No argument - the Handlery's got a prime location literally steps from the corner of Powell and Geary, just opposite Union Square. And the hotel is, overall, a very nice, clean, well-maintained, modern place. I'd return (mostly for the prime location), but I'd skip the extra $ for a Club room; ours was average size and its window was directly opposite the window in a building about six feet across an alley, which appeared to be a waiting room or something, so we hardly ever opened the drapes. We didn't get the promised daily newspaper - one of the two "enhanced amenities" I was most interested in receiving. And on the first day of our stay, our room had still not been cleaned by 3:00 p.m. Also, it's important to know that the Club-level rooms are actually in a separate building that faces O'Farrell, linked to the main hotel by a stairway and the pool deck. If you have heavy luggage, as I did, you're either at the mercy of the very, very, very persistent bellhops (I despise bellhops) OR you have to carry your suitcase up three short flights of stairs. (I have no idea how they accommodate somebody in a wheelchair who wants a Club room, although since the bellhops are probably not carrying all that luggage up the steps, there must be a SECRET elevator somewhere that only the staff is permitted to use.) This is SO bogus! SO, yes, stay at the Handlery, but don't go for the Club room upgrade. It is simply more trouble than it's worth. (PS the plaza at Union Square is a free wireless hotspot - skip the Handlery's $10/day in-room wireless charge and enjoy the California sunshine for free!)

This location is tops, close to everything, excellent value for money, friendly and helpful staff we had a comfortable bed and could not have wished for more.

In the last week of August I took my two teenage sons on a week-long trip to San Francisco. As always, I did a lot of research about the city, the attractions, places to eat and stay. I decided on Handlery primary because it fit my budget, the location seemed great, and photos on the website were pretty nice. We were not disappointed at all. Our room, the Club style, was large, clean and very comfortable. It was on the 7th floor in the newer building, facing towards Market Street and the bottom of Powell Cable Car Station (in a distance). It was a little noisy by early morning, but we really did not care about it, as beds were oh, so comfy. The room was always cleaned-up by the time we were back, the bathroom was also re-filled with soaps, shampoos, etc. For breakfast we would go to Lefty's (next door), and the wait time never exceeded 5 minutes, even though the place was always busy, even at 08:00 am. Service was also pretty good. One of the days we went for breakfast to Dotty's Blue Cafe (recommended in few books and on few websites), about 20 min walk. The wait was about 35 min, but sure it was worth every second. Also close to the hotel, and another great place to eat (dinner this time) was Sears restaurant, located just up the Powell St. Overall Handlery with its location was an excellent choice, and I would definatly recommend it.

Initially thrown off by our small room, with mis-matched 1970's furniture/decor, and a view of a vent. Remembered we’d only paid $109 per night and realized the room was big enough (had a king bed, chair, ottomon, table, closet, good-sized bathroom and still some space). Was very clean and all decor/furniture was in excellent condition. Bathroom was very nice, bed comfortable, location excellent, facilities (business center/concierge) excellent, outdoor pool area lovely (if cold). Can pay $40 more to get a “club room” (little larger and more modern), but we loved our quirky room. Didn’t dine there, went to Chinatown/Russian Hill…