One block from Union Square
Cable cars directly outside
Cozy restaurant and bar
Free use of nearby gym and pool
Free hot drinks and snacks in the lobby
Clean rooms with attractive modern style
Rooms are on the small side
Some rooms can be noisy
Older building, and it shows in places
The mid-range, 137-room Chancellor Hotel right off Union Square doesn't have loads of amenities, but for those seeking a great, central location and a bit of boutique charm, it might fit the bill. Rooms are small but clean; decor is modern, but the age of the building does show in places (such as the machine stucco walls). There are a cozy restaurant and bar on-site, and guests are offered free use of a gym and pool a block away. Free drinks and snacks are always on offer in the lobby. All in all, it's an excellent pick given the reasonable price, though it may be worth comparing rates with the nearby Hotel Triton.
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Scene
A 100-year-old boutique hotel for tourists and business travelers
The 100-year-old Chancellor Hotel on Union Square was once the tallest building in San Francisco; these days it's on the small side for a hotel in this city. Inside, the lobby has a charming feel, with polished tile floors, an assortment of armchairs and sofas, and beautiful coving. Enormous windows flood the hotel with light. Free hot drinks, apples and cookies are available in the lobby, where you can sit and watch the cable cars go by outside. The tour desk doubles as a kitschy store, selling things such as snacks and postcards. Given its proximity to both tourist spots and the city's commercial center, the hotel is geared towards a mixture of tourists and business travelers.
Location
One block from Union Square
The hotel is located directly on the Powell Street cable car line, on a fairly busy street just a block away from the theaters, shopping, restaurants and galleries of Union Square. There are plenty of places to eat and things to see right on the doorstep, and the cable cars provide easy access to other parts of the city. It's ideal for tourists or business travelers who want to be right in the thick of it and don't mind some noise, and earplugs are provided for those who are used to quieter nights.
Rooms
Small rooms with modern decor but some of the quirks of an older building
Rooms at the Chancellor Hotel on Union Square have been updated with modern decor -- green accent walls, polished dark-wood furniture, patterned carpets, quality white bedding, and subtle Art Deco influences (such as geometric shapes on the window valence and in the shape of the chairs). The overall look falls just short of stylish, though (it's more akin to what one might expect from a mid-range chain). The age of the building does come across in places -- such as the small footprints of many of the rooms (common in historic buildings), the slight mustiness, and the dated stucco texture on the walls. On the plus side, some rooms have great views of Union Square, and there are free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs in all rooms. Bathrooms are compact but clean, with free toiletries.Suites have a more traditional look, and a lot more space.
Features
Cozy restaurant and bar area
The Chancellor Hotel on Union Square has a restaurant and bar, Luques, serving breakfast and lunch. It's light and airy, with banquettes along the walls and potted plants providing a homey feel. The food is locally sourced and tasty, and there's a daily happy hour in the bar. A free gym with a pool is available for guests' use one block from the hotel. There's also an air-conditioned meeting room which seats up to 25 people.
