Conference at Moscone Center, Hotel in Nob Hill. How's the Walk? (San Francisco: hotels, price)

[wxjay]

Hi folks - I am going to a conference in San Francisco in December and need to book a hotel that falls as close to federal per diem rates. Unfortunately, all of the 'low-priced' conference hotels were quickly taken and now I am left with options further away. One is the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental in Nob Hill, which is ~1 mile walking distance to Moscone according to Google Maps. However, from reviews and Google Street View I see that that area has steep hills and that 1 mile could turn out to be fun.

How 'hard' would the walk be back from Moscone to the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental? Is it safe to walk in the evening (~8-9 PM)?

My other option is to stay at the Westin St. Francis right on Union Square, but this is above per diem (~$20/night above) and hence I would have to pay the difference out of pocket. Is that area nicer and less hilly to get to the Moscone Center than the Mark Hopkins? Anyone have any insight as to the quality of either hotel?

Any/all input would be great! Thanks!

[BayAreaHillbilly]

From the Mark the walk is not long. Market Street is a bit seedy where most people cross into South of Market (4th / 5th). Up Market from that crossing (and West from there) it is the Tenderloin, a very seedy area but in transition a bit (but still not recommended at night if you are not familiar with the area).

[peninsular]

I would stay at Mark Hopkins. I personally think the area where Mark Hopkins is located is nicer than Union Square, but I can see how others might disagree.
It's about a 200 ft change in elevation from Moscone to Mark Hopkins on the Nob Hill. It may be a bit of a challenge if you are not used to it, but it can be done and if you are in a reasonable physical shape, it can be kind of fun. Think of it as a free Stairmaster that will allow you not to put on those pounds while you eat well here in SF. Alternatively, you can use the cable car as an actual mode of transportation. There are 3-day and 7-day passes that will allow you to use MUNI (including cable cars) for $20 and $26 respectively. You can use any of the 3 cable car lines to get to near Mark Hopkins. I would use California line since it's a bit less touristy and stops right in front of the hotel.
Safety-wise, the area is fine, assuming you realize that you are in a city and don't act like a clueless tourist, a target for petty criminals. It's actually quite nice if you stay east of Mason.