Planning for a 4-night stay in San Francisco in August. Do we need to be concerned about whether or not a hotel has air conditioning? (I never gave it much thought until I discovered that many hotels in S.F. do not have air conditioning!
Thanks, and any recommendations about reasonably priced hotels either downtown or at Fisherman's Wharf would be greatly appreciated.

We just got back from a stay at the Columbus Motor Inn. It has been newly renovated, or is still in the process and the rooms were great, flat screen TVs, new carpet, etc. Small bathrooms. This hotel did have air conditioning and we needed it. I like the room to be cool at night to sleep and it was perfect. We were there last week and it was very warm. 80's most days with cool breezes in the afternoon. No use for all those extra layers we brought. But you never know. Didnt see any of that fog we had heard about.

Oh, I forgot to mention. It was reasonably priced and 4 blocks to Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli's and just across the street from the Powell/Mason cable car stop. Also, on a majo muni bus route.

The previous poster was evidently here during an unusual warm spell we had recently. Ordinarily air conditioning is not an issue.

Google the Chancellor Hotel and have a look at it. Then go to Trip Advisor and read the reviews. It is in the Union Square area which is the most convenient location for public transport and shopping, and Fisherman's Wharf is only a cable car ride away.

Yes we've had a few warm spells in May and June which is unusual for SF. More likely it will be cooler than what MommyBryant had.

Do you "Priceline"?

I got quite a few 3 and 4 star hotels in the FW area for under $120, sometimes as low as $75/night.
But you will have an addtl. parking charge unlike The Columbus MI.

I was in SF once in May when they had a freak heatwave and the temperature hit the low 90s. Although my hotel did not have air conditioning, I actually found I had no problems sleeping. There was not the same type of humidity as the East Coast, the temperature dropped at night to the low 70s and my hotel (Hotel Carlton - great boutique hotel, part of JDV chain, reasonably priced) gave me a room on a high floor which had 2 windows that could be opened and a ceiling fan that made me cold enough to pull a light blanket over myself while I slept.

We just returned the 22nd of Jun. We stayed at the Hilton at Fisherman's Wharf. It was great. We had A/C in the room that we used on a couple days. It happened to be the only two days when the city broke it's over 30 year record!!

Some people seem to be down on the Hilton because it's in a too touristy area. That's what we happened to be so it was fine. For myself, wife and son it was in a great location. A few minute walk to Fisherman's Wharf, cable cars, and lots of local resturants and shops. The hotel staff was very helpful and pleasant and everyone in the area we encountered were friendly and helpful. The Holiday Inn, Sheraton and Hyatt were all in the same area so if you're looking for something near the Wharf anyone will do though I can't address the hotel staff to the other hotels. Great hotel and location!

Mommybryant - We will be in SF the first week of August after spending a week in Monterey. We just needed one night in SF and then going to Napa. I booked the Columbus MI tonight after reading your post. Most hotels wanted from $30 to $50 a night for parking!!! We just need one night to have dinner with nephew. We go to SF and Monterey every 2 or 4 years as husband went to HS in Monterey. thanks for your post and tripadvisor had good reviews.

If your going to have a car in the city, the Columbus Motor Inn or one of it's sister hotels is a good option with their free parking. When I don't drive a car into the city, I like staying near Union Square.

Foster, You are welcome. This website is where I learned of the great little hotel and it was nicer than I thought it would be. You do have free parking and they do keep watch over the cars via security camera so we had no worries. Enjoy your trip.

mommybryant, anywhere near the Columbia to walk for breakfast?

Well..that was a problem for us. Actually,just about a block down Columbus there is a restaurant that serves breakfast, but we didnt try it as our kids like cereal and we didnt want to spend the time. So not a quick breakfast, but a decent sit down cooked to order breakfast. Just go down Columbus straight ahead and you will walk right past it.

Best kept secret in SF is the MARINE MEMORIAL HOTEL on Sutter Street. If you are active military or a veteran you are eligible. Rooms are great, rates are great and they include breakfast buffet and free happy hour every evening. They have a web site. If you qualify, check it out.

It is NOT a rat hole, it is a great spot!

marineclub.com

Stumble down to The Buena Vista Cafe.
We've also had good b'fasts sitting outside at The Blue Mermaid...the cafe at The Argonaut Hotel.

O'Reilly's up on Green at Columbus has a b'fast too but doesn't open until 9-ish.
http://www.oreillysirish.com/food_drinks/brunch1.html

Hi, we love the Buena Vista. DH got drunk and kicked out of there after the bar exam (This was over 30 years ago) and the place has great memories for him!

Hey, my cousin's husband was the bouncer at the BV back then!!

How funny!!

Wasn't Carol Doda a bouncer somewhere in SF, too?

She bounced all right