We are visiting California for the first time and decided to start our 14 day tour with San Francisco. We have 4 days there from 6 - 9 November. First, I have booked Baldwin Hotel on Grant Avenue through Lodging.com since a lot of other recommmended places were full. However, I would appreciate any feedback re the hotel and its location, or any recommendations around Union Square area that is around $100 per night? Secondly, I'm worried about the weather conditions at that time and what clothing to bring. Grateful for any advice on that matter. Thirdly, I was planning on booking my tours for SF only after I arrive from the hotel tour desk. But after perusing the past questions in this forum, I see that the Alcatraz tour is mighty popular and needs advance booking. Should I book it now through the internet? Finally, we are planning to fly to Las Vegas directly after SF. Any ideas about best priced airlines and flights frequency? Do I need to book ahead?
TIA.

While I don't know the Baldwin Hotel personally, I have to say that it looks okay enough on its web site (www.baldwinhotel.com), and I think you're unlikely to find anything else in the Union Square area with private bath for $100 or less. The area is busy--right in Chinatown and the Union Square area--and I think you will find it quite conveniet to the sights you're likely to be visiting.

Expect the weather to range from the mid-50s to mid-60s (F), but know that there will be fog and perhaps blustery winds, especially in the wharf area. A little rain is not impossible, although the real rainy season won't have begun yet. You should be alright with a sweater and medium jacket; the key in San Francisco is to layer your clothes, so you can add a shirt if it gets chilly or remove a layer if it warms up.

It never hurts to book ahead for Alcatraz, as it's a very popular destination. If it's not extra trouble, you might as well. Otherwise, try planning it for your last day so you'll have more choices. If you can, plan on doing the tour between around noon and 4 p.m., so you'll miss the morning fog and return before it starts to get dark (and foggy).

For Las Vegas, Southwest has many departures and usually good fares, but as it's a competitive route, I'd shop around. I'm sure you could find space on a flight once you're there, but keep in mind that it always costs less in the US if you book at least 14 days in advance.

I agree with the first response you got, it about covers it all. In addition, I just booked flights for my in-laws round-trip Las Vegas to SFO for $97 on National Airlines.

Thanks Caitlin and Maxwell for your assistance. Greatly appreciated.
Mee Ping

Mee Ping, you also need a Las Vegas website. There are many, so here's just one for you to look at:

http://www.unlv.edu/Tourism/lvh.html

Now, as to weather, you will find the following 2 websites useful:

1. www.worldclimate.com
You will get AVERAGE high and low temps month by month.

2. www.weatherunderground.com
You get actual current temps with a 4-day forecast; useful to check just prior to leaving home. However, you can also get actual historical temps so you can check on the last couple of years for November.

My last tip for you is to use my favorite Search Engine: Google

www.google.com

You can type any search word(s) or phrase and it will return dozens and dozens of sites.

P.S. Strongly recommend you reserve your Alcatraz tour ahead of time as San Francisco is a major vacation destination 12 months a year. Also, early November can mean there are various conventions taking place in the City By The Bay making everything very crowded.
Good luck and have a great time!
(BJ in California)

The other posters have covered things well. A note on the weather. 40's and 50's may not seem "cold" to many from rougher climes. But the dampness of a fog, or a 30 knot wind, can bring bone chilling conditions. Layered clothes are essential. for a SF legendary bistro, try Tadisch's Grill at the foot of California street for great salmon and other dinners. An SF landmark, they don't take reservations, so get there early. Hint: Most people standing around are waiting for tables. You can ask to be seated at the very long oak bar, and usually be seated quicker. I get to SF a couple of times a year, and never pass up at least one meal there.
Also, if the nights are clear, go to Coit Tower. You will see a sparkling bay bridge and lights all around the bay. And a gorgeous moon if it's out.

Enjoy SF.

I must include a comment - you are going to such a great city. If you do take the alcatraz tour. Bring a jacket, hat and sweatshirt - that bay gets mighty cold. (spoken like a mother - but true).. Grant street is great. Hotel will be small, but adequit. Rooms in SFO for 100.00 are minimul. You did well. I would wait until you get to sfo to book alcatraz - see if the weather cooperates and if you are up to it when you're here. I think you won't have a problem getting on a cruise. Go down your first day. See what's available. If not to your likiing - take a bay cruise for 1hr 30min and buz under the golden gate bridge and around the rock. Your hotel is in walking distance to everything. Enjoy. It's a guarentee in SFO.