We just checked out the Seal Rock Inn's website and looks great. The rooms, however, look spartan and plain. They say all rooms look right over the pacific ocean. What is the neighborhood like? Can someone who knows, please tell us about this hotel?

Is this New York?

It's pretty far away from the main areas that the tourists want to see. In other words, it's a long hike over to see the rest of SF.

We enjoyed our stay there several years ago. It is out but right at the bus line.
Neat place, rooms are fine and large.

martha, I believe there was some discussion about this a month or two ago. You should try a search, if I remember correctly there were a few responses from people who had recently been there. I have never stayed there as I find it too far from the things I want to do. It might really depend on what your plans are. Enjoy your trip!

WE WERE LOOKING AT THIS INN AT ONE TIME (WE CHOSE AN ALTERNATE PLACE) BUT WE DID DRIVE BY THE SEAL ROCK INN JUST TO SEE WHAT WE WERE MISSING. THE INN ITSELF SITS ON A VERY LARGE LOT AND LOOKS QUITE BEAUTIFUL. IT IS NICELY KEPT UP WITH LANDSCAPING. THE BEACH VIEW IS AWESOME (SITS HIGH ON A BLUFF) AND I BELIEVE THERE IS A PATHWAY THAT LEADS DOWN TO A SECLUDED BEACH. I WISH WE'D HAVE CHOSEN THE INN FOR THAT REASON ALONE. THE ONE THING I DID NOT LIKE WAS THAT IT IS LOCATED CLOSE TO OTHER HOMES IN A SUB DIVISION. JUST ON A LARGER LOT THAN THE MAJORITY OF THE HOMES IN THAT AREA.

The neighborhood is one of the quieter corners of the City and also has some of the best natural scenery. You'll find some great vistas nearby - Ocean Beach, Cliff House and Seal Rocks, Golden Gate (both waterway & bridge), Palace of Legion of Honor (fine arts museum) and the Sea Cliff residential area (feel free to dream of living here). The weather will remain more gray/foggy/windy than other areas, but will usually push back to the coast for a little while midday. Some days it will be sunny all day (rare in summer). It would be a good area to stay if: - you have car, - don't mind being about 7 miles from downtown, - have business at Ft. Miley Veterans Hospital, or - like it a little more on the quiet side. I live in the area, thus have not stayed there, but I can certainly vouch for their good breakfasts. Try to get to the Cliff House (sure you will) for a sunset dinner - I think they are about to close for an extensive rebuild of the historic property.

Lastly, have a look at this map - it may help orient you:

http://www.sfgate.com/traveler/graph...-city_full.gif

martha: Paul gave you the best info. I really like the seal rock Inn - I live in Northern Cal and get to SF very frequently.

But a LOT depends on when you are going. As Paul says, in summer it is often cold and foggy out by the beach - some days it never clears.

If you are going in the Autumn - then Seal Rock is a great place. In the Fall it is crystal clear most days. But in Summer you will likely freeze and not be able to see much of that glorious view.