I stayed at the Hilton Parc 55 San Francisco Union Square in December 2023.
I know I am late writing this review.
Unlike most hotels in San Francisco’s Union Square, this hotel does not have a destination fee.
It’s sister property around the corner, the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, does though..
I have stayed at that property too though it has been a couple of years.
I wanted to try the Hilton Parc 55 since I had never stayed there.
I enjoyed my stay.
Here is my review.
Booking The Hilton Parc 55 San Francisco Union Square
I booked the Hilton Parc 55 with cash.
I had did a Hilton redemption on one of my last stays, so this would be a cash stay.
Hilton points move very fast, so you should be able to rack them up quickly.
They also offer more promotions than other chains to me.
In any case, the Hilton Parc 55 was a better deal with cash at $155 after taxes.
Here is how you can tell when to use points or cash.
My San Francisco trip was a little over two days (red eye home).
I needed to be in another section of the city the other night though.
So, I only had one night at the Hilton Parc 55.
I actually had enough points for cash/points.
Again, there was no need for points.
San Francisco must have been hard hit by the pandemic, because rates at most hotels in the area are reasonable.
It used to cost $300-$500/night to stay in San Francisco before the pandemic.
If you want to visit San Francisco, I would book a trip before the city makes a comeback, and prices go back up.
Hilton Parc 55 Location
The Hilton Parc 55 is an excellent location in San Francisco’s Union Square.
This is where all the popular hotels are.
I recommend most visitors to San Francisco stay in Union Square.
Everything in Union Square is within walking distance or accessible by public transportation.
The cable cars are there.
There is a BART station.
I took BART from the airport.
I was going to choose the J.W., but $155 for the Parc 55 after taxes was too good of a deal.
I can stay in a J.W. in any city.
I usually choose between Hilton and Marriott according to who has the better deal or location.
Because of Chase Ultimate points, I will be choosing more Hyatts soon too though.
Hilton Parc 55 Lobby and Check in
The Parc 55 lobby is located on the second floor.
You can take the escalator or the stairs.
Check-in was efficient.
There was no wait.
There were also charging stations if you had to wait to check-in, and needed to charge your phone.
They offered complimentary lemon water in the lobby, which I always find nice at hotels .
There is a concierge at the desk to help you figure out where to go in San Francisco.
I had to get to the Golden Gate Bridge on public transportation, so the concierge was very helpful.
The only way to go to the Golden Gate Bridge is by bus if you are using public transportation.
Hilton Parc 55 Guest Room and Bathroom
I choose a king bedroom.
I found the room to be spacious.
The room had a couch.
I don’t remember if I was upgraded to a room with a couch.
Until this year, I was Hilton Gold for 8 years.
I plan to get the Aspire card, and become Diamond by the end of the year.
I don’t remember being upgraded, so I think all rooms come with a couch.
The Parc 55 is smaller than it’s sister property, the Hilton San Francisco, around the corner.
Honestly, the last time I stayed at the Hilton San Francisco, it was a little too big though I still enjoyed my stay.
It is a convention hotel.
I enjoyed my stay there, but this is just a warning because not everyone likes large convention hotels.
So, people may prefer the smaller Parc 55.
The bathroom was a decent size.
It was the traditional tub and shower combo.
I like the dispensers for shampoo, lotion, and showers gel.
I know these have been around for a while instead of the small bottles I used tot are home.
This seems so eco-friendly.
The bathroom also had a nice simple vanity.
Hilton Parc 55 Restaurant
The Parc 55 restaurant is called Cable 55.
I did not have a chance to try it.
Though it looks like a nice restaurant, you are in San Francisco’s Union Square.
Some of the best restaurants in the city are in Union Square.
I think you would have too many excellent food options in the area to eat at the hotel restaurant.
Unlike the sister Hilton, there is no place to buy things like soda or juice.
As usual, in major cities like San Francisco, you can easily find a CVS or Walgreens around the corner.
It is better to use these to buy drinks and snacks anyway.
They will be much cheaper.
Only when I am stuck in the middle of nowhere do I go with hotels for drinks and snacks.
Hilton Parc 55 Gym
The gym was nice.
It is located on the third floor.
It is adequate with a treadmill, elliptical, and bike.
There are even stability balls.
You even have a nice view of Union Square.
There are plenty of free weights and machines for your strength training too.
There was even a cool water dispenser.
I used this to get free water throughout my stay.
Hilton Parc 55 Pool
The Parc 55 has no pool.
According to the website, it says you can use the outdoor pool at the Hilton San Francisco.
I did not have time to try this.
I did not care about a pool on this trip.
I am sure this is nice if you need a pool.
On most trips, I never have time to try the pool.
I am too busy out exploring!
So, there you have it.
Overall, I would recommend staying at the Parc 55, especially since it is a rare upscale hotel without a destination fee.
How To Avoid Hotel Destination Fees
The Hilton Parc 55 did not have a destination fee.
Hotel destination fees are in every city now though.
I guess most people assume if you are staying in the center of the city, there isn’t a way to avoid destination fees.
This is not true.
I stayed at the Doubletree Times Square South last year in New York around the corner from Times Square.
I did not pay a destination fee.
Here are a couple ways to avoid these fees:
- choose limited service hotels
- stay in less touristy sections of the city
- stay out in the suburbs
I like staying in the center of each city, so here is more information on how to avoid destination fees.
Summary
Overall, I enjoyed my stay at the Parc 55 again.
It is a lovely Hilton property.
It’s location is central, and can’t be beat.
The fact that is has no destination fee is even better.
I also couldn’t believe the $155 rate after taxes.
Although in the present, I don’t think it is that cheap.
The rates are still reasonable though.
I would easily return to this hotel.
I have not stayed at the sister property, the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, in a couple of years
So, I would pay the destination fee, and try that again too.
This is the smaller property of the two Hilton properties again.
Most people prefer the smaller atmosphere.
I would definitely stay at this hotel again, and recommend it as a choice for others.
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