Some friends of mine have to decided to make a quick trip to San Francisco Aug 23- 27. They have asked me to help them plan the trip. What is the best area to stay in and do you hve any recommendations for places to stay. This couple loves old houses and architecture. Not much into shopping. They won't have a car so cable car access important. Inns, B & B's under $150 a night? They will doing all the major sights in 2 1/2 days. Any input from fellow fodorites would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Sheryl

Any info on Muir Woods would also be appreciated.

They need to get on reservations ASAP. Many places are fully booked on weekends through the beginning of October. You don't need to be on a cable car line, you do most of the traveling on Muni buses and walking. They will certainly want to see the old painted ladies and the other famous Victorians in Pacific Heights--there is a visitors center tour of those homes. Suggest they gather information on the site, at SFO on arrival or at the Visitors Center on Market Street.There is a Greyline Tour that goes to Muir Woods. The $150 price is tough in SF--check for the San Remo Hotel if they would consider sharing a bath and not having a TV. It's the old mansion of the Giannini family, founder of Bank of America and is located in North Beach in a nice area convenient to cable car turnaround. Also check out sfgate.com for loads of info for SF.

Kam,
thanks for your reply. They won't share a bath so I need some more ideas. I have tired Chateau Tivoli, Union Street Inn, Carol's Cow Hollow and all are full. Please point me in the right direction.
Thanks,
Sheryl

Try the Art Center B&B and the Bed & Breakfast Inn. If you dont have any luck then try the Buena Vista hotel on Lombard St. I have stayed at all of these and they are fine and very safe, and located near the cable cars at Fisherman's Wharf and down the hill from Pacific Heights. FYI, Pacific Heights has wonderfull Victorians packed on every street. I suggest the Victorian Walks tour ( Call Jay @ 415-252-9485) From the vantage points on Pacific Heights you have spectacular views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
If you go to Fishermans Wharf then walk up the hill to Columbus Ave and you will be in North Beach, the home of the Beatnik. Just follow Columbus and you hit Chiniatown and the Transamerica Building.
The way to Muir Woods is very curvy so I suggest taking a car (I just dont see how busses get there.). Be sure to stop by the Pelican Inn for English fare and a pint. By the way only the Buena Vista Hotel has free parking. Greg

None of these are B&Bs but fall within your price range and are in acceptable and safe neighborhoods: Coventry Motor Inn, Cow Hollow Motor Inn, Chelsea Motor Inn, Wharf Inn (sounds better than it is, but good location and good price near Fisherman's Wharf),Pacific Heights Inn. The Bereford Hotel near Union Square might fit in their budget as well as the Cornell Hotel, either of these would be my first choice. Latter can be seen at www.cornellhotel.com. Haven't stayed there but the location is tops and it sounds very nice.

Sheryl, check out the Serrano Hotel.

http://135.145.16.183/serranohotel.com/

I found a rate of 159.00 per night using all-hotels web site.

http://www.all-hotels.com/services/dischotels/home.htm

This is a good site for discount rooms at quality locations. Just plug in the dates and see whats avail. Read the T's & C's carefully because you will be charged in full at the time you reserve and cancellations and changes require a $50 fee.

Great hotel the Serrano in a great location.

Good Luck.