lanejohann

Hello everyone!
Buzzing back and forth in my head like a mozzie in a bottle trying to make the most of this last leg of our 25 day trip with husband and two grown kids..boy and girl

I'm shocked at the accommodation prices for winter...thought being late jan/ early feb, it would've died down and we might've scored a good deal ..but not so..
So I'm trying to shave down some of the costs...through accommodation and,in particular, staying out of the touristy places down the coast after our initial stay in San fran...as far as accommodation goes

We are thinking of staying three nights in San Fran and that's the big problem. We have looked at the cows hollow suites for 1121 usd for three nights but that's going to be about 20-25 percent more with our ailing Aussie dollar
Looked at the Union sq Hilton and parc55 ..two rooms are all hovering round that same mark once taxes are added...plus we have a car which further adds 58 usd daily for parking
So this is my idea...
We could either get the kids to sleep in one bed...get a room with two double beds..they're not gonna like that but we do save money
We will have quite a bit of luggage with us being winter and all...at least a large suitcase and carryon each..thats a lot of bags in one room...can the rooms handle that number of bags? We have lived in crowded conditions in Paris for eg but that was just my daughter and I for nine days
...
Or we stay only two nights in San Fran ( the Friday night...getting in late afternoon from Calgary) and spend the Saturday having a look around, checking out on Sunday but leaving the car at the hotel with our luggage and spending our time sightseeing and then...

Driving out of San fran say round 7 pm to an area down the coast and spending subsequent nights ..say two...along the coast before settling somewhere near Anaheim for a night...then shifting to maybe Santa monica for another two to see the rest of LA .. Not much time I know but it's all we got

We will be flying out late ..bout 10 pm on Saturday feb 6 so will have much of that day at our disposal

So back to the San Fran scenario...is checking out one day earlier and booking into a cheaper hotel somewhere down the coast a good idea?
Are the hotels out of San Fran that much cheaper if we are going down the touristy coast road anyway? Does the process of checking out on our last day in San fran waste valuable sight seeing time and will we miss a portion of beautiful coastline if we decide to get out of San Fran that Sunday night and essentially drive in the dark? Where might we stay then on that Sunday night?

Further down the coast ..say the Monday night..where is it sensible to spend the night...does anyone know the road well and can recommend an area that is perhaps not as expensive but still ok to stay the night before we get into annaheim.
Wed stop at big sur for a couple of hours I guess .. Need to research that more...I did buy the movie lol!
Is Hearst castle a must see? Is it too time consuming?
Mostly we'd be happy to drive the coast road , stopping at scenic little spots ...nobody is bent on anything in particular at this stage...
Disneyland and Hollywood/ Beverley hills, Venice beach and maybe universal are on the kids' list once we get into LA but the coast re was pretty much an add- on to this trip

Thanks so much for any suggestions!

tomfuller

There are 3 HI Hostels in San Francisco which might meet your needs for a place to sleep.
About 50 miles south of SF is the Pigeon Point Lighthouse HI Hostel. They have dorm rooms (male and female) but you can cook in their kitchen.
For another night between there and Anaheim, consider San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara.

clarkgriswold

Columbus Motor Inn for San Francisco. No Hearst Castle is not a "must" if you have little interest and are tightening the budget. There should be lots of moderately-priced accommodation all along that route in late Jan/early Feb but you will have to pay attention to the weather...rain can cause some delays...I wouldn't book anything without a liberal cancellation policy. What are these "shocking" prices that you're seeing...where and exactly when???

Michael

Check out the accommodations in the Sunset district (around 45th st. and Judah or Taraval) which might be a little cheaper and parking would be free. I believe that the motel near the Zoo (around 45th and Taraval) offers kitchenette, which might mean that the accommodations are generally roomier – as a resident of the city, I can only speculate.

marvelousmouse

I spent the last month researching this and I feel your pain about hotel prices

Hi fishermans wharf (ft mason hostel) has free parking. You'd probably still have to share a room, because you have minors with you, but at least everyone would have their own bed. And I wouldn't think luggage would be an issue- hostels usually have lockers or storage of some kind as they cater to international travelers.

I would not drive on the coastal highway in the dark, especially not in winter. I've had to drive overnight on oregon 101 and that ranged from dreary to death defying. If you want to leave sun night and you don't mind missing some scenery, consider cutting inland, driving a little ways down i5 and staying the night somewhere. Then in the morning, take the next road to the coast and continue on the coastal highway. That wil save time and probably money on hotels.

However- I did not have much trouble finding accomodations for less than 100 in places like ft Bragg, Monterey, San Luis Obispo. What are you looking for and how much do you want to spend? Googled slo motel 6: low season rate is 56/night and I don't think you can beat that!

You may want to look at hostels in Santa Barbara as well because that seemed to be the most expensive place to stop. But SB is also close enough to anaheim that you probably don't need to spend the night there.

