European needs advice for USA-visit
Jan 16th, 2005, 09:11 AM
#21
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
San Francisco is a beautiful city and can be explored on your own.
I cannot recommend specific lodging in SF, but I have stayed in B&Bs in other California towns that were just an extra room in a person's house, not a full service pensione or hotel, but a room with bath in a private home for less than a hotel.
Another option for lodging when it is closer to your dates is to consider bidding on Priceline. I don't think you can bid for a 3-week stay, but would need to break it up into shorter stays. You can learn about that at biddingfortravel.com
You can use mass transit of various types to see the bay, the bridge, cable cars, Golden Gate Park (gardens), etc. SF has lots of nice neighborhoods with lots of character. There are shopping streets and shopping malls. Outdoor cafes to sit and watch the locals. Great walking tours of Victorian houses and other neighborhoods.
From SF you could purchase day bus tours out of the city to see Muir Woods and Napa Valley. I am not sure what the options are for overnight tours to Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park to see the beauty of the ocean, mountains, and lake. I think I remember old posts from people asking about bus trips from SF to Yosemite if they did not want to rent a car.
Personally, I wouldn't like to stay in one place for 3 weeks by myself as a tourist (that's just me). I do travel alone and after a week I feel very comfortable in a new city--I've learned my way around and have developed favorite places--but then I start to get a little lonely/homesick, wishing I could share it with my husband. So then, for me, it is time to move somewhere else and see something new, or at least take a day tour with others.
If you want to see two places over 3 weeks, the San Francisco area has 3 airports (SFO, OAK, SJC) and there are discount airlines that could get you to a second location for one week or half of your time. Depending on what airline you use, you may be able to get a layover in another American city (sometimes expensive) or an open jaw ticket into SF and out of another, using a discount airline to move within the US.
September is a lovely time in much of the US in terms of weather. In most places you won't have luxurious flowers as in summer, but it will be the start of autumn. Everyone in the US flocks to New England and other relatively northern areas in September and October to see the leaves changing color.
I cannot recommend specific lodging in SF, but I have stayed in B&Bs in other California towns that were just an extra room in a person's house, not a full service pensione or hotel, but a room with bath in a private home for less than a hotel.
Another option for lodging when it is closer to your dates is to consider bidding on Priceline. I don't think you can bid for a 3-week stay, but would need to break it up into shorter stays. You can learn about that at biddingfortravel.com
You can use mass transit of various types to see the bay, the bridge, cable cars, Golden Gate Park (gardens), etc. SF has lots of nice neighborhoods with lots of character. There are shopping streets and shopping malls. Outdoor cafes to sit and watch the locals. Great walking tours of Victorian houses and other neighborhoods.
From SF you could purchase day bus tours out of the city to see Muir Woods and Napa Valley. I am not sure what the options are for overnight tours to Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park to see the beauty of the ocean, mountains, and lake. I think I remember old posts from people asking about bus trips from SF to Yosemite if they did not want to rent a car.
Personally, I wouldn't like to stay in one place for 3 weeks by myself as a tourist (that's just me). I do travel alone and after a week I feel very comfortable in a new city--I've learned my way around and have developed favorite places--but then I start to get a little lonely/homesick, wishing I could share it with my husband. So then, for me, it is time to move somewhere else and see something new, or at least take a day tour with others.
If you want to see two places over 3 weeks, the San Francisco area has 3 airports (SFO, OAK, SJC) and there are discount airlines that could get you to a second location for one week or half of your time. Depending on what airline you use, you may be able to get a layover in another American city (sometimes expensive) or an open jaw ticket into SF and out of another, using a discount airline to move within the US.
September is a lovely time in much of the US in terms of weather. In most places you won't have luxurious flowers as in summer, but it will be the start of autumn. Everyone in the US flocks to New England and other relatively northern areas in September and October to see the leaves changing color.
