Handlery Union Square Hotel

I ended up here as part of a "Top Secret" hotel promotion. Some things I really liked: * The decor and amenities were exactly in that sweet spot where luxury and funkiness come together: neither ostentatious nor cheap, * Real materials. Like the desk was made of solid wood, complete with signs of age. The suitcase rack was covered with leather. The tub was porcelain. The pillows stuffed with feathers. * Appropriate technology. Room temperature adjustments. Line in so you can play your ipod through the clock radio. * The location can't be beat if you like Union Square. * Extras like shampoo, moisturizer, etc. were high quality. * Room layout was perfect, with lots of closet space, openable windows, and a cozy feel. Some things I didn't especially like: * The garage costs $*. * Wireless is not included. This is really insulting. * The restaurant looked generic and overpriced (though I didn't try it so, I could be wrong). * I can appreciate that they didn't spend money on replacing old CRT televisions, but the picture quality is needlessly terrible.

I was dissappointed in our hotel experience. Upon checking in I found out that the "Nob Hill" location on Geary Street is a false front, meaning you walk into the so called hotel lobby to check in & then find out you drive around to the back of the block to the parking garage & your room either faces a depressing swimming pool area or a noisy street looking at an Irish Pub & a Starbucks. The room itself was also in need of a good cleaning. The love seat was filthy, it was badly stained & needed to be either recovered or replaced. The carpets were dirty and two of the four days we were there housekeeping didn't leave clean washclothes. The positive things I can tell you are that we ordered room service twice and the orders were sent to our room quickly & they were correct & best of all the food was wonderful. I forgot my toothbrush & I called housekeeping the first morning and the sweetest lady brought me one within 5 minutes of my request. I think if the hotel would give a good cleaning to their rooms it would brighten up the atmosphere greatly. The employees were the only real bright spots of the whole hotel experience. Morgan Wells Lexington, Ky.

We were very pleased with the hotel. Service was very prompt. They let us park the car out front until we checked in and were settled in our room. I would definitely stay there again. Hotel is older but the rooms are clean and neat with updated baths.

You might not think that I would be writing a positive review since I had a reservation and when I arrive the first night the room was not available. Well, there are always extenuating circumstances that can arise as I came to learn. At first I was disappointed but I was quickly told that I would be taken at their expense to a comparable hotel by a taxi and returned by a taxi the next day at their expense. I was helped with internet to get directions to walk to the conference that I needed to attend. As it turned out, I am sure the hotel did not have any choice but to give up my room as President Obama had come to town and was staying at the hotel directly across the street. My room happened to face the entrance/exit that the President needed to come into and out of. It also had a very large picture window with a balcony and I feel very confident that the Secret Service needed that location to keep the President safe. I can not tell you the number of items I was given to accomodate me including 2 nights stay when I return and dinner!!! Honestly, I loved the hotel. It was so charming and the staff was so nice and friendly. I highly recommend staying here.

The Handlery is in a good location - very convenient to shopping and public transportation. We upgraded to the "club" section of the hotel to get a larger more modern room. The room size was good, but the furnishings left quite a bit to be desired. The beds were comfortable and bedding was nice. The upholstered furniture needed a good cleaning...we didn't want to sit on it, it was so soiled. The television was ridiculously small for the room. There was mold in the bathroom. Let's just say the room looked "well used" and in dire need of a face lift.

Type:Dining Distance: Short walk from hotel

Cafe Mason

Cafe Mason is right around the corner. Great food at a good price - open 24/7. Find out how to exit the hotel from the club side garage....much easier than going back through the lobby. Also....Starbucks right accross from the parking garage exit...bonus!