Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel stands at 351 Geary Street, one block from Union Square in downtown San Francisco, California. The location places the Powell Street cable car line, the Geary Street theatres, the Powell Street BART and Muni Metro station and the flagship shops of Union Square all within a few minutes on foot, while Chinatown and the Financial District are a modest walk or short ride away. The hotel has long been run as a family business, which gives it a more personal, less corporate character than many neighbouring towers, and it is a familiar choice for repeat visitors and families. The property combines an older main building with a newer tower wing, so room layouts vary. Categories include Queen and King rooms and a Family Room that sleeps a larger party, and some rooms are arranged around the central courtyard rather than facing the street, which helps with noise. A standout amenity is the heated outdoor pool, one of the few in the Union Square district, set in a courtyard that is sheltered from the wind that often affects San Francisco rooftops. A fitness centre and free Wi-Fi are also available. On-site dining is provided by a restaurant serving breakfast and other meals, and the dense restaurant scene of Geary Street, Post Street and the Theater District offers many alternatives within a couple of blocks. The service style is friendly and practical, with a front desk and concierge able to advise on cable car boarding, Alcatraz ferry connections and airport transfers. The hotel is considered family-friendly thanks to its pool and larger rooms, and it also draws theatregoers and business travellers who want a central address without the scale of the largest convention hotels. Nightly rates generally run from about $150 to $320, making it a mid-range option for the area. Visitors should note that Geary Street is busy and the neighbourhood can be noisy at night, so a courtyard-facing room is worth requesting.