newtousmama

We're a couple with a 1 year old toddler. We are spending one night in San Fran in mid may. We'd like to be near interesting areas,obviously would like it to be safe and fun. We'd like to see Haight Ashbury and possibly take a cable car ride and a tram and walk around to get the feel of the place.

1. Where would you suggest we stay? We are happy to be in a B&B or a hotel. We just dont like typical glitzy hotels.Budget around $200

2. I have found one called The Red Victorian in upper Haight. Is this a good area to stay? Otherwise there is one in Hayes Valley, The Albion House Inn and Le Petite AUberge in Nob Hill. ANyone know of these and or the areas or have any other recommendations?

Thanks!

jtankers

I live in San Francisco currently...and if I were you, I wouldn't stay in the Haight or Hayes Valley. Since you've got a small child, staying in the Haight could be inconvenient - the streets are often crowded and dirty. Plus, you'd be pretty far from the cable cars. Hayes Valley is a neat little neighborhood, but it's not somewhere I'd want to stay if I was a tourist. Of the three options you've listed, I think Nob Hill would definitely be the most fun - you'd be closer to the more "touristy" areas and Union Square, but still in a neighborhood with character. Sorry I don't know the specific hotel you've mentioned, but best of luck, and enjoy the city!

cabovacation

I agree. Both of those areas are inconvenient to public transportation, crowded and not especially clean - certainly not great with a toddler. Hayes Valley is really just about two blocks with a small number of shops and restaurants. The Haight is the Haight - crowed and dirty. I don't mean to be negative. I go to both areas - esp. Hayes - but I think a tourist with a baby would be less than excited by them.

TrvlMaven

Agree with the above posts. If it's only one night--would your little one get a bigger kick out of boats and sea lions? Pier 39 has lots of both with the cable cars nearby. Just watching to boats could take up a lot of time.

cabovacation

Also - as I think about it - San Francisco is such a beautiful city. It is really glorious. Definitely pick an area where you will be blown away by the spectacle. Nob Hill or near the Water, if possible. Union Square area. Make the most of the short time. The other areas are the dumps.

butter924

Do not stay at the Red Victorian - the worst

beckytx

The tripadvisor reviews for Petite Auberge are very favorable and many say its the perfect location. If I were you, that would be my pick.

newtousmama

Thanks very much indeed - great help.

SAB

Since I live 3 blocks uphill from Haight Street, I want to clarify something for potential visitors. Haight Street itself never seems to change and it attracts lots of homeless kids and some unsavory characters--at night it can be very sketchy, so I would never recommend the Red Vic, especially with a child. However, the entire area is not a dump, is not unsafe, is not dirty. There are multi-million dollar homes in within 2 blocks of Haight and some really beautiful Victorians in the area. Lots of families with children live in the area, there are lots of young, professional couples living in condos, and lots of us locals regularly dine out on Haight Street.

mikemo

We stayed for years at the Marines' Memorial; then several times at the Stanford Court and most recently at the Hot. Chancellor on Union Square.
The latter are great locations.
Prices are increasing rapidly.
After our committments this year, we'll definitely return to Buenos Aires
rather than San Francisco.
Buen viaje.
M

halfapair

We stayed at the Marriott in the Wharf Area. Nice, clean hotel & quiet too.

It's near all the attractions: Ghiradelli Sq, Trolleys, Pier 39, harbor cruises.

elsiemoo

We just stayed at the Columbus Motor Inn a few weeks ago. I think it's the Russian Hill section, within close walking distance to the Wharf for around $100/night. Great motor inn for the money; very clean, safe, nice front desk. Very convenient for cable car stops, buses, Wharf, etc.

dovima

An addendum to SAB's input:

I agree that Haight Street itself has become an unsavory destination. It is not particularly dangerous on my scale of things, but it is dirty and depressing with its groups of young drifters and bums.

However, as pointed out, "the Haight-Ashbury" is more than Haight Street itself. One of the City's most congenial neighborhoods, Cole Valley, is within blocks of Haight Street but has a much more upbeat, prosperous vibe. The beautiful Victorians SAB mentions are to be seen as one heads south (uphill) from Haight, on upper Delmar, Masonic and Ashbury streets. I would not avoid this neighborhood, in fact, you might enjoy an afternoon stroll and dinner there, but the Red Vic might not be suitable for your family situation right now.

SAB

Hush, dovima don't talk up Cole Valley, it's getting too crowded here on weekends already!!! We locals have had to give up on having brunch at Zazie's on weekends.

trippinkpj

LOL, I "discovered" Cole Valley in late 2005 when my DH was at UCSF med center for surgery. I love that little bistro Zazie.

cabovacation

SAB - I didn't mean to offend. I appreciate the Haight area, as I do most of the city. I spend a lot of time in many of the neighborhoods. I was just referring to it as not a great place if you have a kid and only a day or two in town. There are far more stunning locales.

SAB

No offense was taken, I just thought a general statement about an entire area needed some correction. Particularly in light of the fact that the OP expressed an interest in seeing Haight Ashbury. Incidentally, I think the views from upper Masonic are stunning!!