I am so confused as to where to stay in San Francisco and in the wine country. We will be spending January 1st and 2nd in SF, 3rd and 4th in the wine country.Like to stay under $250.00 a night. Any suggestion are greatly appreciated.

We enjoy staying at the Orchard Hotel. Relatively new, they have spacious suites. It is a non-smoking hotel though, if that is an issue. We also like Maxwell Hotel junior suites. They are usually a good deal, $165 with parking. Parking fee will drive up cost of hotel stay.
Go to SF convention and visitors website, citysearch - san francisco or sfgate.com for more ideas and reviews. What a great place for vacation!!!! We go almost every year after Christmas.

Suzanne, I forgot to mention the lovely Prescott Hotel - especially the Club Level rooms. And since I just noticed your Honeymoon comment, the Maxwell is not that posh, but a good value, though their "Grand Terrace" room is pretty nice, a very large unit on top floor of hotel with a private terrace. Like having your apartment in SF!

In SF I love to stay at the Monticello Inn. It is just off Union Square. A lovely little hotel that will treat you right. Getting under $250 is a challenge, but we just stayed at the Palace Hotel and found $154/nite on the web! SF Visitors Center website can point you to some great deals.

In the Wine Country (I'm assuming Napa) we prefer to stay in Yountville. We've stayed at Villagio Spa, Yountville Inn, and Napa Valley Lodge. All are delightful, the choice will depend on amenities you want. My personal favorite B&B is Prager Port Works in St. Helena. It is tiny, quaint, and delicious breakfasts. Ask for the room over the winery. Very romantic!

I have tons of wineries to recommend if you like. Have a wonderful time!

Suzanne, The Orchard, Prescott, and Monticello I would not consider if I were you. All of these properties are located in Downtown SF (specifically Union Square) which is a dirty and seddy part of town. I would definitely look into some other areas of town.

Nothing worse than a "seddy" area of town. The resident "native" SF basher is back.

I don't understand all bad publicity about the SF or Union Square. I have been visiting SF for years, often several times a year. Yes, I have noticed more homeless in Union Square area but I have also noticed more homeless in my hometown. SF is still a fantastic vacation destination, don't let the "SF bashers" keep you from visiting this marvelous city.

Suzanne...just curious if you decided???My husband and I are going to Napa for the first time 1/8-1/12 and am trying to figure out what to do and where to stay. We want to relax relax relax and drink a little wine. Fodors website gave some good suggestions but again there are so many choices. Those mud baths and spas are what I want to do but not sure where? Did you figure it out? Thanks and have a great New Years. Great idea!! Bethany

Just honeymooned in SF and Wine country ourselves in May.

Stayed at the Napa River Inn in Napa, CA. It was nice. I'd stay there again.

Stayed at the Warwick Regis in SF (theater district, walk to Union Sq) and it was an awesome hotel!

We booked on Orbitz.com and were able to save $$$$$!

Have fun!

Bethany, if it's mud baths you are after, you should spend at least one night in Calistoga at the Mount View Hotel. It's located right in the center of town and they have really nice cottage rooms with private outdoor jacuzzi. The spa located in the hotel has the "nice" mud baths that smell good and lovely massages, etc. I'd even recommend the restaurant in the hotel, Catahoula, cajun cuisine. Enjoy!

Another note, with regards to San Francisco, see if you can get a deal at the Huntington Hotel on Nob Hill, www.huntingtonhotel.com. It's a wonderful location right across from Grace Cathedral and on the cable car line. You might get a room with a fabulous view, but they are all spacious and well appointed. There's a fabulous spa in the Huntington as well.

Another possibility for a honeymoon in San Francisco is the Prescott Hotel. Very posh and romantic, plus the restaurant Postrio (Wolfgang Puck's) will offer you priority reservations if you are staying at the hotel.

All of this might come too late..however if looking for places to stay with mudbaths also look into Indian Springs in Calistoga. We stayed there over New Years once..and swam in their heated mineral water pool outside in a fine rain late at night..divine! They have cottages with kitchenettes as well as full spa facilities. I am pretty sure you can do it for under $250/noc.

Thanks everyone for the help...were staying at the Mountain View. Theres not much available this time of year and on such short notice. Total bummer that The French Laundry is not open! I have reservations at Tre Vigne...any other good suggestions for restaurnats?oops restaurants...(I need a vacation) Suzanne, sorry for taking over your...whatever this is called...What did you ever decide? One last question...we will be flying into SF...any good places to eat before we head to Napa? Thanks Bethany

Since you are staying in Calistoga, I would like to suggest the Wappo Bar & Grill. We had lunch there two weeks ago, the food and service were excellent.

in the wine country:

http://www.sonic.net/~joyluck/

The Martini House in St Helena could be a very nice "honeymoon restaurant".
We've been there 2 times and use it as our "wedding anniv." restaurant.
Congrats!
Kal