First time to California
Feb 16th, 2010, 06:52 AM
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First time to California
My husband and I are going for the first time to Los Angles and San Francisco. We are not sure what area to stay in . We are willing to take subways etc to get around. But would like to stay in a nice area and fairly central. Also the sam in San Fran.Any sugges
tions of hotels etc. Thank you for your assistance
tions of hotels etc. Thank you for your assistance
Feb 16th, 2010, 08:19 AM
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In LA you will need a car to get to the popular sites. In San Francisco, you can get around by walking, using buses, Cable Cars, and ferries.
Here is something I wrote awhile back:
San Francisco Hotel Locations
San Francisco Hotel Areas
It seems that about once every week, there is a discussion about “where to stay” while visiting San Francisco – especially for first timers. Most people ask about either the Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Embarcadero, or the Marina hotel areas. Here are some thoughts, with a little of my bias thrown in:
1. Union Square - This is downtown’s fashionable shopping/dining/hotel area. The “Grand” hotels are here, and a few blocks north on Nob Hill (very steep to walk there, however). The big department stores are close by, along with many smaller shops and “boutique” hotels. It is also next to the theater district. Perhaps our most “elegant” restaurants are in this area (Fleur de Lys, Farallon, Masa’s, Ritz Carlton, Michael Minna, etc). There are fewer “simple”, “Mom-n-Pop”, or ethnic restaurants than you will find in other parts of the City – except a little west in the Tenderloin, which might scare a few first timers at night. The Cable Cars run by Union Square, so you can get to the Wharf area quickly. You can get off the Hyde St C.C. line at Union St for a walk downhill to Union St/Chestnut St (Cow Hollow/Marina). The major drawback is it’s proximity to the gritty Tenderloin, which is immediately west & south of Union Square. I don’t know if crime rates are higher, but you will feel a little more threatened than you will in the other three districts I’ll describe. There are many high-rise buildings, so there’s a little less sunlight than you will find elsewhere. Union Sq. is perhaps not as “family oriented” as the other hotel areas. It gets more business travelers, and people who want a little more “luxury” in their hotel. Union Square is a bit “dead” on Sundays, and not as lively as the other places in the evening. I don’t enjoy strolling after dinner in this area as much as I do on Union St/Chestnut St. If you have a car, you will regret it. Parking is very expensive ($50 per night or so), and driving is difficult.
2. Fisherman’s Wharf. The Wharf is mostly inhabited by tourists. Plenty of souvenir shops selling T-shirts & other things to remind you of your visit to SF. Local entertainment includes a wax museum, Ripley’s Believe-it-or-Not, and now a Hooters – things kids might enjoy (except for the Hooters). You won’t find many locals in this area (and if you did – they wouldn’t admit it). Most restaurants are tourist oriented, and most locals feel they are mediocre at best. Good proximity to the Cable Cars, which is a plus. Nice views out into the Bay. It’s also within walking distance of North Beach, which should be on everyone’s agenda for at least one Italian dinner and “people watching” evening. With the Cable Cars, it’s quick to get downtown, but you might have to wait in line for 30 mins or so at peak times. It’s about a 30 min walk to the Union St/Chestnut St areas (see 4th option for description). The Wharf is a perfectly safe area (from crime, vagrants, etc). Hotels usually charge $25-$40 per day for parking. Lively (with tourists) every day. If you want to stay in a typical non-San Francisco environment, this is a good choice
3. The Embarcadero This area is directly on the waterfront at the “foot” of Market St. It’s on the eastern edge of the Financial District – so it’s quite active on work days. This area is great for public transportation because the cable car, Muni Metro, normal Muni, and BART are close by. The Ferry building is located here, so it’s great for taking the ferry to various locations around the bay. There is a Farmers Market on Saturdays & Tuesdays at the Ferry Building, and food stalls & restaurants inside the Ferry Bldg which are open every day. It is an easy walk or public transportation to the other hotel areas - except a little difficult for the Marina & Union St. If you like to be near the water & out of the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf area, then this would be a great choice. Lots of restaurants in this area. If you like to take long walks or jog, the Embarcadero is perfectly flat, so it is great for a morning or evening walk/stroll/jog.
