We are going to be making several trips to San Francisco to visit a son who has re-located there. Because of roommates, it would be better if we found a place to stay. We won't have a car so would like to find either a hotel or bed & breakfast in close proximity to where our son lives. He lives near Washington Square on Columbus. We know SF is expensive, but would like to find as reasonably price place as possible, that would be comfortable, quiet and clean.

The Washington Square Inn B&B starts at $150 and goes considerably upward in price. We stayed at the Castle Inn in nearby Russian Hill (about 10 blocks from Washington Square) and were very pleased particularly considering its low price and free parking. www.castleinnsf.com

You might want to look for deals in hotels along Fisherman's Wharf which, in my mind, is within walking distance of Washington Square.

Hi adamsparks, I have never stayed there but other Fodorites have and seem to like it very much. I am referring to the Columbus Motor Inn which is on Columbus in North Beach. Here is the website so you can check it out.
http://columbusmotorinn.com/

One of my cellmates likes the Chelsea Motor inn, Lombard and Filmore, usually under $100.00.

We always stay at the Columbus Motor Inn. It's not fancy but very clean and convenient. Also has free parking.

basingstoke - we stayed at the Washington Square Inn when we went to SF! I loved being across the street from the park (and next to Moose's).
On Saturday morning we got up early to sight see and there was a group of older people doing tai chi.

angel...
We've always talked about staying there.
Was it quiet or did the walls have ears?

We LOVE the location.
Mucho mahalos!
Kal

I have never stayed there, but have heard San Remo Hotel recommended. Very inexpensive, but clean. Only drawback is shower/toilets down the hall. You can get a room with a sink. $75 but special bargains for multiple nights. North Beach location.

I think it would be hard to beat the Columbus Motor Inn for you -- especially for location. The Chelsea (and also Cow Hollow Motor Inn) is a sister motel, but the Columbus is the one for location for you.

Be sure to take him to breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square Park!!!

I totally agree - the Columbus Motor Inn would be sooooo convenient in your situation.

We first stayed in the Columbus Motor Inn over 10 years ago and still enjoy staying there. The location, price and free parking can't be beat!

Thank you, thank you, thank all of you! You have given us hope we won't have to sell the family silver to visit our son. We haven't decide where to stay yet, tho' Columbus sounds very likely--but now we have choices! It was so hard to figure this out from a distance not knowing the city. And NeoPatrick, thanks for the tip on Mama's. Like most young men,food is an ever important subject for our son.

Oh, don't thank me now. Thank me AFTER you eat at Mama's, when you really have a reason to. LOL

Good San. Fran hotels with good deals on the following site:
http://hotels.travelzoo.com/california-hotels/

If you are a veteran or active military try the MARINE MEMORIAL HOTEL. It costs $110 to join for one year. You get a great room in a great location on Sutter. Rates start at $139.00 plus taxes. Breakfast is included. Free drinks from 4 to 6pm. One of the best deals going in downtown SF....but only for vets. Check out the facility on the web.

You are right about the Marine Memorial hotel. It is a great facility. That yearly membership also includes reciprical membership in similar clubs all over the world including 8 in Europe. In addition to the vet it includes spouse and kids.

I am staying at the Columbus Motor Inn, as we speak, for the first time. Arrived last night, and it is a good hotel if you want very clean and convenient. The rooms are a decent size, very comfy bed, free parking ... I'm quite happy. We are barely in the room so don't need a lot of frills or services ... (Don't eat at Joanie's Diner, just down the street, for breakfast; abrupt service, sub-par food, and overpriced for what you get!)

If you had turned left right after Joanie's and walked up about two blocks you could have had a good time b'fast at The Buena Vista Cafe...and if you like Irish Coffees....

Can anyone tell me about Hotel Boheme?