confusedmum

Like many who have researched before me, I have discovered that it is incredibly difficult to find a decent one bedroomed suite in San Francisco that doesn't cost the earth! The Grosvenor Suites ($120 plus$10 per night per child) and Pacific Heights Suites seem to be two of the most competitively priced options but I've read poor reviews about both, from previous guests. Cow Hollow Suites ($215 per night)are much nicer but this is reflected in the price of course. Hotel del Sol has a one bed suite priced at $159 per night.
I would be pleased to hear any comments about any of the accommodations I've mentioned, particularly if you know of a website offering competitive rates for Cow Hollow Suites or Pacific Heights Suites.

I am also wondering whether to abandon the suite arrangement idea altogether and book a mid-priced hotel (eg Tuscan Inn at Fisherman's Wharf $129) which receives reasonable reviews. This would mean sharing one room with the children which is not ideal as they are different ages and the younger one needs to go to bed earlier etc. On the other hand this may well be preferable to staying in a sub-standard one bed suite! Help!

Janna

We have stayed at Maxwell Hotel - Jr. Ste. for $155 w/parking. No, it is not the Four Seasons but clean and good location (oh no, now here comes the SF bashers). Maxwell is part of same hotel chain as Hotel del Sol check their website: sftrips.com, also check Kimpton hotel group - Monticello Inn. We did not stay there last trip but had a great rate for a suite, I can't recall exact rate but it was around $140. Kimpton also has a newly refurbished hotel called Hotel Cosmo, they have decent suite rates. I recommend calling either of these hotel group 800 numbers, I have had luck getting a good rate after chatting with them awhile.

Oh my

confusedmum,

Run, don't walk from Janna's advice. Belive me, you do not want to stay anywhere near Union Square or in Downtown SF for that matter. As a native San Franciscan, I can say that downtown SF is not the best place to be at night. In the day it is okay as long but be aware of your surroundings.

confusedmum

found a rate of $135 (plus tax) for a one bed suite at hotel del sol. Is this a good rate for the size and quality of accommodation and the area it is located in? Pacific Heights suites are same price as Grosvenor $120....

Sonia

Hi we stayed at the Grosvenor Suites Sept 2002. The room was lovely. Great view with balcony. Very clean and the staff was friendly. I recommend.

Patrick

Cow Hollow Suites is probably mis-named. These days a hotel which offers a "suite" is usually a tiny bedroom with a small seating area and perhaps a makeshift mini kitchen. A one bedroom at Cow Hollow is a full fledged apartment. A huge bedroom beautifully furnished, a full scale kitchen, and a very large living/dining room, spacious and elegant. Yes, I could happily live in one of their suites permanently. They only have 12 apartments total and are virtually never empty, so don't expect to find them at a better price through a discounter. The last time I stayed I booked 10 months ahead and had to adjust my schedule to allow a stay there between their already full bookings.

rabinowr

I stayed at the Grosvenor suites in May 2003 and was very happy with it. There was a separate bedroom and full kitchen. Try using AAA for a good rate. I paid $99. I liked the Union Sq area better than Fisherman's wharf. Also it was easier to pick up a bus/train/cable car from this area. I had no worries at night. The hills were killer so I got the transportation pass ($15 for 7 days of unlimited use) and always took the cable car.