There was a poster, of not so great repute, who long ago used to advocate the Cow Hollow Motor Inn and Suites. Then I believe another poster, of much greater repute, did in fact stay at that place, and reported it was good.

And, as it turns out, they do have a room with 2 Doubles and 1 Queen.

So if you want to take a look, try here:
http://www.cowhollowsuites.com/

I haven't been to that hotel myself.

There are popular branded suite hotels near the airport.

Cow Hollow Suites would be a much better choice than the suites hotels nearer the airport. BART is a 30-minute trip each way from the airport into the city, and the trip is not inexpensive - better to put that money toward a hotel room in the city.

I do not know if i am of good repute, but i can vouch for Cow Hollow.

Thanks for the replies so far. We don't want to stay out by the airport. We are first-time visitors to SF, so we would like to do the usual tourist things, such as Alcatraz.

If you're staying more than four or five days, maybe try VRBO or Homeaway? You could possibly find a condo or apartment for the same price as a hotel, and having a kitchen is great for saving a little money (breakfasts, snacks, etc) plus a bit more room for four people.

I know nothing about this place - I found it by searching on Expedia for a room for random dates for 2 adults and 3 children (I know you have two, but I figured putting in 3 would mean they'd have to have 3 beds).

http://www.shellhospitality.com/en/The-Suites-at-Fisherman-s-Wharf/accommodations

Also check the Hotel Del Sol. It's an updated motel, very cheerful, run by a well-respected hotel group, and in a terrific neighborhood for restaurants, shopping, people-watching. They have some suites.

http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/sanfrancisco/del_sol/guestrooms

I actually know someone who works for Shell - it's a timeshare /suite rental with several properties and they are legit. I don't know the property at FW but their Whistler BC property is very nice.

The Columbus Motor inn has family suites that might work.

topping

http://www.fairmont.com/ghirardelli-san-francisco/

This place is the best we have found: you didn't mention price howeever it is worth it for the concierge, view, location and free car service drop off near location.

I also was going to suggest the Columbus. They have some "family" rooms with 3 or 4 beds (only one bath , though). GREAT location.

Thanks for these suggestions. I'll look into them.

Although I have personally not stayed at the Cow Hollow, friends have stayed there and like it. There is a great steakhouse near the Cow Hollow called Izzy's~the creamed spinach is fabulous (and I hate cooked spinach).

The Cow Hollow and/or Columbus are both great for families. However because they are fairly unique (decent quality, parking, family rooms) - they book up well in advance. Extremely high occupancy rates. So book them as soon as your dates are firm - especially for holiday periods like Spring break.

The Motels are quite decent and the free parking is a major bonus. The Fairmont GS is on the other hand IMHO the nicest hotel in San Francisco but priced a lot higher.

I just looked at the Fairmont GS. It looks fantastic, but the larger suite is out of my price range. I don't mind paying $300 or $350 in the city, but more than that for four nights would get pretty expensive. I'll look at the other suggestions next.