My husband and I have 2 nights in SF in Nov. Haven’t been there for 30 yrs. Would like suggestions as to neighborhoods and, if possible, hotels. We prefer not to stay in touristy, commercial neighborhoods, like Times Sq. We do like residential areas, convenient to transportation. Any thoughts?

I like the Farimont on Nob Hill.

What is your price range and what kind of hotel are you looking for?

Also will you have a car and what do you plan to do in the city?

No need for a car within the city limits; public transportation coverage is good.

The Omni on California Street is handy on the Cable Car line. Hyatt Embarcadero in the Financial District is also handy and across from The Ferry Building. Avoid Fishermen’s Wharf as it’s very touristy.

As well as being across from the Ferry Building with its many shops and places to eat, the Hyatt Regency at the Embarcadero is very convenient to muni and bus lines and BART.
As you plan, check the schedule for CityGuides. The walking tours highlight a variety of neighborhood and thematic topics and run about 1.5 to 2 hours.

I’d like to stay below $250/night. We tend to like smaller, independent hotels with a bit of atmosphere. Thanks.

I do, too but a bit pricey. Trying to keep it around $250 max. Thanks.

not sure about the car. Will prob do some tours, the art museum, see friends, try some interesting restaurants. Generally hang out.

Take a look at the Hotel Triton. Right at the Chinatown gate and above the cute Cafe de La Presse.

I have lived in San Francisco a few times and now visit 4-8 times a year often spending a night or two so have probably stayed at 20+ different hotels over the years. My budget is a bit higher than yours and I have always had a car so am not very knowledgable about rapid transport in San Francisco other than to say that it is quite extensive and good for an American city. Most of the hotels in San Francisco are clustered downtown or around Fishermans wharf which is either touristy or commercial. Note that hotel rates in San Francisco are often more expensive during the week. The only hotels matching your cost preferences that I have stayed at myself are the ones in the Marina such as the Chelsea Inn or the Coventry or Cow hollow. I used to live in Cow Hollow and Pacific Heights so am comfortable in the area. I would guess they would set you back around $150/night with free parking if you have a car. I have only stayed at the Chelsea Inn this year and it is clean and fine. I am not sure how this location works transportation wise without car to get to your San Francisco destinations. They are also Motels so no charm. There is a bed and breakfast in Pacific heights called Jackson Court that would give you atmosphere although I have not stayed there for years and might be a little more expensive than you want. I would guess their prices would be in the $250- $350 range depending on dates. Transportation options here would probably less than in the Marina.

Do not leave anything in the car! Smash-and-grab is a pandemic here. Even if the driver is in the car, they can break the passenger side window to get your backpack.

Are you visiting during the week or weekend?

For that budget I'd second mjs' suggestions of the Chelsea Inn, Coventry or any of their sister properties. Their rates should run between about $150 and $200 per night depending on dates/room type. Do be aware that with hotel taxes, various employee surcharges, and other city mandated add-ons you'll want to look at $200 room rates or lower to keep under $250 total cost.

When are you here? APEC dates are approx. Nov 11-19, with Biden attending, and traffic will be messy.

Also you mentioned an art museum - which one? If the Legion, it will be closed for a couple of days for APEC activity, don't know when. If you are here later, the Botticelli exhibit will open at the Legion on November 19.

Just returned from a weekend in San Francisco. Boy have the restaurants gotten pricey.