lanejohann

Hello again good folk of fodors!
I'm struggling(again) to make a decision so need local/ expert advice re accommodation in San fran for this coming jan/ feb...29 th - 1st
This will be the third leg of a 25 day trip and we will be coming from Calgary ..the four of us..husband and I and son 19 daughter 22.
Our travel agent recommended the Cova ..but some of the reviews are so so..it's near Union sq (and I have read people's opinions re fishermans vs Union sq)

My husband already booked the car since we I'll be travelling down the coast to LA for the last leg of our trip and it was a good deal ( even though we know we probably won't use it too much in San Fran and will incur parking)

So... I feel we should still stay central to avoid the hassle of continually looking for parking and being able to step out into the action somewhat

Has anyone stayed at the hilton San Fran unison sq?... I can get it for 217aud per night which is great..its in need of refurbish but is close to the Bart ..is that important for a three days stay if you have a car?
What about the Handlery or Parc 55? Reviews say the Parc is dark but the rates are reasonable at 917 aud for three nights
We would prefer a suite with a separate bed for the siblings but if it's cost prohibitive then they will share of course...
Has anyone ever stayed centrally with grown kids and not had to walk down a hall to a bathroom?
What chain should I be looking at?
What is the soma area like? Walking distance to anything tourist worthy?
Thanks for any tips!

Underhill

Driving in San Francisco: not a good idea if you're unfamiliar with hills. Parking is very expensive as well. I suggest checking out the Inn at the Presidio, which is in beautiful parkland and has very low parking charges. The building was formerly the officers' barracks but has been beautifully converted into a fine hotel; rates include a copious continental breakfast.

We used the Inn's car service to go to Union Square; the cost to and from was less than a day's parking.

Rooms at the front are quite large and open onto the wide porch, with good views. Our room had a separate living room and very large bedroom with a sleeper sofa.

Surfergirl

Cow Hollow has just what you need. Get the 2 bedroom suite -- the one with the queen bed in one bedroom and 2 doubles in the second. There are 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and living room. Parking is free. In the best area in the Marina . . . the suites are located in the back of the hotel on Chestnut Street -- great walking street and a short walk to the Marina or Union, which is another great walking street.

You can catch bus no. 30 on Chestnut that will take you to the wharf, up Columbus to North Beach/China Town, and I think it also takes you close to Union Street.

lanejohann

Thanks will check out both suggestions!

lanejohann

I called the cow hollow direct and they offered a two bedroom two bathroom suite for 1121 usd
It looks great..spacious and comfortable and the parking is free if you book the suites
But I'm wondering ( and I've started another thread ) whether the money is warranted
We don't after all really need a kitchen for three nights and the fireplace sounds nice but I doubt we'd use it ..probably be out late, no?
Inn at re presidio was fine too but again it's still quite expensive

clarkgriswold

Columbus Motor Inn. Book it while the "family sized" room is still available, you can always cancel if your plans change.

janisj

Columbus Motor Inn or any of its 'sister' properties are likely your best options. Cow Hollow, Coventry Inn, etc).

They will be the most economical for your period when everything is considered.

janisj

Just saw your other thread . . . San Francisco and Santa Barbara (from the other thread) are not 'cheap' places to stay. It seems you are thinking of cutting SF short because of the budget -- I wouldn't. You can find places to economize/cut corners in some of the small towns down the coast.