Jan 16th, 2005, 09:35 AM
#22
How about Portland Oregon? Its very safe and friendly, the city is compact and has an excellent public transport system (the downtown area is free!). there are lots of great places to sit and meet people, and beautiful nature spots nearby.
Jan 16th, 2005, 09:46 AM
#23
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Even though not as nice as a B&B, an "extended stay hotel" might fit your budget with their weekly rates.
What about Craigslist? There may be a room to rent short term - especially in San Francisco.
What about Craigslist? There may be a room to rent short term - especially in San Francisco.
Jan 16th, 2005, 10:01 AM
#24
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi again, Gabi. I checked out that website you posted earlier. It sounds like just what you are looking for, but I am not that familiar with the area it is in. Other people on this forum could possibly give you a lot more information on the place:
Mary Elizabeth Inn
1040 Bush Street
San Francisco
http://www.globalstore.com.au/maryei.htm
Mary Elizabeth Inn
1040 Bush Street
San Francisco
http://www.globalstore.com.au/maryei.htm
Jan 16th, 2005, 10:16 AM
#25
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
B&Bs here are usually very upscale and expensive. All hotels and motels will have TV and private bath with shower. Many will have a free "continental" breakfast. Motel 6 is really stripped down--the cheap hotels give you a bed but usually not even a decent chair to sit in and read so you end up sitting on your bed all the time--very uncomfortable for a three-week stay.
I agree with the previous poster that an "extended stay" hotel would be most ecnomical IF you rent by the week. The rooms are larger, usually have a sofa or reading chair and a small kitchen with microwave, refrigerator, stove and sink. They also provide dishes and pans so you can do some cooking to save money, although they won't have a free breakfast. The problem is that they are usually in the suburbs. I did find many "Extended Stay America" hotels in the Chicago area, but not downtown. However, Chicago has excellent public transportation so look for one near a train that you can take into downtown (email them to ask). Remember also that the US cities charge a heavy tax, from 8% to 15%, on hotels and motels, so factor that into your costs. The $500 a week quoted above is pretty close to your cost at an inexpensive motel: that's $71 a night. That would be a bargain price in a large city.
There are several extended stay chains but many are small with few locations. I've had good luck with Extended Stay America but that's not the only one to check out.
I agree with the previous poster that an "extended stay" hotel would be most ecnomical IF you rent by the week. The rooms are larger, usually have a sofa or reading chair and a small kitchen with microwave, refrigerator, stove and sink. They also provide dishes and pans so you can do some cooking to save money, although they won't have a free breakfast. The problem is that they are usually in the suburbs. I did find many "Extended Stay America" hotels in the Chicago area, but not downtown. However, Chicago has excellent public transportation so look for one near a train that you can take into downtown (email them to ask). Remember also that the US cities charge a heavy tax, from 8% to 15%, on hotels and motels, so factor that into your costs. The $500 a week quoted above is pretty close to your cost at an inexpensive motel: that's $71 a night. That would be a bargain price in a large city.
There are several extended stay chains but many are small with few locations. I've had good luck with Extended Stay America but that's not the only one to check out.
Jan 16th, 2005, 10:21 AM
#26
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,944
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gabi, I think that in general the USA is more expensive than Western Europe, for low budget travellers.
In Europe there are a lot of low priced hotels, pensions, etc. that are clean and well managed, and welcome low-budget travelllers.
In the USA, the lowest priced hotels are not as nice, and may even be dangerous. they tend to have long-term residents with social problems, and tend to be in the worst parts of cities.
So, if you find what appears to be a bargain, please post the name and address here, and perhaps some Fodorite will be able to offer specific advice.
As others have said, three weeks in one place without a car may be too long.
If you are flying from Germany, would your airplane ticket allo you to make several stops?
Then you could fly, for instance, from Germany to New York, stay a week, and then fly to San Francisco, stay a week, take a bus to Seattle, Washington, stay a week, and then fly back to Germany from Seattle.
About rates. I'm in Toronto, Canada, and the Canadiana Hostel near me charges $28cdn a night for a room shared with three or four other people, and $140 a week. The weekly rate is not available in the summer.
In American dollars, that would be about $120 a week, within your budget. A private room is $50cdn a day, or about $40us.
As people have mentioned, the USA is a country that is very different from place to place. Florida is nothing like New York, and Phoenix is different from either NY or Florida.
Seattle might be a good destination because you are close to the ocen, as you are in San Francisco, but also close to mountains.
From Serattle, you can easily take a bus to Canada, and visit Victoria and Vancouver. this would mean you see two countries, ocean, mountains, a small city (Victoria) and two big ones, interestingurban scenery (both Seattle and Vancouver have big hills, interesting harbours, huge buildings and smallhomes, excellent food markets, interesting galleries, etc.)
And both have good public transit systems and easy transportation (tour buses, etc) to interesting places outside the cities.
Both have diverse populations, lots of young people, vibrant cultures, etc.
San Francisco and Seattle would be an intereting / easy combination, too.
BAK
In Europe there are a lot of low priced hotels, pensions, etc. that are clean and well managed, and welcome low-budget travelllers.
In the USA, the lowest priced hotels are not as nice, and may even be dangerous. they tend to have long-term residents with social problems, and tend to be in the worst parts of cities.
So, if you find what appears to be a bargain, please post the name and address here, and perhaps some Fodorite will be able to offer specific advice.
As others have said, three weeks in one place without a car may be too long.
If you are flying from Germany, would your airplane ticket allo you to make several stops?
Then you could fly, for instance, from Germany to New York, stay a week, and then fly to San Francisco, stay a week, take a bus to Seattle, Washington, stay a week, and then fly back to Germany from Seattle.
About rates. I'm in Toronto, Canada, and the Canadiana Hostel near me charges $28cdn a night for a room shared with three or four other people, and $140 a week. The weekly rate is not available in the summer.
In American dollars, that would be about $120 a week, within your budget. A private room is $50cdn a day, or about $40us.
As people have mentioned, the USA is a country that is very different from place to place. Florida is nothing like New York, and Phoenix is different from either NY or Florida.
Seattle might be a good destination because you are close to the ocen, as you are in San Francisco, but also close to mountains.
From Serattle, you can easily take a bus to Canada, and visit Victoria and Vancouver. this would mean you see two countries, ocean, mountains, a small city (Victoria) and two big ones, interestingurban scenery (both Seattle and Vancouver have big hills, interesting harbours, huge buildings and smallhomes, excellent food markets, interesting galleries, etc.)
And both have good public transit systems and easy transportation (tour buses, etc) to interesting places outside the cities.
Both have diverse populations, lots of young people, vibrant cultures, etc.
San Francisco and Seattle would be an intereting / easy combination, too.
BAK
Jan 16th, 2005, 11:58 AM
#27
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My first thought would be San Francisco for all of the reasons that everyone has mentioned. It is do diverse and absolutely spectacular. Another choice would be Boston. I was there about 10 years ago and it is a great walking city and they have a good subway system (we rented a car because we went up into New Hampshire too). There is so much history in Boston and it too is beautiful and I think spring or fall (I was there in Oct.) would be great. I think there are trains as well that you could take to get to NYC. I have no advice there because I haven't been there yet.
Jan 16th, 2005, 11:59 AM
#28
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gabi, I agree with BayouGal that the Mary Elizabeth Inn at 1040 Bush Street in San Francisco, which you mentioned, sounds like just what you might be looking for. But unlike her, I am familiar with the area, having lived some years ago at 955 Pine St, which would be literally just across the alley from 1040 Bush. (I don't think the Mary Elizabeth Inn as it is now was there at the time, and that the building was under different management.)
I think that this area would be wonderful for your purposes. It is a neighborhood of row houses, apartment buidings and small hotels, rising on a hill just above, and within easy walking distance of, Union Square, the heart of San Francisco's leading shopping and hotel area. It is also easy to walk downhill in another direction to the business and financial district. The famous cable cars run within a block.
