We are flying from MI to SF Oct 11. Thinking of staying in SF for a few days without a car...and then renting one for a trip and stay in wine country for a few days and then down the coast to Big Sur/Carmel etc. Any suggestion about lodging, bus tours in the city, etc? Don't need to stay at "high rent" places..cottages and small motels are fine for some of the time. Thanks..

go to hotwire.com for your hotel if you're sure of the dates you want to be in the city. I've always had great rates through them and they significantly undercut all the other sites.

I live in the SF bay area. I have always had great luck on priceline getting hotel deals in SF. I usually ask to stay in the union square/downtown area, I always choose four stars, and I always bid $60.00 per night. I've done this at least ten times and it always works. I've stayed at lots of different hotels, but most frequently I get the Hilton downtown. Try it out!

If you visit Wine Country and Carmel on weeknights instead of on Fri & Sat, you'll get better room rates.

ColumbusMotorInn for San Francisco

CarmelMissionInn for Carmel

Thanks to all who replied..I had a really hard time posting..that's why there are so many...sorry about that!