Holiday Inn Express San Francisco Union Square, an IHG Hotel
235 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, San Francisco, United States
3-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.1 / 5
Holiday Inn Express San Francisco Union Square, an IHG Hotel is a 3-star hotel at 235 O’Farrell St in central San Francisco, set in an elegant Italianate building a short walk from the shops, restaurants, and theaters around Union Square. It’s positioned about a 4-minute walk from Powell St. BART, making it a practical base for getting around the city without a car. Rooms and suites are described as bright and cozy, and include complimentary Wi‑Fi and flat-screen TVs. A complimentary hot breakfast buffet is served daily in a casual dining area. On-site, guests also have access to an exercise room and a sleek lobby lounge with a flat-screen TV and modern artwork. Nearby highlights include Union Square (214 m), SFMOMA (674 m), the Ferry Building (1.7 km), and Oracle Park (1.9 km), with major attractions like Alcatraz Island (4.7 km) and the Golden Gate Bridge (7.2 km) within reach.
Best for
This hotel best suits travelers who want a central Union Square address and easy transit access, thanks to its proximity to Powell St. BART and the walkable concentration of dining, shopping, and theaters nearby. It’s also a solid fit for value-minded visitors who prioritize included hot breakfast and Wi‑Fi over extensive on-site amenities.
Travel tips
If you’re planning to explore beyond downtown, Powell St. BART is about a 4-minute walk away, offering a straightforward way to connect to other parts of the Bay Area. Many popular sights are walkable from the hotel—Union Square is around 214 m away, and SFMOMA is about 674 m—so building a day around nearby neighborhoods can minimize transit time. Some guests mention street noise and room temperature control issues, so if you’re sensitive to noise or prefer precise climate control, consider asking about room placement and HVAC settings at check-in.
What guests say
Reviews frequently emphasize the hotel’s central Union Square location and the convenience of being able to walk to many attractions, along with easy, secure access. Service is a consistent positive theme, with guests noting friendly, helpful front-desk staff. Guests also commonly appreciate the included breakfast and report comfortable beds, with some describing rooms as spacious while the overall property is compact. Negative feedback in the excerpts centers on room condition and upkeep (cleanliness details and worn items), outside noise, and inconsistent heating/air-conditioning control, which some found unacceptable for the price point.
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