Good luck!

marvelousmouse

Reread post, saw that you said "grown kids" so never mind about the minors bit I said about the hostel. If you don't mind hostels definitely look at hostelling international website, they have 18 hostels in ca, the coastal ones all appear very scenic.

Just wanted to say if you have trouble finding an affordable place on the coast look for either towns of larger populations or more family oriented! It seems like the further up the coast you go, the more expensive it is (because of less competition). Big sur and redwoods were the priciest areas I saw outside of SF. And Carmel is pricy because it's ritzier while Monterey is more budget.

kleroux

Check out Marriott's Residence Inns. I think you can find 2 bedrooms with living room plus mini kitchen. Its a chain hotel, so in many cities. Save money by fixing some of your own meals. Also look into vacation rentals by owner. www.vrbo.com and the city you want. Much cheaper than a hotel for what you will be getting.

marvelousmouse

Also found this link in my bookmarks:
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...hostels-bandbs

Although from reading your other posts, I think I have much lower expectations for hotels than you so caveat is that if you do decide to go "budget" make sure you know what the trade offs are. Quaint and charming comes up in some of those reviews and in my experience that means "small" "outdated" or "odd layout/lots of stairs" lol!

jamie99

I would not recommend leaving San Francisco at 7pm in Jan/Feb since it will already be dark by then. Try and leave about 2pm and you can get to Monterey before dark. With 8 days you have time for 3 in SF, 3 in LA/Anaheim and 2 along Highway 1.
I also would not try cramming 4 people, especially with grown kids, into a Motel 6, most of them have pretty small cramped rooms although I did read elsewhere that the one in San Simeon (where Hearst Castle is located) is larger and more spacious as it used to be a Holiday Inn.
Residence Inns are a good call, and for the most part we have had good luck with Best Westerns in the past.

marvelousmouse

I agree that 4 people per motel six room is rather cramped, but generally I've found that two motel 6 rooms (4 queen bed) is still more economical than a suite at best western. But I also generally don't cook on vacation, so if you want a kitchen motel 6 definitely doesn't work.

sf7307

Some Residence Inns have 1 bedrooms, some only have studios, so be sure you know what kind of room you're looking at. I don't find RI to be at all inexpensive, but at least it includes breakfast.

azzure

Try Coventry Motor Inn on Lombard in SF -- great location, inexpensive, free parking.

Songdoc

You are at a disadvantage because of the value of the Aussie dollar.
Have you tried sights such as Hotwire and Priceline?
FYI, the rooms at the Cow Hollow are very spacious.

IMO ... you're already spending a great deal of money on this trip. If at all possible, spend the few hundred dollars more and really enjoy it. Do NOT leave SF at night. Parts of the drive are spectacular--and are twisty & winding.

I think Hearst Castle is a DEFINITE "must-see." Even on my second visit I was blown away.

Check out The Inn at Marina Del Rey for your L.A. visit. I was surprised at how nice it was--and how spacious and economical.

PS. Be sure to stop and see the views from Nepenthe in Big Sur. I also enjoyed walks at Julia Pfeiffer State Park and Moonstone Beach. And ... visit Muir Woods and Muir Beach from SF. Very few people drive the extra few miles to Muir Beach. It's one of my favorite spots.

Hope you have a great trip.

lanejohann

Thanks to you all for your fulsome replies!
Ok
Tom,we probably dont need to go to the hostel level...they're usually noisy aren't they? Only ever stayed in one in Piccadilly circus, London and that was sub-standard even for an Aussie lol! I will not Santa barbara as another stop ..haven't heard of San Luis Obispo ...will check it out ..thanks!

Thanks, clark..I'll have a look at Columbus motor inn..
I'm shocked that the prices are high in winter...when I was in USA back in 2005, I don't remember being aghast at the accommodation rates...albeit I didn't stay in San fran..only visited
I'm checking with booking.com and Expedia ...I was hoping my agent could find a deal too
But everything Ive looked at is around the 300 aud mark...after you add the taxes and convert our pathetic dollar it starts heading towards the 450aud a night and then we have to add on parking
I talked to the kids and they agreed to sharing a 2 x double bed room with us ...its a bit cheaper than getting two separate rooms...still have extra person charges

My son suggested buying an inflatable mattress and he'd sleep on the floor lol..
So far I've looked at the Hilton in Union square the Parc 55 and the travel lodge at the presidio which offers free parking ...its limited and you probably shouldn't try to move your car but it should be ok
That's got two queen beds and they can get in a roll away I think..I'll call them later
Michael I'll check the sunset district...thanks...we do want to stay central..We only have three nights and it's winter I think it's better to stay close to the action ..

