Hotel in SF

Question

Hi,

I would like to have some advice regarding the Hotel location in SF. We will have a short stay - 2 days in San Francisco, and plan to use public transportation. I'm thinking of hotel around Union Square, as it's connected to airport via BART, and there are plenty of hotels. The only concern I have is safety, is it a safe area? Other candidates are Fisherman's Wharf or nearby international airport, but not so convenient as Union Square.

Thanks a lot.

Answer

For a short 2-day stay in San Francisco with public transportation as your main mode of getting around, Union Square is generally a very convenient location. It is well-connected by BART to the airport and is within walking distance or a short transit ride to many major attractions, including Chinatown, the Cable Car lines, and the Ferry Building area.

Safety Considerations

Union Square is busy with tourists and has a strong police presence during the day. However, like many downtown areas, it does have issues with homelessness and petty crime, particularly in the evenings and in side streets away from main thoroughfares. Common precautions include keeping an eye on personal belongings, avoiding poorly lit areas at night, and being cautious around anyone approaching for panhandling.

Alternative Areas

Fisherman’s Wharf: Very tourist-friendly and scenic, close to Pier 39 and Alcatraz ferry. It feels safer in terms of crime compared to Union Square at night, but hotels are more expensive and farther from public transit to other parts of the city.
Near SFO Airport: Not convenient for sightseeing. Best if your priority is proximity to flights, not exploring the city.
Embarcadero / Ferry Building area: Another safe and walkable option, with good public transit access and scenic waterfront views. Slightly more relaxed than Union Square but fewer hotel options.

Summary Recommendation

Union Square remains the most practical choice for your short stay due to its central location and excellent transit access. Just follow standard urban safety precautions, particularly at night, and you should have a comfortable and convenient base for exploring San Francisco.

Hotel in SF

More San Francisco Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions