cheap hotel SOMA
 

This is my second time going to wonderful SF. Because of funds I will be staying at the Howard Johnson on 9th St downtown. Can anybody tell me of anything I may have to be concerned about in this area? I am used to the "big city" feel so that's no problem. I picked SOMA specifically because of the way it's always described. I have not stayed in this area, however. Thanks.

As an SF native, even someone who is used to the "big city" feel should not stay in this area of town. It happens to be a very marginal area due to the fact that there are a number of residential hotels in this area that mostly houses parolees. I would recommend that you find a palce to stay in another area of town.

Carl means you should stay in another city, actually.

Actually I am staying in this area because of the nightlife. Most bars/clubs seem to be in this area and I didn't want to drive after a long night of probably drinking. I don't understand why most of the messages on here are mostly negative? There are quite a few hotels that are rated 3 stars by Mobil (Best Western Americania & W Hotel to name a couple) located at SOMA. Most of the "hip" places to be seem to be located there also. Are San Franciscans truly unaware of how marginal this area is? Can anybody else offer anything constructive?

If I were you I would look into other areas of town. Also, it is advisable to not go for a cheap hotel. In Sf that usually amount to nothing but a haven for prostitutes.

Ok I thought this would help. But it doesn't seem like it. I've actually contacted a SOMA resident and he tells me it's fine. I'm from San Antonio and he thinks my city is a lot scarier than that area. And I happen to think we're pretty tame here... so that settles it. SA scarier than SF... but SA is OK. By default- SF fine. So that settles it. <BR>Thanks for the responses.

Gary, I don't know what SOMA resident you spoke with, but he/she does not get out much if they say that San Antonio is not as bad as the SOMA area of SF. I would urge you not to consider the SOMA. Almost any other location would be better than that.

Actually one more comment: I fail to see your point about parolees and prostitutes. Or cheapness/ poorness. Those things don't equate to crime except when viewed from a narrow point of view. If you pay attention to what is going on in the world, most crimes are being perpetrated by CEOs, white suburban rich kids, people in government, and people with power/ money. I would actually prefer to stay at SOMA for the very same reason most people choose to live in cities like NYC and SF: To live in an unsanitized un-homogenized version of our world.

Judy - he didn't say SA was not as bad as SOMA.. he said SA was worse. He also lives in SOMA and walks and breathes and ... well you get the point. So he does get out enough in his own neighborhood. His comment to my question was " Are you from the Midwest??" Very funny and it did the job.. slapped me back into reality. <BR>I do appreciate your input however. <BR>OK this is it! I don't need any more inputs... thanks.

I'm glad you finally admit that you don't need any more input. <BR><BR>For the life of me, I can't understand why you even posted your question in the first place. You clearly had your mind already made up, and seem determined to argue with anyone who doesn't share your preconceived notion. <BR><BR>So much for having an open mind. And that's OK, since you're entitled to think whatever you please. But why on earth would you waste everyone's time, not to mention your own, if you only wanted a rubber stamp of your travel plans?

Gary, This is a list of neirghborhoods in SF to avoid. Below is the URL where you can find more information. As an SF resident, I give you my sincerest advice to not stay in SOMA. If you do not plan to take this advice, that is your decision, but please do be careful.<BR><BR>Neighborhoods to avoid in San Francisco:<BR><BR>The poorer neighborhoods, obviously.<BR>Parts of the Mission (those closest to Mission Street itself), The area west of Mission street,<BR>Hunter's Point,<BR>South of Market (don't stray too far south from Market street)<BR>Parts of the Potrero<BR>The Ingleside. Don't be fooled by the gazillion-dollar homes, this neighborhood is next to a high crime area and guess where the burglars go shopping?<BR>Downtown, unless you are a type-A who would rather live in New York City.<BR><BR>http://www.dreamworld.org/sfguide/moving,here/

Judy, <BR>Just what type of crime do you think will befall him should he stay South of Market? Hmm? And where are all the gazillion $ homes in the Ingleside?<BR>You seem to think the entire SOMA is like 6th & 7th Streets between Market and Howard and that's not true. <BR>

I don't think SOMA is terribly interesting but it's not unsafe. It's just a warehouse area with a scattering of developed bars, restaurants and businesses. I'd still stay in the Union Square area or on Nob Hill, personally.

Carl also mentions "haven for prostititues." Well, lo and behold, a "Steve" has mentioned the same thing!<BR><BR>Author: Steve ([email protected])<BR>Date: 06/10/2002, 12:16 pm<BR><BR>Message: Arielle,<BR><BR>The hotel Monaco in San Francisco is very close to Union Square, which is not a very good area to be in. It is a haven for prostitutes and homeless druggies. Routinely I have seen people using the sidewallks as their public toilet in this area, and the smell is there to prove it. SF was once such a great place, but has been going downhil in recent years. You may want to consider spending more time seeing the sights along the way to LA. One day is not nearly enough to be able to see the sites from Northern California to LA.

Wow! So this person doesn't like Union Square, Golden Gate Park, or South of Market. Since those are three heavily traveled areas, it's obvious that he knows all there is to know and the rest of us are just clueless!!

Bob, I do not appreciate you falsely accusing me of posting using other identities. I always have used "Carl." It is not unusual for more than one person to have a similar opinion. Oh, I know what you will say next, that I work for the San Jose visitor's bureau and that I all I do is bash SF. I am an SF native. Why would I put my own city down? I do think it's a good idea not to advise someone to stay in a not so good area of town.<BR><BR>As far as posting under multiple names Bob, I think you should look in the mirror (Bob, Not again, xx, SFKent, Mike N).

Well, one does have to admit that "parolees" and "haven for prostitutes" is kinda strange for a travel forum AND they only show up on travel posts regarding to San Francisco, all posted under different names but in the same writing style.<BR><BR>Gary, enjoy your trip and let us know what you think of SOMA.

You can stay at a much nicer place if you use Priceline. I stayed at the Radisson at Fisherman's Wharf for $45 a night and friends have stayed at the St. Francis in Times Square for $69 a night. Check www.biddingfortravel.com to see what folks have paid for hotels in San Francisco, then bid on a 3 or 4 star.<BR><BR>Have a great time in The City.

Jason, Sherlock, Bob, Jason, Ben, SFKent, xx, Notagain, Mike N, or whatever name you think of next: I think YOU need to repeat third grade. How neurotic can you be in stating that the same person is posting not so good things about SF that happen to be true. You seem to think that everyone has a warped mind as you do in thinking that SF is a city with problems no worse than any other city. Well, it's time that you get back to reality. I live in this city, so I see first hand how bad it really is. From your comments, it is clear that you do not live here. If you do live here, then maybe you ought to try and get out of your shell more often and take the blinders off.

Carl - I assure you I have posted here only under the name Ben. Nobody has ever said SF is perfect and pristine but you seem to concentrate only on the bad things. I asked if you would name a few of your favorite things about living here in hopes of dispelling my notion that you say only bad things about the City. So, in that vein, won't you just name a couple of positive things about our dear old Baghdad By The Sea?