Castro has no major hotels - there are several inns & B&Bs and the legendary Beck's Motor Lodge.

Contrary to belief the Castro is not a huge noisy nightlife type of place. There are probably about a dozen bars/pubs/restaurant bars in a very wide swath of an area down Market and up through 18th street - but most don't have dancing as you would expect of a major night club. The noisy dance clubs are mostly South of Market, far from Castro.

Of all the posts above, I have to agree with Catbert that if I were putting someone up in the city, I'd probably opt for the Embarcadero. Second would be Union Square. From descriptions above you'd think Union Square becomes a no man's land at night - and I think nothing could be farther from the truth.

Apologies to Stu, but most of the places I've seen in the Marina area seem very pedestrian. The Marina area is known for being very White middle class (think Pottery Barn & Abercrombie & Fitch). We joke at work about the Marina being filled with "dude/bros" - the stereotype of the jocks who hang out in groups and use the terms "dude" and "bro" a lot when talking to their friends. (not that there's anything wrong with that - as they say).

San Francisco is a small city - and we're happy that we're a place where all types more or less get along and meld with each other.

I also agree that while Fisherman's Wharf is very touristy and t-shirt shop ridden, Pier 39 is worth a visit every once in awhile, along with further parts West like the Fort Mason area.

SFImporter - no need to apologise - I totally agree with you. I hang out mostly in the Noe Valley. I was shopping with my wife on Fillmore yesterday. Rarely shop or hang out on Chestnut, although I think most tourists would like the area. I still enjoy Union St.

I said:
" The main advantage to this area, in my opinion, is that it has more typical SF “flavor” than the other spots."

In referring to the "other spots" I meant the Wharf & downtown (Union Sq).

Stu Dudley

Stu, you're right. And I agree about not staying in an Oakland hotel.

colombiana,

I usually recommend Union Square; however, since you already have your SUV rented I am going to recommend the Lombard Street area which StuDudley mentioned. There are many motels on this street, with free parking. One group consists of the Cow Hollow Motor Inn and Suites, the Chelsea Motor Inn, and the Coventry Motor Inn. They are nice, reasonable and all have web sites. While in the city, however, I would use public transportation to get downtown, as even day parking is expensive and a hassle. You can actually walk from here to Ghirardelli Square. It's a hike, but takes you through some interesting neighborhoods.

Thank you, I went on priceline and got the Hilton on Union Square for $343 for the 4 days which I don't think it's that bad and saw they were close to most things thank you all again for your great tips and help.
Gina

Are you still going to have the high cost of parking your car at the Hilton??

Stu Dudley

Yes, I know I can kick my self in the a.. for that one, after I placed the bid I realized it. Honestly I did not think they were going to accept my price I asked for a 4 star hotel for $79.00 and it got accepted. I already checked and parking is $41.02 with taxes. But I also checked with a parking that is really close by and they told me it would be $85.00 for my total stay, I may take that route or just take the good with the bad and park there I figure since I got it so cheap I can “splurge” I guess I will see once I get in any more good suggestions?????????????

There's a parking lot right across the street from the hotel that offers deals for hotel stayers. If that's the one that gave you the $85 deal it's a no brainer. Fingers crossed for you! Have a great visit.

Thanks catbert, would you happen to know the name of that one? The name of the one that gave it to me is Ellis O'Farrell Parking Corporation it would be great if that is the one, if not I guess I will look for the one you said.
Gina

The one I'm thinking of is the Downtown Center Garage, 325 Mason St., (415) 673-6757. You might call them and see if they are currently offering a deal. Otherwise, it looks like the one you are talking about is on the other side of the hotel and is still a great deal at about $21 a day.

Thank you, its always good to have a backup. take care.
Gina

I think you got a good deal on the Hilton. Good luck with the parkibg.

I believe the Ellis O'Farrell Garage would be fine, right near the Hotel. Take it. Or, if it is the Downtown Center Garage, that one is only a block away. You got a good rate on the Hilton. AAA lists it at about $195 for two persons.