I had a sweeping view of the Union Square hotel towers and the mountains to the south of the City from my apartment, which would have been just uphill from the Mary Elizabeth. If not from the Mary Elizabeth itself, you will be able to find wonderful views in all directions within a couple or three blocks.
There is a very lovely park and a great Episcopal (Anglican) Cathedral just at the top of the hill. Access to public transportation is fabulous from this location, including to Golden Gate Park, where there is literally miles of nature, flowers and gardens of many types, and the Presidio and Marina Green areas, with more nature and world-class views of the Golen Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, the islands in it and the mountains behind it. From here you can also reach the campus area of the great University of California in nearby Berkeley easily by public transportation. That is an area with many beautiful spots also, as well as a wonderful place to walk, sit in coffeeshops, and peoplewatch.
I know that Alfred Hitchcock's film Vertigo is much admired in Europe. The small residential hotel where where Kim Novak lived (when James Stewart rediscovered her) was a couple of blocks away from the Mary Elizabeth and is typical of the type of building and surroundings in the area. You might want to rent the movie to see it. Her building is still there, called the York Hotel (it's name was different in the movie.)
In fact, I remember that several of the women I worked with when I lived in San Francisco (I live near Washington DC now) lived in what were called Women's Residence Clubs which sound very similar to the Mary Elizabeth (except they were for-profit and not chuch-supported), where they were able to get room and most meals for much less than the cost of renting a decent small apartment in the area. If you decide on San Francisco, I would try to reserve at the Mary Elizabeth just as soon as possible, or do a www.google.com search under San Francisco Women's Residence Clubs for some others.
The fact that the Mary Elizabeth is run by the United Methodist church should help reassure you that it is safe and reputable. By the same token, I think you should expect that some of your co-tenants may be women from tough or troubled backgrounds which the Church is helping out of difficult times. You might look at this as enriching your experience of learning about the U.S. I think you should also expect, with these prices, that your room will be pretty small and plain. If you would prefer to spend a little more money for a larger, less Spartan room and a more likely stable, employed clientele, you might try one of the Women's Residence Clubs you would find in the Google search I just suggested.
People may warn you that the Mary Elizabeth and these other clubs, mostly located in the same lower Nob Hill area, are close to a bad area, the Tenderloin. This is true, but I would not give it too much weight. Everyone will tell you where the Tenderloin is and it is easy to avoid going into it. Neighborhoods change character drastically within a block or two in San Francisco, and some of the finest hotels in the City are also within a block or two of the Tenderloin.
Near the downtown of any big city in the U.S., it is wise to be careful and alert to your surroundings at all times. That being said, from living there I think Lower Nob Hill in S.F. is one of the safest and most desirable of such areas in the U.S.
If you do go to S.F., whether or not you stay at the United Methodist-supported Mary Elizabeth, I highly recommend experiencing a service at Glide Memorial United Methodist Church a few blocks from the Mary Elizabeth, especially when Reverend Cecil Williams is preaching. It's a block inside the Tenderloin, but a safe enough walk on Sunday morning. This is a highly unusual, well known church which draws and accepts people of all religious beliefs, types, races, economic classes, sexual orientations, and backgrounds in S.F., as well as visitors from all across the country and the world to its services, including President Clinton, who was moved to tears by the experience, and Mrs. Clinton, who had been there earlier by herself and brought her husband back. A very unique slice of American life for you to experience.
I think that this area would be wonderful for your purposes. It is a neighborhood of row houses, apartment buidings and small hotels, rising on a hill just above, and within easy walking distance of, Union Square, the heart of San Francisco's leading shopping and hotel area. It is also easy to walk downhill in another direction to the business and financial district. The famous cable cars run within a block.
