Budget of under $200/ for San Francisco
 

we are a couple visiting San Francisco for the first time in mid June 2019. We would be visiting the very normal first timer activities/places to visit .

We would like to stay in the center of all activities and therefore choosing Union or Fisherman area with a maximum budget of $200/night inclusive of taxes

someone suggested to stay in Redwoods , which off course is outside SF. Heard local transport is good , cheap, easy to use & time effective

please suggest

I doubt someone suggested staying in redwoods for SF. That would make no sense. Do you mean you want to visit the redwoods while in SF?

Columbus motor inn comes up frequently. Also, I have the San Remo Inn bookmarked. I’ve stayed at Hostelling International Fisherman’s Wharf, and I know they allow families. Don’t know how much it would cost, though. But it’s a great, affordable option in the wharf area.

Are you talking about Redwood City? If so, you will waste a lot of time commuting.

I've had two posts disappear -- it might be the link - who knows???? So I'll try the short version . . .

>>with a maximum budget of $200/night inclusive of taxes<<

Wishing does not make it so. The Columbus Motor Inn is great will not come in within your budget. Depending on the specific dates it will average just over $200/night PLUS high SF transient taxes/fees.

Try the Presidio Travelodge - it might come in just inside your budget (only that specific Travelodge -- some others can be iffy).
Staying outside the city will only add costs (public transit like BART, the ferries, etc or high parking costs if you drive in.

​​​​​​​If the Travelodge doesn't work - you might want to check a couple of the better located hostels.

Lots of 2* and even 3* in the budget...Howard Johnson, for example, is $129 for some June dates, and there are other chains and well- rated independents in good locations under $200 (Inc tax, etc.)
Try trivago or hotels.com for your dates, use the filters, read the reviews. Also use AAA, senior discounts if applicable, etc., And join the free chain hotel programs: 10% or so can be helpful.

I personally would not stay at the HoJo on Lombard street. MANY more 'terrible' reviews than 'excellent' on TA, and a 6.8 on the more reliable Booking.com which is awfully low.

I'm sure they meant Redwood City. I stayed there once, actually, but just for one night as it was convenient to the airport. I wouldn't stay there if my goal were to visit San Francisco. Not to mention, they say they want to be right in the middle of the action. I actually stayed in Redwood Shores, there was a very nice Sofitel hotel there. It's now a Pullman. It wasn't super cheap, though, although parking was free, of course and it was a nice place. I'm sure there are much cheaper places around there somewhere.

There is a Caltrain station there and you can get the train to SF in 1:20 hrs.

i don’t think the OP has as high of standards, though, given what they’re looking at in LA.

>>i don’t think the OP has as high of standards, though, given what they’re looking at in LA.<<

There is that ;)

Thanks for the input

Yes the suggestion I got was for the Redwood City and since the transport system of SF is better it should take about 30mins though I would prefer to stay in a budget hotel that is centrally located


will check that have been advised here and comeback

SAN Remo inn is a big No No, anything with ‘shared’ bathroom is a big no

may I take this opportunity to also understand the route which I need to take to visit following in a car

Arrive and depart from Los Angeles

need to visit Las Vegas, San Diego , Yellow stone , Drive through Pacific Highway and visit Big sur, Pismo etc & maybe add Redwoods NP, then SF

which route to follow and from where to rent a car

thanks

>>need to visit Las Vegas, San Diego , Yellow stone , Drive through Pacific Highway and visit Big sur, Pismo etc & maybe add Redwoods NP, then SF <<

OH . . . please please PLEASE mean Yosemite and not Yellowstone????

Redwood City is NOT a good idea. CalTrain will cost $12 per day per person and will take nearly an hour each way.

Redwood city idea has been dropped completely :-)

& yes yes it's YOSEMITE

After going through various hotels photos & details on booking.com and trip advisor like Lombard/Buena/Conventory motor inn on Lombard street and few other on Union square like Grant, Baldwin, Bijou (its good but priced at $260++) I think Hotel Des Art have nice comfy rooms at $195++ including breakfast and has a good location near Union square.

Of the ones you mentioned, both the Coventry Motor Inn and the Hotel Des Arts would suit your needs. I think both have free parking which is a huge plus in a city where hotels charge $50-$60 a night. Both are nice motels in a good location - walking distance from two “major” neighborhoods - the Marina and Cow Hollow - lots of shopping and restaurants, and fairly centrally located (SF is a small city). The Des Arts is a little cooler vibe.

Note that the Marina & Cow Hollow are both just minutes away from the Golden Gate Bridge - by car. These two areas would be my choice over Union Sq and especially Fisherman's Barf - by far.


Stu Dudley

Check out Airbnb. We used to rent out a room in the Mission, close to transport, with private bath for roughly $100. We weren’t the most expensive or cheapest in the area.