I still contend that not all areas are horrible as what's being implied by Abi. Union Square, for example,is not a seedy area as the Tenderloin.

In fact, check out the comments on tripadvisor.com. Some of the comments seem to be similar to what he or she is saying here; sounds like there is personal interest in this Cow Hollow Motor Inn.

I live in San Francisco also!

I don't love Fisherman's Wharf, but my husband and I did like the Argonaut Hotel for its Maritime Park location and view of the bay. We walked to the pier to catch the ferry to Alcatraz (don't miss the audio tour, mlm59), and caught cable cars many times at the turnaround just around the corner. That line travels by the top of the crooked part of Lombard St. and the Cable Car Museum (interesting and free). It's an easy walk to Ghirardelli Square, and Coit Tower is a short taxi ride away.

I don't think I would have hated staying near Union Square, but with a car I would consider Cow Hollow unless the Argonaut or other hotel had a package that including parking. In passing, I thought the Cow Hollow Inn looked quite pleasant. Some places, like the Legion of Honor, Alamo Square and the Golden Gate Bridge were a little awkward to get to without our own vehicle.

Last summer I stayed in the Cow Hollow Suites and could not have been happier! The living room was beautiful with a firplace, harwood floors, nice rugs and furnishings, nice kitchen and bath, and a plush king-sized bed that was to die for! I also loved the area of Cow Hollow. Chestnut Street (right behind the hotel) was very exciting, and there are easy ways to hop on public transit. From Cow Hollow, we walked to the Golden Gate Bridge Park, Fisherman's Wharf, North Beach, China Town, up Lambard Street (the crooked area) and back to the motel. A lot of walking - but a fantastic day just as well.

I'm sorry I don't know about their regular motel rooms, but the whole place seemed nice enough. The suites ran around $220/night. And yes, there was plenty of free parking.

Have fun!

Thanks to all of you who have replied to my post. I think we would really like to stay in the FW area since it appears it is pretty safe to be out in that part of town after dark. We hate to be stuck in hotel room at night because we don't feel safe going out. If I'm not able to get a good rate through Priceline, my second choice will be Cow Hollow. It appears that this is a good area of the city and within walking distance to many attractions and restaurants and close to public transportation. We don't mind walking a lot, although it sounds like the hilly terrain in SF could wear us out.
Thanks Tetrabit for the suggestion of visiting Union Square during the day. It sounds like an interesting part of the city to visit, but as you say, one must be careful not to wonder off in the wrong direction.
Thanks again to all who have helped with our plans.

I bet I've pushed the Cow Hollow Motor Inn and Suites more than anybody here. (Paul, above, thanked me for sending him there). I'm surprised I haven't been accused of having financial interest in it as well. Why is it pushed so much? Well, it's a great place, with easy and convenient access to everything by public transportation and FREE parking.
I've stayed there often and will stay there again next summer for a couple days with friends -- we're renting one of the big two bedroom, two bath apartments at Cow Hollow Suite. It's really special and still cheaper than two rooms at one of the big deluxe Union Square Hotels.

On the other hand, I think all this negativity about Union Square is just plain silly. Last time we went to SF for just a couple days before Christmas, we stayed on the Grand Hyatt on Union Square and couldn't have been happier in that area. Just depends what you're looking for in the city as to where you want to stay.

I lived in the SF Bay area for years. I agree with your decision to stay at Fisherman's Wharf. It may be touristy but so what. You are tourists. Don't listen to the others pushing Union Square. It can be a somewhat scary area at night and if you are not comfortable with that then by all means don't stay there. I have been to a lot of cities and San Francisco, has more panhandlers and street people than any other city I have visited. This is especially true around Union Square though I have run into them at Fisherman's Wharf as well. Some of them are pretty aggressive and some are pretty creative. If they make you feel uncomfortable then than I would avoid them as much as possible.

San Francisco is a very small city in area and so you can easily see all of it by car or public transportation. Motel row along Lombard is a good area for the budget traveler but doesn't offer much for somebody that likes to walk around the area where they are staying. It is pretty safe but is somewhat boring.

You can stay wherever you decide. Abi and Treck have posted the same comments (practically word for word) about Cow Hollow Motor Inn. And the comments on tripadvisor.com are similar.
It may be coincidence they are saying the same things.

The Tuscan Inn at Fisherman's Wharf might be worth checking out too. By mistake (long story) I wound up walking alone at night at Fisherman's Wharf and felt quite safe.

From everything you say, Cow Hollow is the place for you. While I still maintain there is nothing wrong with Union Square, your comment about budget dictates a more reasonably priced area. You can eat at great fun restaurants in the Marina and Cow Hollow for a fraction of what you'd probably spend downtown.

I also LOVE the Cow Hollow Motor Inn (and no, don't own it!) and was a little surprised to see so much about it here. I thought it was my little secret place, but I guess not......Anyway, I won't stay anywhere else, and I ESPECIALLY won't stay at Union Square - although plenty of people do and seem to like it.