Best Things Nearby:
Union Square, the wonderful cable-car system, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, and the ferries

Best Things About the Resort:
The best things were the newly refurbished rooms, classy decor, and space - these must be the biggest 'lil hotel rooms in the States!

Resort Experience:
If convenience and space are your priorities, the Donatello is the place for you. Sure, the rooms are only studios, but they have more than enough room to swing a suitcase.

Before booking, we were told by the RCI agent that the hotel had been refurbished recently, and in our case, this was certainly true. Our room was light, airy, and modern, with plenty of storage space. The bathroom was very small, though, and the rooms could benefit from a table and chairs for in-room dining. The coffee table and tiny desk really didn't cut it.

If you're on a romantic getaway, this is a fine, classy joint, complete with an elegant, although somewhat pricey, restaurant downstairs. (Try to get a table away from the windows, though - the Donatello is only a few blocks away from a downtrodden area, and we felt guilty and distressed to see hungry homeless people peering in on a cold winter's night.)

Back in your room, you'll enjoy a complimentary turndown service (complete with chocolates) and a comfortable king-size bed. Best of all, the hotel is relatively quiet - but we suggest asking for an upper floor when you check in, just to be sure.

If romance is not on your mind and you've packed the kids instead of a negligee, you'll also love the size of the rooms. While our room could not be partitioned off, there is plenty of room to have a rollaway bed without skinning a shin. That said, the Donatello seems more suitable for couples than families. There are no kid-friendly amenities, and the owner’s lounge is small and as quiet as a library. And don't even think of sending them outside to play - this hotel is right in the heart of San Francisco, only a credit-card's throw from the glamorous shops in Union Square.

• Unit Type: Studio
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Fair
• Service: Good

Best Things Nearby:
This has a perfect location, a block from Union Sq. Nob Hill and Chinatown is just around the corner. There are plenty of restaurants and a nightclub across the street. There’s a lovely Borders bookshop as well nearby.

Best Things About the Resort:
The location of this timeshare cannot be beat. The views over San Francisco’s famous skyline and the bay are amazing.

Resort Experience:
This is a real hotel, with turn-down service and a chocolate on the pillow. Book a massage during the day and stay in to enjoy the lovely roomservice. The concierge service is great -- they'll help you with just about everything. Also bear in mind that even though this was officially a hotel room for two, there was actually a sofabed and room for four.

• Unit Type: Other
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Fair
• Service: Good

Best Things Nearby:
We were right in the middle of "shopper's paradise"! Everything was within walking distance (or cable car ride).

Best Things About the Resort:
The timeshare unit was a studio, so it was small like a hotel unit. It had a small fridge and coffee maker but needed a microwave. The furnishings are luxurious and very well kept. They even turn down your bed and leave a chocolate on your pillow!

Resort Experience:
I was expecting the city to be really crowded, but it wasn't. The locals said that 9/11 had really hurt their business. They do have a lot of homeless people begging for money all over town, but we still LOVED it!!

• Unit Type: Studio
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Good
• Service: Excellent

Best Things Nearby:
Union Square exclusive shopping. Theatre district. Cable car stop a block away at Union square. Variety of resturants from local diners to fine dining within a few blocks. Drugstore nearby to get snacks or forgotten items. Taxis were always readily available.

Best Things About the Resort:
Centrally located to all San Francisco districts. It has large units twice as big as a regular hotel room. Use of exercise rooms, Jacuzzi, steam and suana rooms. Turn down service.

Resort Experience:
The Donatello is centrally located for the theaters and upscale shopping . It is one block from the cable car line at Union Square. There are restaurants a plenty within walking distances. The steep hills are not a problem in the short walk to these activities. It is in good company with the famous St. Francis (afternoon tea $35) a block away.

This hotel is not a view hotel. All the rooms are the same and are roomy accommodations for two. A jazz lounge is located on the second floor. A valet parking garage is available for hotel patrons, but it is pricy at $28/day. There is a Owner’s lounge on the top floor, complete with massage rooms, exercise equipment room, lockers, and Jacuzzi. If you request, a USA Today will be at your door weekday mornings. Thick robes are provided. Concierge is available for making recommendations and reservations. The owner’s lounge has a quick breakfast of two danishes or muffins and a drink for $4. If you want a more substantial breakfast to start the day, head to the numerous diners on the next corner. There is a drug store a block away to get those items that you forgot to bring. Or stock up the kitchenette with snacks and quick breakfasts or lunches for the week.

After a dinner or a night out, you will come back and find turn down service.

I do not know what the checklist is to determine a four-star rating but this should be right up there with the best.

No resort activities to mention. There are no group discounts or San Francisco packages to sign up. They provide a list of happenings for the week and will make reservations for you. I would not consider this a family hotel, because it will only sleep two and I did not see any children while I was staying there. All of the staff was friendly and accommodating to requests.

Check out the website.

• Unit Type: Studio
• Activities: Fair
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Fair
• Service: Excellent

Best Things Nearby:
Streetcar, Pier 39, Union Square, Ghirardelli Square

Best Things About the Resort:
Wonderful accommodations, friendly Staff

Resort Experience:
Club Donatello is a small boutique hotel, with a wonderful and friendly staff that was very helpful and makes you feel very welcome. The timeshare was lovely. I was very surprised at how very beautiful the hotel is. It is small and cozy, yet you do not feel as if you are missing anything. The hotel is in the center of all activity. This was a wonderful getaway.

• Unit Type: Studio
• Activities: Good
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent