hotels at San Francisco airport
 

Has anyone stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn North or the Sheraton Gateway at San Francisco Airport? Which is better? How close to downtown San Francisco? I can get a corporate rate at these two for a family vacation and its far less expensive than staying downtown.

My advice is don't stay at the airport if you are planning on spending any time in the city at all. There is nothing redeeming about the airport area from a vacationing point of view.

-Bill

It's six of one and half a dozen of the other between these two hotels. They are both airport hotels, nothing fancy, nothing great. The Sheraton has a parking fee - can't remember if the Hilton Garden Inn has one or not. Most of the airport hotels charge a parking fee.

If your purpose is to get an inexpensive room and still be near downtown San Francisco, I'd suggest bidding on Priceline. You can get something like the Hyatt on Union Square for about $80/less. Plus parking.

It's essential that you check out biddingfortravel.com first before bidding on Priceline.

If you stay at the airport, you'll have to factor in travel into and out of the city. If you take BART, it'll be about $11-12 RT, if you drive and park in SF, figure on parking fees of $20 on up.

The hassle of commuting in and out of the City and the time spent doing this is not worth it, IMHO.

Try Priceline and bid either USE (Union Square East), Fisherman's Wharf, or the Embarcadero at the 3-4* level. You'll be much happier. :)

I need to insure that I get rooms with 2 beds and priceline bidding won't guarantee this or I'd certainly try it. I've looked at several places downtown and they are twice the price plus parking. Guess I can't win.

What's the corporate rate you're getting at the airport? Or in other words, what's your budget per room for something closer to downtown? And will you have a car or will you all be taking Bart transportation to and from the airport area?

hilton garden inn north is $84 night for 2 beds with free parking. We'll have a car for travel.

I would check ChelseaMotorInn.com to see if you can get a comparable rate for your dates. Much more convenient to be near the wharf and downtown.

In response to how close these hotels are to downtown, the answer is on a very good traffic day, about 25 minute drive--during rush hour or on a nice weekend, anyones guess.

BTW Although Priceline won't guarantee a room with 2 beds, you can always call the hotel you get and request 2 beds. Most hotels do not treat Priceline customers differently.

I would much MUCH rather stay at the Chelsea Motor Inn (or just about any of theh Lombard St motels) than out at the airport for a family vacation.

Staying at SFO would truly be a false economy

Try any of the _____ Motor Inn locations - Columbus Motor Inn, Cow Hollow Motor Inn, etc.

We just stayed in a family room (two rooms with queen beds) at the Marina Motel on Lombard between Divisadero and Broderick for $99 a night. This included a two-for-one breakfast coupon at Judy's, a couple of blocks away on Chestnut.

The motel has parking, and using public transportation is really easy.

Lee Ann

Thanks to everyone. I just booked a room with 2 queens for $96 and one with two doubles for $86 at the Chelsea Motor Inn. Free parking as well!

You'll be much happier there. So much closer and more convenient.

Hi frogsinthecreek, you made a good decision! Wishing you and your family a fun and wonderful time in San Francisco.