Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf is a large 531-room hotel, formerly the Sheraton, at 2500 Mason Street in San Francisco, California, on the Fisherman's Wharf waterfront. Pier 39, with its sea lions and shops, is a short walk away, and the departure points for Alcatraz cruises, bay ferries and the Hyde Street cable car turnaround are close by, as are Ghirardelli Square and the Aquatic Park waterfront. The F-line historic streetcar and the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable cars connect the area with Union Square and downtown. The Wharf is the city's most visitor-oriented district, with seafood restaurants, crab stands, sourdough bakeries and souvenir shops lining the streets, which suits first-time visitors and families even if it is less local in feel than other neighbourhoods. As a large property, the hotel offers a modern, Spanish-chain interpretation of a resort-style city hotel. Rooms are available as King and Two Queens configurations, typically larger than those at many downtown boutique hotels, which helps families and groups. The standout amenity is a heated outdoor pool, uncommon in San Francisco and welcome on sunny afternoons, though the city's fog and wind can make poolside time less predictable. A restaurant, a fitness centre and free Wi-Fi complete the main facilities. Service is geared toward tourists and groups, with a large front desk, tour desk support and family-friendly rooms. Nightly rates generally fall between about $150 and $350 depending on season, with summer and holiday weekends at the top end, and the hotel is rated around 3.9. The area is crowded in peak season, and visitors are advised to book Alcatraz tickets well ahead, since they often sell out days in advance.