4. Marina. There are many motels along Lombard St, which are (in general) cheaper and much more simple than the ones you will find in the other districts. The main advantage to this area, in my opinion, is that it has more typical SF “flavor” than the other spots. Lombard St is one block from Chestnut St, and three blocks from Union St. Both these streets are loaded with boutiques, restaurants, and buildings with unique architecture (Victorians on Union, Art Deco on Chestnut). When we first moved to San Francisco almost 35 years ago, I remember a poster that said “If you left your heart in San Francisco, you will probably find it on Union St”. This is a residential area and you will find many locals doing their daily “stuff.” On a Sunday morning (especially if it’s sunny) you will see many folks going to the exercise studio, having breakfast at one of the many outdoor café’s, and standing on the street with their “lattes” and chatting with friends. There are no “elegant” restaurants in this area, but many of the type that locals enjoy (Isa, Betelnut, Balboa Café, A16). This is a good area for strolling during the day, before dinner, and after dinner – it is quite lively, especially on weekends. It’s about a 30 min walk to the Wharf, where you can catch a Cable Car (or walk up Union St to catch the CC). East of the Union St shopping area, (just past Van Ness) is Polk St, where there are more nice shops & restaurants. Also on Polk St is La Folie, which is one of my favorite restaurants (if someone else is buying) and also one of the highest “rated” in the City. This is a perfectly safe area. One of it’s best advantages, is that you can park a car free at many of the Motels. Also, it is an easy area to drive in (although there are steep hills just south), and it’s a quick trip across the Golden Gate Bridge to my favorite view in all the Bay Area (GGNRA, just north and to the west of the Bridge).
Stu Dudley
Here is something I wrote awhile back:
San Francisco Hotel Locations
San Francisco Hotel Areas
It seems that about once every week, there is a discussion about “where to stay” while visiting San Francisco – especially for first timers. Most people ask about either the Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Embarcadero, or the Marina hotel areas. Here are some thoughts, with a little of my bias thrown in:
1. Union Square - This is downtown’s fashionable shopping/dining/hotel area. The “Grand” hotels are here, and a few blocks north on Nob Hill (very steep to walk there, however). The big department stores are close by, along with many smaller shops and “boutique” hotels. It is also next to the theater district. Perhaps our most “elegant” restaurants are in this area (Fleur de Lys, Farallon, Masa’s, Ritz Carlton, Michael Minna, etc). There are fewer “simple”, “Mom-n-Pop”, or ethnic restaurants than you will find in other parts of the City – except a little west in the Tenderloin, which might scare a few first timers at night. The Cable Cars run by Union Square, so you can get to the Wharf area quickly. You can get off the Hyde St C.C. line at Union St for a walk downhill to Union St/Chestnut St (Cow Hollow/Marina). The major drawback is it’s proximity to the gritty Tenderloin, which is immediately west & south of Union Square. I don’t know if crime rates are higher, but you will feel a little more threatened than you will in the other three districts I’ll describe. There are many high-rise buildings, so there’s a little less sunlight than you will find elsewhere. Union Sq. is perhaps not as “family oriented” as the other hotel areas. It gets more business travelers, and people who want a little more “luxury” in their hotel. Union Square is a bit “dead” on Sundays, and not as lively as the other places in the evening. I don’t enjoy strolling after dinner in this area as much as I do on Union St/Chestnut St. If you have a car, you will regret it. Parking is very expensive ($50 per night or so), and driving is difficult.
