The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Best for a coastal resort weekend with ocean views, golf, tennis and a full-service spa.
Hotel comparison guide
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay vs The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a five-star coastal resort on bluff-top oceanfront grounds with golf, tennis, a large spa, and family programming — best for travelers who want a coastal resort escape. The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square is a long-recognized 4.5-star downtown landmark hotel at the heart of Union Square — best for visitors who want instant access to city shopping, theaters, and large meeting space.
Updated · about 30–40 miles (roughly 50–65 km) apart by road — about 35–45 minutes without heavy traffic.
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
Best for downtown San Francisco stays when you want to be steps from Union Square, theaters, and convention/meeting venues.
Quick Verdict: The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay vs The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
When The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay wins: choose the Ritz-Carlton if your priority is ocean views, resort-style amenities (championship golf, tennis courts, a large spa, indoor pool) and family programming away from the city.
When The Westin St. Francis wins: pick the Westin St. Francis if you need a central Union Square address, easy access to shopping and theaters, or extensive on-site meeting and event space in downtown San Francisco.
Bottom line: both are landmark Bay Area properties but serve different trip types — Half Moon Bay is a destination resort for coastal activities and relaxation; the Westin St. Francis is a downtown base for sightseeing, shopping, and business events.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay vs The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square – At a Glance
| Category | The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay | The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Resort, relaxed, activity-focused (golf, tennis, spa) | Historic downtown hotel, urban and busy |
| Location | Bluff above the Pacific Ocean in Half Moon Bay (coastal) | On Powell Street, steps from Union Square (downtown San Francisco) |
| Size (guestrooms) | 261 guestrooms and suites | 1,195 guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | All-ages resort with Ritz Kids programming; some adult-only spa/fitness areas | All ages; family stays allowed (hotel not adults-only) |
| Pools | Indoor pool (published pool hours: typically 7:00 AM–8:00 PM) | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Three outlets (Navio — signature seafood fine dining; The Conservatory; Ocean Terrace) | One main restaurant plus coffee shop/cafe and a bar/lounge (Cafe Rito and a bar/lounge noted) |
| Spa / wellness | The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Half Moon Bay — 16,000 sq ft, 13 treatment rooms, steam/sauna/whirlpools | Not published |
| Known for | Oceanfront setting, championship golf, fire pits and coastal dining | Union Square landmark, glass elevators, large meeting and ballroom space |
| Meetings & events | Multiple indoor and outdoor venues; largest ballroom ~7,100 sq ft; sizable outdoor lawns | About 56,000 sq ft of conference space with 35 meeting rooms |
| Airport access | About 20 miles to SFO (drive time typically 30–45 minutes to San Francisco) | Preferred airport: San Francisco Intl. (SFO); about 14.2 miles to SFO |
Location: Half Moon Bay coast vs Union Square city center
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay – Location
Set on bluff-top oceanfront grounds overlooking the Pacific, the Ritz-Carlton is a coastal resort outside the city.
- Walks to nearby beaches and the Coastside Trail; Half Moon Bay Golf Links is effectively on-site.
- About a 35–45 minute drive to downtown San Francisco under normal traffic.
- Oceanfront lawns with fire pits and sunset views on the bluff.
Choose the Ritz-Carlton for a coastal escape and easy access to beaches and bluff-top trails.
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square – Location
The Westin St. Francis sits on Powell Street, immediately adjacent to Union Square and the city's shopping and theater district.
- Steps from Union Square shops, cable car access, and multiple theaters and galleries.
- Central downtown location makes taxis, transit and walking to tourist sites straightforward.
- Preferred airport is SFO; typical city logistics for downtown arrival and departures.
Choose the Westin St. Francis if you want to be in the middle of San Francisco’s shopping and entertainment scene.
Rooms: resort rooms and suites vs large downtown inventory
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay – Rooms
The Ritz-Carlton offers 261 rooms and suites with a range of Coastal, Ocean, Guest House and Club Access room types.
- Room collection includes ocean-view rooms, multi-bedroom suites and Club-level rooms with lounge access.
- Free Wi‑Fi in rooms and on-property; Club level offers culinary presentations throughout the day.
- Some pet-friendly Guest House rooms are designated; rollaway beds are available for a fee.
Rooms skew toward ocean views and suite options for families or multi-room groups.
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square – Rooms
The Westin St. Francis has a very large inventory of guestrooms (1,195) across a historic downtown property.
- A wide mix of standard rooms and suites to support leisure and high-volume business or group stays.