I had a sweeping view of the Union Square hotel towers and the mountains to the south of the City from my apartment, which would have been just uphill from the Mary Elizabeth. If not from the Mary Elizabeth itself, you will be able to find wonderful views in all directions within a couple or three blocks.
There is a very lovely park and a great Episcopal (Anglican) Cathedral just at the top of the hill. Access to public transportation is fabulous from this location, including to Golden Gate Park, where there is literally miles of nature, flowers and gardens of many types, and the Presidio and Marina Green areas, with more nature and world-class views of the Golen Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, the islands in it and the mountains behind it. From here you can also reach the campus area of the great University of California in nearby Berkeley easily by public transportation. That is an area with many beautiful spots also, as well as a wonderful place to walk, sit in coffeeshops, and peoplewatch.
I know that Alfred Hitchcock's film Vertigo is much admired in Europe. The small residential hotel where where Kim Novak lived (when James Stewart rediscovered her) was a couple of blocks away from the Mary Elizabeth and is typical of the type of building and surroundings in the area. You might want to rent the movie to see it. Her building is still there, called the York Hotel (it's name was different in the movie.)
In fact, I remember that several of the women I worked with when I lived in San Francisco (I live near Washington DC now) lived in what were called Women's Residence Clubs which sound very similar to the Mary Elizabeth (except they were for-profit and not chuch-supported), where they were able to get room and most meals for much less than the cost of renting a decent small apartment in the area. If you decide on San Francisco, I would try to reserve at the Mary Elizabeth just as soon as possible, or do a www.google.com search under San Francisco Women's Residence Clubs for some others.
The fact that the Mary Elizabeth is run by the United Methodist church should help reassure you that it is safe and reputable. By the same token, I think you should expect that some of your co-tenants may be women from tough or troubled backgrounds which the Church is helping out of difficult times. You might look at this as enriching your experience of learning about the U.S. I think you should also expect, with these prices, that your room will be pretty small and plain. If you would prefer to spend a little more money for a larger, less Spartan room and a more likely stable, employed clientele, you might try one of the Women's Residence Clubs you would find in the Google search I just suggested.
People may warn you that the Mary Elizabeth and these other clubs, mostly located in the same lower Nob Hill area, are close to a bad area, the Tenderloin. This is true, but I would not give it too much weight. Everyone will tell you where the Tenderloin is and it is easy to avoid going into it. Neighborhoods change character drastically within a block or two in San Francisco, and some of the finest hotels in the City are also within a block or two of the Tenderloin.
Near the downtown of any big city in the U.S., it is wise to be careful and alert to your surroundings at all times. That being said, from living there I think Lower Nob Hill in S.F. is one of the safest and most desirable of such areas in the U.S.
If you do go to S.F., whether or not you stay at the United Methodist-supported Mary Elizabeth, I highly recommend experiencing a service at Glide Memorial United Methodist Church a few blocks from the Mary Elizabeth, especially when Reverend Cecil Williams is preaching. It's a block inside the Tenderloin, but a safe enough walk on Sunday morning. This is a highly unusual, well known church which draws and accepts people of all religious beliefs, types, races, economic classes, sexual orientations, and backgrounds in S.F., as well as visitors from all across the country and the world to its services, including President Clinton, who was moved to tears by the experience, and Mrs. Clinton, who had been there earlier by herself and brought her husband back. A very unique slice of American life for you to experience.
Jan 16th, 2005, 12:01 PM
#29
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 882
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gabi:
If you want to travel to other cities in California you may want to consider Southwest Airlines, I remember when making airline reservations for a doctor I worked for, it was under $100 RT to fly from San Diego to Los Angeles and that was in 2002 so SF to LA or SD might not be too bad. It would still keep you in a major city with many attractions without having to have a car.
If you want to travel to other cities in California you may want to consider Southwest Airlines, I remember when making airline reservations for a doctor I worked for, it was under $100 RT to fly from San Diego to Los Angeles and that was in 2002 so SF to LA or SD might not be too bad. It would still keep you in a major city with many attractions without having to have a car.