2. Fisherman’s Wharf. The Wharf is mostly inhabited by tourists. Plenty of souvenir shops selling T-shirts & other things to remind you of your visit to SF. Local entertainment includes a wax museum, Ripley’s Believe-it-or-Not, and now a Hooters – things kids might enjoy (except for the Hooters). You won’t find many locals in this area (and if you did – they wouldn’t admit it). Most restaurants are tourist oriented, and most locals feel they are mediocre at best. Good proximity to the Cable Cars, which is a plus. Nice views out into the Bay. It’s also within walking distance of North Beach, which should be on everyone’s agenda for at least one Italian dinner and “people watching” evening. With the Cable Cars, it’s quick to get downtown, but you might have to wait in line for 30 mins or so at peak times. It’s about a 30 min walk to the Union St/Chestnut St areas (see 4th option for description). The Wharf is a perfectly safe area (from crime, vagrants, etc). Hotels usually charge $25-$40 per day for parking. Lively (with tourists) every day. If you want to stay in a typical non-San Francisco environment, this is a good choice
3. The Embarcadero This area is directly on the waterfront at the “foot” of Market St. It’s on the eastern edge of the Financial District – so it’s quite active on work days. This area is great for public transportation because the cable car, Muni Metro, normal Muni, and BART are close by. The Ferry building is located here, so it’s great for taking the ferry to various locations around the bay. There is a Farmers Market on Saturdays & Tuesdays at the Ferry Building, and food stalls & restaurants inside the Ferry Bldg which are open every day. It is an easy walk or public transportation to the other hotel areas - except a little difficult for the Marina & Union St. If you like to be near the water & out of the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf area, then this would be a great choice. Lots of restaurants in this area. If you like to take long walks or jog, the Embarcadero is perfectly flat, so it is great for a morning or evening walk/stroll/jog.
4. Marina. There are many motels along Lombard St, which are (in general) cheaper and much more simple than the ones you will find in the other districts. The main advantage to this area, in my opinion, is that it has more typical SF “flavor” than the other spots. Lombard St is one block from Chestnut St, and three blocks from Union St. Both these streets are loaded with boutiques, restaurants, and buildings with unique architecture (Victorians on Union, Art Deco on Chestnut). When we first moved to San Francisco almost 35 years ago, I remember a poster that said “If you left your heart in San Francisco, you will probably find it on Union St”. This is a residential area and you will find many locals doing their daily “stuff.” On a Sunday morning (especially if it’s sunny) you will see many folks going to the exercise studio, having breakfast at one of the many outdoor café’s, and standing on the street with their “lattes” and chatting with friends. There are no “elegant” restaurants in this area, but many of the type that locals enjoy (Isa, Betelnut, Balboa Café, A16). This is a good area for strolling during the day, before dinner, and after dinner – it is quite lively, especially on weekends. It’s about a 30 min walk to the Wharf, where you can catch a Cable Car (or walk up Union St to catch the CC). East of the Union St shopping area, (just past Van Ness) is Polk St, where there are more nice shops & restaurants. Also on Polk St is La Folie, which is one of my favorite restaurants (if someone else is buying) and also one of the highest “rated” in the City. This is a perfectly safe area. One of it’s best advantages, is that you can park a car free at many of the Motels. Also, it is an easy area to drive in (although there are steep hills just south), and it’s a quick trip across the Golden Gate Bridge to my favorite view in all the Bay Area (GGNRA, just north and to the west of the Bridge).
Stu Dudley
Feb 16th, 2010, 08:25 AM
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We have always been happy with a downtown location in Los Angeles. The city center is compact and totally walkable: the financial district, the cathedral, the historic pueblo, the leftovers of historic downtown, the impressive civic center, the covered market, the spectacular opera building, the hotels...
Last time we stayed at the Biltmore - got an excellent weekend rate. Even if you stay elsewhere: a tour through the Biltmore's public areas is a must.
For San Francisco, read this thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm
Last time we stayed at the Biltmore - got an excellent weekend rate. Even if you stay elsewhere: a tour through the Biltmore's public areas is a must.
For San Francisco, read this thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm
Feb 16th, 2010, 08:31 AM
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Stu's description of the hotel "areas" in San Francisco is excellent, although I would make Nob Hill a "5th" such area rather than lumping it together with Union Square. It's only a few "blocks" (on the map) from Union Square but a world apart in ambiance, plus, as he said, it's at the top of some very steep hills.