Thanks marvellous mouse.... We aren't that fussy with hotels..im no princess...but if you're paying big money it had better be good! I'm leaning towards not driving that Sunday night ..
Having read these replies, I'm loathe to cut out scenic bits and I don't really want to leave at 2 pm on Sunday...we only really have Saturday then and even though I'm not crazy bout big cities, the kids might find San Fran exciting so I'll try to milk whatever time we have there

Jamie thanks I'll note th San Simeon place if we end up near Hearst castle

I'll check the residence inn sf...we don't need breakfast and I won't cook for that short amount of time..can't be bothered going to a supermarket and stocking up etc just for a couple of meals...a fridge would be handy but they're a rare inclusion

Azzure..I'll look into the Lombard st area but I read its noisy?

Thanks song doc for the tips..I have never used Hotwire nor Priceline..I'll have a look
It is a lot of money this time... And we are trying to keep to a 20 000 and budget for 25 days but with nine in New York..skiing for two in Banff and then Disney land etc in LA, I think we are dreaming and will go way over
Hawaii last December cost 23000aud for the four of us for 18 days .. But we did splurge on ocean front condo in kihei and had great rooms at the Wyndham in Waikiki...

it's not a matter of a few more hundred dollars...it goes into the thousands lol... But I do agree that it's better to spend a bit more and get a better experience...

NOW...QUESTIONS...
I forgot that San Fran is so incredibly hilly and I have a knee that can play up.. .so I don't want to be caught hobbling up a steep hill to our accommodation
Should we stay in the marina area? Is union square all that hilly? I don't recall the touristy bits being so hilly.. I did go on a trolley and a bus tour and remember the hills now but I didn't have to walk up any.
If there's a trolley available that takes you to the hotel that'd be fine

Ok back to my research.. You are all such gems! Thank you!

lanejohann

I can get a junior suite at the Hilton in Union sq for 974usd
It has two queens and a pull out sofa...
Parking is another 53 usd per day
I get that the area is not flash..
There won't be a view but I can ask for a quiet room" I think it would be in tower two

Reviews are varied..some say it's quite worn and drab and the rooms are hit and miss in quality

Ok so that's in the thick of it


But then when we do the sums...adding on parking , the cow hollow suites are 1121 usd..and we get the kitchenette etc and I'm assuming there a whole lot more space...the parking is included when you go for a suite in this case
That's lombard st..between Steiner and Fillmore streets..is that a flat area or are we way up in the famous curvy bit? Is it a good locale from which to step out and walk ..I believe it's about an hour into down town walking but a few mins to the presidio ...
I'm back into the high price bracket but I'm looking at location just for the ease of getting around.
Any opinions? Thanks!��

clarkgriswold

Columbus Motor Inn has a "suite" with a queen plus two double beds @ $200 per night including parking. That's half the price of the Hilton and CMI gets better reviews. They're not on booking.com which is one reason they can keep their prices lower.
For Santa Barbara book the one family-suite that they have at Castillo Inn. There are two bedrooms plus a sofa-bed in the "living room" and it should be around $200 per night. Great location.

lanejohann

Thanks Clark
I just called Oscar at the Columbus motor inn and booked three nights for approx for 226 usd p/n
I google earthed it and it s a few blocks walk to Fishermans wharf
Free car parking is part of the deal ..so that's huge!
We get beds for everybody..hooray!
Really appreciate your input
Thanks to all for helping make this decision..it was so hard this time..being a big city and all...I feel so unburdened! ��

Now to plan a few stops for the southward journey down the coast, Disney accommodation and something in LA round Santa monica I think ...maybe

hetismij2

We stayed at the Castillo Inn in Santa Barbara, following a Fodorite recommendation. A good price, and well situated. We liked it. Nothing fancy which suited us just fine.

We stayed at the Lombard Motor Inn in San Francisco. Like the others in the chain it has free parking and we didn't find it noisy. Walkable to Fishermans Wharf, and Muni stops close by, plus the best coffee we had all trip at the breakfast place next-door.

jamie99

Lots of places to stay around Disneyland for reasonable prices (I think the Disney hotels themselves are overpriced), if you want to provide your budget per night (preferably in USD) folks can help. One of the closest is Best Western Plus Park Place Inn, right next to the crosswalks that go into Disneyland entrance. Howard Johnson's also gets good reviews. For a bit more money, there is Residence Inn Maingate, free parking and free hot breakfast, and some light meals on weeknights, bit more spacious and has the ART shuttle if you don't want to walk 15 minutes.

clarkgriswold

Some other budget-stretcher places to consider on the trip....in MOnterey the Colton Inn or a bit further south The Carmel River Inn. In Paso Robles the rooms at La Quinta Inn have two queens. Near Pismo/Arroyo Grande look at Avila Suites or Pismo Lighthouse Suites, also The Edgewater has rooms with a queen in a tiny closed-off bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room.
Note that many hotels also have rollaway beds available @ $10 per night. You can request one when you book. So for instance at the edgewater you'd have the two adults in the bedroom...then in the living-area you'd have the sofa bed plus rollaway bed.