are genuinely friendly.
Hope this helps and I would definately recommend this as a fun place woth considering.
Randy
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#12613 - 02/25/06 03:36 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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Cari
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 84
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Bring you earplugs if you are a light sleeper. Street noise is to be expected since this resort is located smack dab in the middle of a big city.
And be sure to figure extra money into your budget for parking garages and transportation costs. For one day we spent a total of $30 for parking and $40 for our family to ride the cable car around town.
Thankfully, we found good quality and very reasonably priced souvenirs on Pier 39.
~Cari
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#12614 - 03/25/06 01:50 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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Craig
Registered: 07/10/04
Posts: 334
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah
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The San Francisco hotel is very nice and in an excellent location. I was able to walk to any down town point in the city within 30 minutes at the most. I enjoy walking because there is so much to see and do right down town. Do not let the issue of parking stop you from going to this resort. I flew in and took cabs when I needed. The cabs did not cost much and was most likely less than paying to park. If you have parking questions just call the hotel directly. They have very good customer service there and will be glad to help. I think the main thing to remember is the hotel is right in the center of what you want to do. So if you are like me and walk, and or cab it, that works just fine. Many times I fly in to a resort and get a rental car. What I saved in rental car prices and rental insurance more than justified the cabs I took. So regardless of how you get around you are bound to have a very nice vacation. The resort here is all about location. So what I am getting at is don't write off this resort over any thought related to parking issues.
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#12615 - 03/31/06 12:23 AM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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platinum
Registered: 04/30/04
Posts: 88
Loc: SF Bay Area
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Just back from our first visit to the SF WM and will return soon for a longer stay.
All of the other information presented here was very helpful, but I would like to add (re the comments on noise potential) that it was one of the quiestest WM's (no street noise, as we were in room 302 which is in the center of the building, not on the street) I've ever stayed in over the years. We heard NOTHING from the hallway or upstairs. The only noise at all was the toilets (I assume immediately upstairs?). The plumbing is loud. My guess is they may have had to install some sort of special toilets in rehabbing the century-old building. (??) The trade-off for this quiet is that our "view" was of unit #312. We both kept our blinds closed.
The staff was fantastic. All of them. We got there 90 minutes prior to our room being ready so Lois took us on a tour of the first floor and was delightful to talk to. She was really interested in our story of one of us having worked for years in the old Metropolitan Life Insurance Headquarters a block away (currently the Ritz Carlton, on the corner of Pine and Stockton, a block up ---- highly recommended to walk through but very expensive dining). She made us feel at home while waiting.
There are gillions of cafes and restaurants close-by, which were quite reasonable in $$, and some of them provide WM coupons available in the lobby. Chinatown is right down the street but our main destination was North Beach, for "Beach Blanket Babylon." It was close enough to walk (9.5 blocks) so we did that one way and took a cab the other way ($5.55 prior to tip).
Virtually every restaurant we checked out in Chinatown and North Beach (we had dinner at O'Reilly's on Green St.) was no more expensive than we would pay in the SF East Bay, where we live. We stopped at a dozen of them and read the menus on the windows. Not near as expensive as expected.
We anticipated the room-size (Resort Review is accurate) but were delighted at the upscale, crisp decor. We had a One-Bedroom Compact which was plenty big enough for us two, since we would never expect to cook there. Would have been snug for even three. Microwave works fine for heating up tea water and leftovers. Fridge is big enough for a bottle of wine and the leftovers, or maybe juice, etc. for breakfast. And, yes the "plates" are paper (but high-quality) but the cups and other glassware are actually glass.
The DVD's we took looked much better on the small plasma HDTV than on our TV's at home.
Parking seems to be the biggest issue. To be avoided if possible. Even though the Stockton Street Garage is right across the street, negotiating the streets, even for people who are used to SF hills, can be daunting. Also expensive. And why put another car on SF streets unless absolutely necessary?
We parked our car overnight at an East Bay BART station, for $5.00 a day. Long-term (over 24 hour) passes are available on the website (www.BART.gov). Makes more sense than leaving a car in the Stockton Street Garage for several days, since Muni and cabs are so much cheaper and the multi-day CityPass enables both transportation and museum discounts. Since it rained for the two days we were there, we were so glad to be car-less.
WM-SF is very different from the other 15 or so WM properties I've stayed in, but a treasure, based on LOCATION, ambiance and staff customer service.
_________________________
Lynne
Owner since 1993
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#12616 - 08/15/06 04:11 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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rjmud
Registered: 07/28/06
Posts: 6
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Completely loved it!!! It is a totally different feel from any other WM resort...much more like a high class hotel than a condo. The front desk was great and the staff was always helpful. I also found the people of San Francisco to be some of the friendliest people I have experienced while on vacation. I would recommend paying for the parking garage that is across the street. It is about $30 per day but you just park your car and leave it. Up the street from the resort is a Walgreens that sells tickets for the trolley (cash only)and we took it all over town. I highly recommend this resort.
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#12617 - 08/15/06 05:23 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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lpalani
Registered: 08/15/06
Posts: 2
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I am from the area originally and now reside in Hawaii. Was able to get to SF in July and stayed at the WorldMark Resort. We both loved it. Stayed in the one bedroom unit, which is a comfortable size for 2 adults, we were there to explore the city and not spend much time in the room. I thought the place had that older yet elegant feeling to it. We did not need either heat or air conditioning, the perfect temp while we were there. As far as parking, not a problem parked across the street in the garage the first night $16.00 and valeted it the second $30.00. I will stay here again on my next visit to the city... p.s. Kudos to the very knowledgeable and helpful staff!
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#12618 - 08/31/06 01:04 PM
Re: WM San Francisco Resort Review
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Griffey
Registered: 08/31/06
Posts: 14
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My family and I were there August 25-29.
The four of us stayed in a 1 bedroom less desireable for the duration. The only reason they call it less desirable is because it has little natural outside light. Otherwise it was quite good. We stayed on the second floor in unit # 210. The unit is better than most comparable hotel rooms and has personal touches that make it nicer than a hotel room too.
The only pitfall with this room is that the city collects the garbage daily at 6:00AM and they roll the garbage bins by the window which woke us up daily. Other than that the room was good. The staff was also good, very knowledgeable and friendly.
Great location, 1 block from the china town gates, 2 blocks from Union Square, 1 block from cable cars. Short bus ride to AT+T park.
The ammenities on site are limited but in the lobby they have DVD'S for rent for $3.00 and there are 3 ring binders in the lobby with info on surrounding restaurants, and thing to do. Any questions feel free to contact me. We did lots for the time we were there.
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