Feb 16th, 2010, 09:06 AM
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In LA I would stay in Santa Monica and in SF I would stay in Noe Valley or the Haight. The typical tourist areas in SF such as Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf (blech) are not really that interesting.
Feb 16th, 2010, 09:55 AM
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Staying in Big Sur is another good choice.
Since you already plan to stay in large cities (SF & LA) I would choose smaller venues.
After LA:
- Night 1 in San Simeon & visit Hearst Castle
- Night 2 in Big Sur. Explore the coastal lookouts & visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park, Pfeiffer beach, lunch or dinner at Nepenthe
- Night 2 & 3 in Carmel, visiting beautiful Pt Lobos on the way to Carmel, Carmel beach, Aquarium , browsing shops & interesting houses in Carmel. Spanish Bay in Pacific Grove, bay around Pacific Grove.
2 1/4 hrs to SF if you miss commute traffic.
Stu Dudley
Since you already plan to stay in large cities (SF & LA) I would choose smaller venues.
After LA:
- Night 1 in San Simeon & visit Hearst Castle
- Night 2 in Big Sur. Explore the coastal lookouts & visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park, Pfeiffer beach, lunch or dinner at Nepenthe
- Night 2 & 3 in Carmel, visiting beautiful Pt Lobos on the way to Carmel, Carmel beach, Aquarium , browsing shops & interesting houses in Carmel. Spanish Bay in Pacific Grove, bay around Pacific Grove.
2 1/4 hrs to SF if you miss commute traffic.
Stu Dudley
Feb 17th, 2010, 09:57 AM
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I would stay downtown SF, somewhere nr Union Square -- then you are centrally located to everything. The Sir Francis Drake is a decent hotel in a great location, and usually has good rates. You might also check some of the Kimpton properties, like Hotel Palomar, for something reasonable, stylish, and good location. If budget is no issue, I'd stay the the Fairmont, the Palace (St.Regis) or W.
Apr 1st, 2010, 04:14 PM
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If you want something really reasonable in Santa Monica you might like The Sea Shore Motel
http://www.seashoremotel.com/
It is on Main street at the southern end of Santa Monica close to the much more expensive Loews, Shutters, etc. but better located in my opinion because it is right across the street from the Farmers Market which happens once or twice a week and only 1/2 block to the beach. There are great restaurants up and down Main and you aren't up on the cliffs like you are further north in Santa Monica. And a huge plus in the other compared to other hotels-they have free parking and free Wifi. We live in LA. and it is a place we recommend a lot to visitors.
It is very simple-not fancy and no pool. Oh and agreat little Italian cafe called Amelia's that is a hit with locals for coffee and breakfast is right out front. There is also a new place down the street called the Grand Orange that makes these incredible homemade English muffins and sea salt chocolate chips cookies.
http://www.lagrandeorangesm.com/
Again this is a very simple place-kind of old style Santa Monica from the 60's but it is family owned and well kept. They also have suites with a more beds and an kitchenette I believe.
http://www.seashoremotel.com/
It is on Main street at the southern end of Santa Monica close to the much more expensive Loews, Shutters, etc. but better located in my opinion because it is right across the street from the Farmers Market which happens once or twice a week and only 1/2 block to the beach. There are great restaurants up and down Main and you aren't up on the cliffs like you are further north in Santa Monica. And a huge plus in the other compared to other hotels-they have free parking and free Wifi. We live in LA. and it is a place we recommend a lot to visitors.
It is very simple-not fancy and no pool. Oh and agreat little Italian cafe called Amelia's that is a hit with locals for coffee and breakfast is right out front. There is also a new place down the street called the Grand Orange that makes these incredible homemade English muffins and sea salt chocolate chips cookies.
http://www.lagrandeorangesm.com/
Again this is a very simple place-kind of old style Santa Monica from the 60's but it is family owned and well kept. They also have suites with a more beds and an kitchenette I believe.
