The hype
Travelers love the views and the BART proximity but consistently hate the elevators and the street noise.
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel
$180-300/ night
Book this if You're a Hilton loyalist who wants a Michelin-starred meal in the lobby and doesn't mind a gritty street corner for the sake of transit access.
Why People Love It
- Kin Khao (Michelin-starred Thai) is literally inside the building
- Powell St BART and Cable Car turnaround are 60 seconds away
- Skyline View rooms (floors 22-32) offer incredible city panoramas
Quick Take: A massive, functional corporate tower that trades charm for efficiency and charges you $85 to park your car.
Reviewed by @TravelWithMae: I checked into Parc 55 for a quick city trip. While the room felt a bit standard, the night view from my bay window was mesmerizing. Being right next to the cable car turnaround made exploring SF incredibly easy. Solid choice for the location alone.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will likely wait 10+ minutes for an elevator during peak convention hours.
- You are attending a conference at Moscone (5 min walk)
- You want to eat at Kin Khao without a reservation hassle
- You need direct BART access to SFO
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Some guests report missed days or 'rush jobs' on turnover.
- Bathroom hygiene: Hit or miss. Recent reports of 'hair in tub' and damaged fixtures. Check your drain immediately.
- Maintenance: Aging infrastructure. Elevators break down, and some bathtubs show peeling finish.
- Linens & towels: Standard Hilton quality — generally clean and crisp, but not luxurious.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like signature Hilton scent; hallways can smell like old carpet or cleaning chemicals.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Sirens from Market Street
- Cable car turnaround bells
- Thin walls between connecting rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The $35-43 daily resort fee includes a $35 F&B credit — USE IT at Cable 55 or it's wasted money.
- Security is tight; you need a key card to access guest floors.
- Check-in can be a zoo; use the Hilton app for digital key if possible.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for lower floors)
- Layers (SF weather changes hourly)
- Comfortable walking shoes (Union Square hills are no joke)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Skyline View King (Floors 22-32) for silence and views
- Corner King rooms for slightly more square footage and dual-aspect windows
Rooms to avoid
- Any room below the 15th floor facing Cyril Magnin St (noise)
- Connecting rooms if you aren't booking both (sound bleed is real)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a 'Skyline View' room on the highest possible floor, away from the elevators. If a Corner King is available, that is my preference.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Does Parc 55 have a pool?
No. You have access to the outdoor pool at the Hilton Union Square across the street.
Is the area safe?
It's busy but gritty. The corner of 5th and Market has high homeless activity. Stay alert, especially at night.
How much is parking?
Valet only, ranging from $85 to $91 per night. Seriously, don't drive here.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no. The buffet at Cable 55 is around $42/person unless you have Hilton Honors Gold/Diamond status.
Can I use the resort fee credit at Kin Khao?
No. The credit usually applies to Cable 55 or the grab-and-go market, not the independently owned Kin Khao.
How far is the airport?
SFO is ~30 mins by BART (Powell St station is right downstairs) or 45 mins by Uber.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Urban Destination Fee' credit of ~$35 resets daily — buy snacks or drinks at the market if you don't eat a full meal.
- ✨
Kin Khao does takeout if you can't get a table; eat Michelin-star curry in your bed.
- ✨
The '55 Fitness' gym is actually better than the one at the main Hilton Union Square.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators are notoriously slow and often have long lines in the lobby.
💡The bathrooms in standard rooms are surprisingly small and dated compared to the bedroom.
💡You can hear the cable car turnaround bell ringing clearly from rooms on floors 5-12.
💡The 'Corner Rooms' are often just slightly larger standard rooms, not true suites.
💡Housekeeping is 'by request' for some rate tiers — check upon arrival or you won't get fresh towels.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel is located and what's nearby.