Hotels: Washington Square Inn vs. Marriot Vacation Club

Question

Hi there.

We're coming to SF for 3 nights at the start of a road trip in late July.

We're a family of 6 - kids are 20,18, 16 and 13.

I'd like to stay somewhere central and walkable to places to eat and drink.

(We have two full days and have booked Alcatraz and a baseball game - but also want to explore as much of the city and sights as possible - possibly renting bikes to cycle over the bridge? The kids will probably want to check out the second hand clothing shops!)

I'm considering the Marrior Vacation Club and the Washington Square Inn - both look good to me, and have rooms available within our budget. Does anyone know about these hotels - specifically location and area? Which would you choose?

Thanks so much

Answer

Both the Washington Square Inn and the Marriott Vacation Club are great options, but each offers a different type of experience, and your choice will depend on the type of atmosphere and amenities you're looking for during your stay in San Francisco. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two properties:

Washington Square Inn:

This is a charming, boutique hotel located in the North Beach neighborhood, which is known for its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to key San Francisco attractions. The Washington Square Inn is a small, historic hotel that exudes classic San Francisco character, with quaint, cozy rooms. It’s located right across from Washington Square Park, and you’ll be within walking distance of:

The famous Coit Tower (about a 10-minute walk)
The bustling streets of North Beach, home to excellent Italian restaurants, cafés, and bars.
The Waterfront, with views of the bay and nearby piers.
Chinatown, which is a few blocks away, offering shops, markets, and authentic food.

North Beach also offers a great mix of nightlife and daytime activities, which will be fun for your teenagers, especially if they enjoy browsing second-hand shops or experiencing local cafes. The area is central enough that you can easily catch public transit or walk to other popular areas like Fisherman’s Wharf and even the Embarcadero.

Marriott Vacation Club:

This property is part of the larger Marriott family and is likely to offer more spacious accommodations, which can be a benefit for a family of six. It’s located in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, a major tourist hub that’s close to many famous San Francisco landmarks. With this location, you’ll have easy access to:

Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll find the famous Pier 39, seafood restaurants, and waterfront attractions.
The Ferry Building Marketplace, with gourmet shops and restaurants (great for casual meals).
Ghirardelli Square, a great spot for chocolate lovers and shopping.
Easy access to public transport (including buses and cable cars) to take you around the city, including the Golden Gate Bridge, parks, and more.

The Marriott Vacation Club is a larger, more modern property with resort-style amenities, which can include a pool, fitness center, and larger rooms/suites that may be more comfortable for a family of six. It’s a bit further from the local charm of North Beach but still very walkable to many key sights. However, keep in mind that the area around Fisherman’s Wharf can get crowded, especially in the summer months, as it's a popular tourist destination.

Which would I choose?

If you’re looking for a more authentic, walkable, and quieter San Francisco experience, I would recommend the Washington Square Inn. The location in North Beach puts you close to local culture, food, and history, and it’s still close enough to the city’s main attractions to be convenient without the hustle and bustle of a more touristy area like Fisherman’s Wharf.

On the other hand, if you prefer more space, resort-style amenities, and proximity to popular tourist spots like Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marriott Vacation Club might be a better fit for your family. It’s a great choice if you want something more comfortable and modern, with access to a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions.

Additional Recommendations:

For the bike rental and Golden Gate Bridge experience, both locations will give you easy access to bike paths and bike rentals—though from Fisherman’s Wharf (Marriott), it’s a bit more direct to bike over the bridge.
If you're looking for more kid-friendly attractions, check out the Exploratorium (near Pier 15) and California Academy of Sciences (in Golden Gate Park).

Both options will provide an enjoyable stay, but if you want a more laid-back, local feel, Washington Square Inn is hard to beat. Enjoy your trip!