Apr 3rd, 2010, 09:24 AM
#17
Another option on the beach in greater L.A.:
http://www.beach-house.com/hermosa-beach-hotels.html
And another option, although more expensive and a few blocks from the beach:
http://www.shadehotel.com/
Lastly, the budget option:
http://www.theseaviewinn.com/index.htm
http://www.beach-house.com/hermosa-beach-hotels.html
And another option, although more expensive and a few blocks from the beach:
http://www.shadehotel.com/
Lastly, the budget option:
http://www.theseaviewinn.com/index.htm
Apr 3rd, 2010, 10:03 AM
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just to throw in one more option yet - Orange County. The coastal cities of Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar,
Huntington Beach. Orange County will be the southern coastal cities from the areas and options mentioned above. There are many restaurant options, both fine and casual dining. Laguna Beach has the feel of a small upscale beach town that has a lot of small art galleries, small stores that sell unique ( ? this is relative, i must say ) items, cafes and non chain but good restaurants. Depending on when you are coming, Laguna Beach is also home to Pageant of the Masters. Pageant... is an exhibit of well known masterpieces i.e. Velasquez's Las Meninas, da Vinci's Mona Lisa, etc that have live people posing frozen to replicate the original work. There's also the Sawdust Festival which is an art festival. Huntington Beach has the surfing culture and feel of a surf city and has the widest beach among all Orange County beach cities. You will find surfers and lots of sun worshippers here. On weekends, there is flea market type tents set up by the beach where you can buy all kinds of beach/surf related items and much more.
If Disneyland is a possible destination for you, it's also in Orange County, a little bit on the inland part. The hotel connected to Disneyland, The Grand Californian, is a nice hotel that has the ambience of an upscale lodge and has a good restaurant ( Napa Rose ) that features a wide selection of Napa Valley wines and offers California cuisine. Orange County is "centrally located" if you're going to San Diego, Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm (another amusement park)
For hotel recs, OC has both large 5-star hotel chain properties such as St Regis, Ritz Carlton, Montage as well as smaller, really nice hotel such as Surf and Sand in Laguna Beach.
What are your interests and what types of activities do you enjoy? Do you seek good restaurants in your destination (aka are you a foodie? )
Huntington Beach. Orange County will be the southern coastal cities from the areas and options mentioned above. There are many restaurant options, both fine and casual dining. Laguna Beach has the feel of a small upscale beach town that has a lot of small art galleries, small stores that sell unique ( ? this is relative, i must say ) items, cafes and non chain but good restaurants. Depending on when you are coming, Laguna Beach is also home to Pageant of the Masters. Pageant... is an exhibit of well known masterpieces i.e. Velasquez's Las Meninas, da Vinci's Mona Lisa, etc that have live people posing frozen to replicate the original work. There's also the Sawdust Festival which is an art festival. Huntington Beach has the surfing culture and feel of a surf city and has the widest beach among all Orange County beach cities. You will find surfers and lots of sun worshippers here. On weekends, there is flea market type tents set up by the beach where you can buy all kinds of beach/surf related items and much more.
If Disneyland is a possible destination for you, it's also in Orange County, a little bit on the inland part. The hotel connected to Disneyland, The Grand Californian, is a nice hotel that has the ambience of an upscale lodge and has a good restaurant ( Napa Rose ) that features a wide selection of Napa Valley wines and offers California cuisine. Orange County is "centrally located" if you're going to San Diego, Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm (another amusement park)
For hotel recs, OC has both large 5-star hotel chain properties such as St Regis, Ritz Carlton, Montage as well as smaller, really nice hotel such as Surf and Sand in Laguna Beach.
What are your interests and what types of activities do you enjoy? Do you seek good restaurants in your destination (aka are you a foodie? )
Apr 5th, 2010, 07:41 AM
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Do you suggest that we take a tour out or should we do everything oursleves. We will have a car but I heard parking can be difficult. We wanted to see shows ie the Jay Leno etc but I know that come the summer most shows are no airing. Is there a good website that you can suggest?
thank you. Yes we love good food not expensive.
thank you. Yes we love good food not expensive.
