Marines Memorial Club And Hot, San Francisco

We stayed at the Marines Memorial Club Hotel with kids because of the nice price and free breakfast buffet. This place is convenient for travelers. We got off the plane, hopped on BART and walked a few blocks and we were there. Plus, it is located right in Union Square. First off, the hotel is not filled with Marines. There are some around because it is a club but most of the people seemed to be tourists like us. The initial feeling when you walk into the hotel and see the displays of the Marine’s history was quite touching considering the events going on in the world right now. But it was not austere at all. In fact, the staff were super friendly and our rooms were ready at 10:30am. That is amazing if you stay in a lot of hotels like we do and a big relief when you have cranky toddlers. The room we got on the 6th floor was roomy, tastefully decorated with marble counters, new furnishings and a big Plasma TV. The kids loved the Transamerica Pyramid building and were mesmerized by revolving star on the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. The beds were firm, very comfortable and it was great having pillows that are not pancake thin. While the wife and kids took a nap, I hopped onto their Wi-Fi and actually got some work done even though the view was calling me. San Francisco's cityscape is amazing. Being budget travelers with kids we decided to walk around and look for lunch. The concierge suggested a café just down the street and a picnic in Union Square park. The neighborhood around the hotel is relaxed and the Academy of Art is across the street so there are a few art galleries to explore. It was a beautiful day so we got some sandwiches (go to Cafe La Taza!) and took the kids to Union Square park. For dinner we decided to eat in the hotel and that was a good idea. Restaurants in the city are pricey and taking kids anywhere is a challenge. The Leatherneck Steakhouse is on the 12th floor and offers even more expansive views of the city including the Golden Gate Bridge. The atmosphere in the restaurant is San Francisco casual. That means you will see anything from men dressed in designer suits to people in jeans and t-shirts. We were seated right away and instantly some bread, a vegetable platter, roasted garlic and butter appeared. Another huge plus when you have kids. We ordered a ahi tower starter which was avocado piled with local Dungeness crab, ahi and seaweed with some fried wontons. That was delish. We ordered macaroni and cheese and some garlic, herb French fries for the kids. Yes, I know, I know. But we are traveling! The wife and I had rack of lamb, filet mignon, green beans and drinks. The whole meal was slightly over 100 dollars which was well within our budget considering which city we were in. Oh and the food was great. That is the standard in San Francisco and this steakhouse was no exception. The filet mignon melted in your mouth and the rack of lamb was superb. The next day we had their free breakfast buffet before another day on the town. A very nice spread and kids love buffets. Even our picky kid. All the basics are covered like eggs, French toast, hash browns, bacon, fruits, cereals, muffins, etc. But what I loved was apparently a standard at the hotel and I can see why. Biscuits and gravy. So bad for your body yet so good for the soul. Another great trip to San Francisco. We spent too much on shopping as usual but that is ok considering we saved a lot on lodging and food. The Marines Memorial Club Hotel is a great find and we will definitely be returning.

Surprised to see that the hotel takes "non-militarty", now. I've been there several times when I had to show military I.D., and each time I have loved the convenience, the food, and the hospitality. Hope to return, soon.

The first and foremost attraction is the restaurant and lounge on the 12th floor! The bartenders have been there a long time and treat you like family. They know you by first name if you've only been there a few times. They are the best, as is the entire staff at the restaurant. The hotel is very comfortable and always impeccably clean. The hotel staff is most helpful and always there to assist you! Close to great shopping, dining, and theatre. This is truly a hidden jewel in San Francisco!!

My wife and I stayed at this motel because of the reviews. When we arrived our room was a cramped uncomfortable place with POOR AC. The room was very hot and could not be cooled. We looked all over the hotel for a drink machine and my wife was told if she wants something go next door to the liquor stoor. Thus in this big hotel there was not one drink or snack machine. We also we stuned to find, in a hotel with a restaurant, that we needed resevations to eat. Imagine flying all day to be told you could not eat without reservations. I have looked long and hard on their web site and I can't find where one has to do that. Then there was two wedding parties that went on until 1 AM right above our room. There was no view out of the hotel except the wall of the building next door. The rates were very high. In their favor they had a very nice view from the restaurant but the food was expensive and was not very good. They did have a free happy hour in the evening if you were a guest and a very good breakfast bar. I suggest, unless you have no choice, to look for anouther place to stay. This is an old, expensive hotel. It's only saving grace is it has a nice location. On our next trip we will look for anouther place to stay.

Comfortable & very clean accomodations, generous breakfast buffet included, nice view of the city from the restaurant, above all excellent value! I saw a great comedy troupe at the inhouse theater there (additional expense); convenient, entertaining and memorable. A bit of a walk to the convention center; not bad if you're prepared for the weather. Not far from Chinatown. Health club use offered within the same building but I did not use it; looked smallish but sufficient equipment.

This was my first stay in the Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel since their recent room renovations. I stayed one night in February in a king room on a corner of the 9th floor. The view was lovely. The decor is light and pleasing, simple but pretty. The room was impeccably clean and had all of the amenities — shampoo etc. right in dispensers on the shower wall, 2 free 1/2 liter bottles of water, bathrobes, iron and ironing board, safe, etc. etc. My favorite thing about staying there, though, was how quiet the room was. This is worth its weight in gold in a downtown hotel. I think they must have new beds, too; my bed was very comfortable and I slept much better than I usually do away from home. This place is an amazing value for club members and non-members alike. The building is gorgeous, with amazing period ornamentation and painted ceilings in the public areas (lobby, etc.). The location a block from Union Square can’t be beat. Parking is right up the street; you get a voucher that lets you take your car out and in again if you want. There are lots of Union Square hotels, but because this is part of a private club, when you walk through the doors, you’re greeted like an old friend and you get the feeling the staff would do anything to make your stay memorable. What a difference that makes when any overnight stay in the City is a splurge, as it is for me. We unfortunately arrived after the hosted happy hour (included with the overnight stay) was over, but had a great meal in the steakhouse on the top floor. The breakfast buffet (also included) has EVERYTHING (eggs, bacon, potatoes, oatmeal, pancakes, cereal, yogurt, fruit, etc. etc.) and serves up a terrific view in the bargain. Good thing I got a workout in before tucking into that meal. A pass for Club One, downstairs, is also included. This is more than a hotel. They call it a “living memorial” and there’s a memorial wall on the 10th floor, historical displays in the lobby and the guest room floors, and a library/museum, all worth visiting.

I have felt lucky to stay at the Marine Memorial three times. The Suite we had was spacious for our party of four, and once staying there by myself my room was very generously sized. The service was wonderfully attentive, and I felt so completely safe there as a woman alone. The Skye Room restaurant is excellent at any time of day. Never have I felt a place to be such a haven of comfort and elegance when I've traveled.

As a newly comminssioned Marine lieutenant, I've found this an incredibly motivating place to spend the night. The staff is very courteous and professional, the display cases are arranged very well, and there are little reminders everywhere of the fact that this place is for Marines. For whatever reason, I just feel compelled to field day the room before I leave.

Enjoy the great breakfast to get us going in the morning and the fantastic Happy Hour in the evening! The service is top notch and the location is really great.

From the 12th floor restaurant to the complimentary FULL breakfast every morning and the free cocktail hour every evening for two hours, you can't beat this value. Happy and cooperative staff, helpful managers, a superb chef in the dining room and real value in the meeting and party rooms.What a pleasure to stay in a real hotel that takes pride in everything it does.