Jan 17th, 2005, 03:12 AM
#30
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I stayed at the Adelaide Hotel in San Francisco several years ago. It's very basic, and we shared a bathroom. There was a TV in the room, but it was a small black & white that didn't work very well.
It was located in the middle of the city, and it was very cheap ($40 a night).
It was located in the middle of the city, and it was very cheap ($40 a night).
Jan 18th, 2005, 07:57 AM
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi to all,
so far I`d like to say thank you to you all. I am so thankful for your answers and insidertips. I guess I will decide for San Francisco (I am hope the other cities you recommended I will see in my life as well, but later). Now I will start looking for a room and flight. I am sure I have to ask more questions in future about San Francisco. Thanks and sorry for my english.
so far I`d like to say thank you to you all. I am so thankful for your answers and insidertips. I guess I will decide for San Francisco (I am hope the other cities you recommended I will see in my life as well, but later). Now I will start looking for a room and flight. I am sure I have to ask more questions in future about San Francisco. Thanks and sorry for my english.
Jan 18th, 2005, 08:43 AM
#32
Gabi, I am going to San Francisco this spring and I am really looking forward to it. I have never been. San Francisco will be a very long flight from Europe. Look into New York. It is a fabulous city. It has great theater and restaurants and you can take a train to Washington DC and spend some time there. I am not sure if you could find what you are looking for as far as an extended stay hotel in NY? Either San Francisco or New York would be a great place to visit. I am partial to NY because I was originally from that area.
Jan 18th, 2005, 08:47 PM
#34
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gabi, here are links to some other residence clubs in San Francisco you might want to consider. These are ones people I worked with lived at. They are long established and in locations I know to be good.
http://www.kenmorehotel.us/
http://www.monroeresidenceclub.com/
http://www.kenmorehotel.us/
http://www.monroeresidenceclub.com/
Jan 18th, 2005, 09:19 PM
#35
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dear Gabi, I have read this thread with interest and I think you have made a good decision to come to San Francisco.
It is a beautiful city, with so much to offer. I truly believe you will enjoy your visit. In my opinion it is an easy city to stay in, there are so many places to visit. There is lots of public transporation. San Francisco is an easy city to walk in, in fact I think that is the best thing to do. So many places to eat, from inexpensive to expensive of course. Many women are solo in San Francisco. You will feel right at home.
So welcome, and enjoy planning your trip.
.
It is a beautiful city, with so much to offer. I truly believe you will enjoy your visit. In my opinion it is an easy city to stay in, there are so many places to visit. There is lots of public transporation. San Francisco is an easy city to walk in, in fact I think that is the best thing to do. So many places to eat, from inexpensive to expensive of course. Many women are solo in San Francisco. You will feel right at home.
So welcome, and enjoy planning your trip.
.
Jan 19th, 2005, 04:20 AM
#37
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, San Francisco would be a great place for you, although 3 weeks is a long time. Have you considered taking the train back to the east coast? That could be a great way to see some of the variety of landscape in this diverse country. Check out amtrak.com as they may have a rail pass, where you can hop off and on at places that look interesting to you. I agree that Chicago is very "Americana" and would give you a good contrast from SF. Maybe break it up with 4 days SF, 4 days Chicago, 4 days somewhere along the east coast (Boston, NY?), and seeing the landscape and some smaller towns on the train ride in between. You could fly home from your last city.
Jan 19th, 2005, 07:35 AM
#38
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
flamingomonkey - no clearly she must go to Dallas 
Actually, I think that this person has received some excellent suggestions. I still, however, remain convinced that New England in the fall is probably the most beautiful place in the country.
Actually, I think that this person has received some excellent suggestions. I still, however, remain convinced that New England in the fall is probably the most beautiful place in the country.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mary
United States
12
Feb 14th, 2006 02:12 PM
rnbtr
United States
13
Oct 3rd, 2003 04:29 PM