- In-room WiFi is available (supplier notes an in-room wireless internet fee may apply).
- Notable for its landmark status and historic glass elevators as a feature of the property.
The Westin’s scale is better suited for large groups, conventions and travelers who prioritize location.
Dining & drinks: coastal, ocean-view dining vs city restaurants and cafes
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay – Dining & drinks
Dining at the Ritz-Carlton emphasizes coastal California and seafood across three outlets.
- Navio is the signature fine-dining seafood restaurant with ocean views (published days/hours noted).
- The Conservatory serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with ocean views; Ocean Terrace offers al fresco seafood and fire pit seating.
- Multiple venues provide vegetarian/vegan options and a range from casual to refined dining.
Ritz-Carlton dining centers on ocean views and seafood-driven menus across casual and fine-dining venues.
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square – Dining & drinks
The Westin St. Francis offers on-site dining for downtown guests plus easy access to countless nearby restaurants.
- Featured on-property outlets include Cafe Rito and an on-site restaurant and bar/lounge.
- To-go breakfasts available (fee applies); room service offered.
- Thousands of nearby city restaurants and cafes within a short walk on Union Square and surrounding streets.
If you want immediate access to a broad city culinary scene, the Westin’s location is the advantage; on-site options are more limited than a resort.
Pools & beach or signature amenity: indoor pool and coastal activities vs downtown conveniences
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay – Pools & beach or signature amenity
The Ritz-Carlton’s signature amenities center on coastal activities plus an indoor pool and championship golf.
- Indoor pool access typically published from 7:00 AM–8:00 PM; fitness classes included with the resort fee.
- On-site championship golf courses and six lighted tennis courts are major activity draws.
- Bluff-top setting offers fire pits, bluff walks and easy beach access for coastal recreation.
The resort’s combination of golf, tennis and oceanfront access is its standout amenity set.
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square – Pools & beach or signature amenity
The Westin’s chief advantages are downtown services, walkable access to attractions and extensive meeting space.
- 24-hour fitness center and concierge services are available for guests.
- Large conference and ballroom spaces (about 56,000 sq ft; 35 meeting rooms) support business and events.
- Covered and secured parking, valet options, and an electric car charging station are on site.
The Westin’s strengths are in urban convenience and event infrastructure rather than resort leisure amenities.
Wellness & nightlife: spa, fitness and evening settings
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay – Wellness & nightlife
Wellness at the Ritz-Carlton centers on a sizable spa complex, plus fitness and outdoor evening spaces.
- The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a 16,000 sq ft facility with 13 treatment rooms, steam room, sauna and three Jacuzzis; open daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- 24-hour fitness center and daily fitness classes are included with resort access; some facilities restricted to guests 18+.
- Evening options include bar service at The Conservatory and fire-pit gatherings on the lawn.
Ritz-Carlton is the clear pick for on-site spa treatments and quiet evening coastal experiences.
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square – Wellness & nightlife
Wellness and nightlife in the Westin are urban and accessible: a 24-hour fitness center and proximity to bars, theaters and late-night dining.
- 24-hour fitness facilities and concierge-arranged experiences; visual alarms and accessibility features noted.
- On-site bar/lounge and nearby Union Square nightlife, theaters and late-night dining are within walking distance.
- Multilingual staff, extensive meeting support and 24-hour front desk for business travelers.
Pick the Westin for city nightlife and immediate access to downtown entertainment; wellness is more gym-focused than spa-focused.
Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay — oceanfront dining, bluff walks, beaches, golf and tennis.
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
The Westin St. Francis — steps from Union Square shops, theaters and transit links.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a full 16,000 sq ft facility with multiple treatment rooms and wet amenities.
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
The Westin St. Francis offers extensive conference space (about 56,000 sq ft) and 35 meeting rooms.
Frequently asked questions
See all FAQs →The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay vs The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square: FAQs
Which property is better for a family vacation with kids?
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay — it runs a Ritz Kids program and family-friendly activities; spa and some fitness facilities have 18+ restrictions.
Which hotel is better if I want to walk to shops and theaters?
The Westin St. Francis — it sits on Union Square with immediate access to shopping, theaters and cable-car lines.
Can I get spa services at both hotels?
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay has a large on-site spa (published). A dedicated spa facility is not published for the Westin St. Francis in the supplied listing.
Which is better for business meetings or conventions?
The Westin St. Francis — it has about 56,000 sq ft of conference space and 35 meeting rooms, making it strong for large events.
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