What's that large hotel on Van Ness between Post & Geary? It's kinda pushed in, maybe quiet? Away from Van Ness noise? Cathedral Hill?

And at the end of Geary at the ocean, is it Seal Rock hotel?

I stayed at the Cathefral Hill. It's nice and is set back. I don't remember noise, although I think my room faced the back of the property. I haven't checked there rates lately but it should be in your budget.

Hotel Palomar. they have rooms that face an inner courtyard and i always sleep soundly at the hotel palomar. best of all, the location, corner of 4th and market, is central. can walk to tons of restaurants, shops etc, and there is a BART stop less than half a block away. can even take BART from airport to hotel in about 35 min. AND the cable car stop is right across street from the hotel.

I like the St. Francis Hotel in Union Square Tower and it is such a lovely Hotel..
Great location for everthing and we got a deal a couple of years ago on Expedia for $79 a night for an awesome 4+ star in September and the staff and room was perfect..
I have seen it for around $99 on other sites and check direct too. Just depends on when you are going.
Best..

We use the Andrew Hotel on Post Street amd we usually have a b ack room.. it's v ery quiet and it's defin. in your price category