Review: San Francisco Marriott Union Square | Marriott Bonvoy

Updated May 31, 2024
Fact checked by
Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc
Note
9/10
Marriott Union Square San Francisco-25
Hotel San Francisco Marriott Union Square
City San Francisco
Room Type Junior corner suite, 2 double beds and sofa bed
Loyalty Program Status Platinum
Points Per Night 36 000
Hotel brand Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Tutorial Guide: Save on Hotels with Points
To the point Here's our review of the San Francisco Marriott Union Square hotel, located close to everything downtown and Union Square.

San Francisco Marriott Union Square - Booking

The San Francisco Marriott Union Square hotel is located in the heart of downtown San Francisco. I had stayed there a few years ago and for this other visit to San Francisco, I went back.

The San Francisco Marriott Union Square costs between 170 and 400 USD per night, depending on the time of year or events. Otherwise, it’s accessible via points, at a cost ranging from 41,000 to 65,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Marriott Union Square San Francisco-19

A few days before my arrival, I received an email with all the details and options available at the hotel.

Unfortunately, as is the case with many hotels in the city, a “destination fee” of 25 USD per night is required, which is added to the cost of the room.

This fee includes :

  • $25 credit per day for food and beverages at the hotel’s two restaurants
  • High-speed Internet
  • Two one-way tickets for one cable car trip
  • Two reusable bottles (once per stay)
  • 2 X 1 hour self-service bike rental (once per stay)
  • For Marriott Bonvoy Elite members: One mocktail per day at the Bin480 restaurant between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

This fee was not charged when I came here a few years ago. Since I could get some benefit from it, I resigned myself to paying for it.

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The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to have the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card).

In addition to the exceptional welcome bonus of each of these two cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all your purchases and 5 points per dollar at any of the Marriott establishments. On top of that, every year, you’ll receive a free hotel night certificate (worth 35,000 points) and 15 Elite Night Credits toward your Marriott Bonvoy status.

San Francisco Marriott Union Square - At a glance

Here is some information about the hotel:

Date of opening (or renovation) 1987 Number of rooms 329
Restaurants Two USB sockets in the room Yes
Accepts animals No. Service dogs only Smart TV Yes
Mobile card Yes Shower/Bath Shower
Balcony No Accessible for people with reduced mobility Yes
Parking External: 71 to 82 USD / day Lounge Yes
Gym Yes Breakfast included No
Pools and Spas No Room with kitchenette No
Marriott Union Square San Francisco-18

San Francisco Marriott Union Square - Location

The San Francisco Marriott Union Square is located in downtown San Francisco, within walking distance of :

  • Powell metro station
  • Several popular department stores (Macy’s, Apple Store, Saks Fifth Avenue, etc.)
  • From the Powell/Hyde cable car line, which runs right next door
  • From a Hop On Hop Off bus stop

Fisherman’s Wharf is a 12-minute drive away. Also, you can take the tickets “donated” by the hotel for a ride on a Cable Car, to avoid climbing the city’s hills.

San Francisco Marriott Union Square - Check-in

Even though I arrived earlier than planned in the morning, my room was already ready.

The sympathetic receptionist put on her best French to welcome me. She gave me a sheet with the destination charge inclusions.

Marriott Union Square San Francisco-21

San Francisco Marriott Union Square - Room

Throughout the corridors on the upper floors, you’ll find posters of psychedelic drawings from the late 1960s, depicting artists who were popular at the time.

San Francisco Marriott Union Square couloir

I got a corner room. It was much larger than the other standard rooms on the floor, with a view of the other downtown buildings surrounding Union Square.

Marriott Union Square San Francisco-01

In addition to the two double beds, there were armchairs to admire the city view, a desk and a sitting area.

The sofa became a bed, big enough for one or two persons to sleep on.

The bathroom was rather small, with shower, sink and toilet.

Opposite the bathroom was the wardrobe, as well as an area with mini-refrigerator and coffee maker.

Marriott Union Square San Francisco-06

San Francisco Marriott Union Square - Restaurants

Two restaurants are on site at the Marriott San Francisco Union Square. Customer service is very friendly, professional and efficient.

  • Bin480: For alcoholic beverages or simple meals (salad, sandwich, pizza, hamburger, steak) and open between 5 p.m. and midnight, every day.
  • The Restaurant: For breakfast only. Open from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday to Friday and from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday

San Francisco Marriott Union Square - Other services

San Francisco Marriott Union Square - Swimming pool

There is no swimming pool at the San Francisco Marriott Union Square hotel.

San Francisco Marriott Union Square - Lounge

The Concierge Lounge at the San Francisco Marriott Union Square is located on the 28th floor and offers a splendid view of the city (when it’s not foggy!).

Concierge Lounge opening hours are :

  • Sunday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Monday to Thursday: 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Saturday: Closed

Here are the times for each service:

  • Breakfast is served between 6:30 and 10 a.m., Monday to Friday
  • Hors d’oeuvre: from 5:30 pm, Sunday to Thursday
  • Desserts: from 7.30 p.m., Sunday to Thursday

Only Elite Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador members have access.

Marriott Union Square San Francisco-11

Outside these opening hours, there are always hot and cold beverages, snacks (nuts, pretzels), fruit, yoghurt and bags of potato chips.

Marriott Union Square San Francisco-08

In fact, from 10 a.m. on Friday to 4 p.m. on Sunday, the lounge is completely closed.

When the Concierge Lounge is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador members and their guests enjoy complimentary breakfast at The Restaurant.

They get a Continental breakfast (fruit, cereals, muffins, pastries, yogurt, oatmeal, toast and tea/coffee). If they want the “hot” part (with bacon, omelettes on request, sausages, etc.), they have to pay an extra 10 USD per person.

San Francisco Marriott Union Square - Gym

The fitness room is medium-sized.

There are weights, yoga balls, a few weight machines and treadmills. At the entrance, there’s a vending machine for Gatorade and energy drinks.

San Francisco Marriott Union Square - My overall impression

The Marriott San Francisco Union Square is perfect for San Francisco visitors and business travelers. It’s close to major tourist attractions and a 15-minute walk from the Moscone Center for conventions.

The areas around the San Francisco Marriott Union Square are safe. Of course, basic travel precautions are always necessary, but I always felt safe there.

Read our reviews of other Marriott Bonvoy hotels in San Francisco :

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Caroline Tremblay

Caroline Tremblay

Caroline Tremblay
Caroline, a loyalty program specialist, helps families maximize their points to travel more frequently and affordably. With expertise in Disney, AIR MILES, and Costco, she travels the world with her partner and two children through rewards. Passionate about the latest in loyalty programs, Caroline shares tips to help you earn more points and turn your travel dreams into reality.
All posts by Caroline Tremblay
Hotels
Region
San Francisco
4.5 Milesopedia Rating

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