I'm an adicted Fodorite, but have always used it for trips abroad. Hopefully, I can get a little help this time for my first trip to San Francisco. (Don't ask me why it's taken me so long to get there--it's a LONG story.) I've been researching my trip and the more I research the more confused I get. (Analysis paralysis, I guess.) What is the best area of San Francisco to stay in--Union Square, North Point, Fisherman's Wharf? We want to do the normal tourist thing, see the sights and maybe take in a little theater. Shopping would be secondary, but is certainly a consideration. Second, what is a good hotel? This is only for 3 days so we're willing to splurge a little bit--in the $200-300 range? Though we're willing to pay a less of course. We're looking for a comfortable hotel with character, something that says "San Francisco" maybe with a Victorian flavor, though the last is not a necessity. Last, does anybody know a web site where I can research theater in San Francisco in September? Thanks in advance for your help.

You may want to research this a little further becuause the recommendaiton is based on a hotel stay a few years ago. Anyway, we stayed at the Savoy near Union Square. It's a small, European-style hotel -- little, nicely furnished lobby; rooms that are nice but on the small-ish side (by American standards).

When we were there, they had a nice breakfast that was included in the price of the room, too.

Again, you may want to do some research because things can change a lot in a couple of years -- different owners, etc. But it's worth exploriing.

Linda, given your interests and the kind of lodging you want, don't even think about Fisherman's Wharf, which is noisy and touristy and full of chain hotels. Since you are thinking of something Victorian in style, perhaps you should check out the Petite Auberge and White Swan Inn, which are adjacent and run by the same company, Four Sisters Inns. Within your budget, you could have one of their more luxio=urious rooms or suites. They are near to Union Square, but not right in the hubbub there. www.foursisters.com for info. For theater lstings, reviews, etc., and also other listings and reviews, check www.sfgate.com, which is the site for the SF Chronicle and has all its arts listings, restaurant reviews, etc.

Amazing how I always agree with Caitlin, but again she's right on target. The Petite Auberge and White Swan might be pushing your budget, however, and they book well ahead (you don't say when) Others to consider (though with the same caveats) are The Inn San Francisco on Van Ness (not as good a location as the above), and the Archbishop's Mansion. Two more that aren't quite as romantic are Villa Florence and the Prescott, both well located near Union Square. North Beach is a charming, little Italy type neighborhood but doesn't have the hotels you're looking for and Fisherman's Wharf is great for kids. Lombard Street (which some posters refer to as "Cow Hollow") is motel row and good for bargain hunters. The Union Square/Nob Hill area is where you want to be. For shows look at sfgate.com--it's the Chronicle site for theatre in September. Also consider Beach Blanket Babylon at Club Fugazi if you've never been to SF and like comedy theatre. It can be combine with a nice dinner in North Beach for a great evening. Welcome to San Francisco!

According to the Four Sisters site, the White Swan and Petite Auberge top out at around $250/night, which is within Linda's budget unless they're not updating prices on their site.