Hi we are looking for a room for two people with private bathroom, saw some good deals out by the airport but is that too far to travel in each day...only staying two days. Don't mind if it's not 'posh' but need clean and safe

many thanks

what is your idea of "inexpensive?"

Here is a standby for low-cost rooms: http://www.cowhollowmotorinn.com/

The neighborhood is fun, too.

HTTY

the airport is not in San Francisco....it's a BART ride away..doable but absolutely not SF itself.

hi just checked Cow Hollow Inn...fully booked such a shame as it looked good. Looking for something aroun 120 to 140 dollars

hi how long would the BART journey take?

Hi, when my wife and I travel to SF we stay in a little town about 15 minutes south called Pacifica. There is a little hotel called the Seabreeze Hotel. It has the best possible location, you can hear the waves crashing on the rocks and the sunset view is to die for. There is a restaurant near by, coffee shop, etc. Less than $80.00 www.seabreeze.com attitude is everything, ziggypop

Try Columbus Motor Inn - it's related to Cow Hollow Inn, and they have a couple of other properties in the area too, I think.

<hi how long would the BART journey take>

I can't remember how long, just that it's a big drag.
Do whatever you need to do to find a room in town.

Here is another place to check out: http://www.pacificheightsinn.com/

If the web site shows no availability, call them and try to book a room
on the phone or to get suggestions where to look for a room.

HTTY

Can't remember how much it is, but the Hotel Monaco is nice and not as expensive as the larger posh hotels. I stayed there for a weekend with a friend (although I live about an hour away!)

Too bad about the Cow Hollow - I stayed there and really enjoyed it. They also have covered parking, so my car was relatively safe.

Ask them to put you on a waitlist in case something opens up

There are 3 HI hostels in SF. One of them may have a privatre room with private bath.

The Monaco will cost significantly more than the OP's budget.

The best way to get a good hotel for modest rates is to use Priceline. Bid either the Embarcadero or Union Square East zones and whatever hotel you get will be in a good location. I'd avoid all other zones. Usually 4 star properties for between $100 and $140-ish or sometimes a bit more.

meant to add . . . If you don't want to bid Priceline, and especially if you'll have a car -- this Travelodge is in a great location and has free parking for really reasonable rates. But it is popular and does book up. http://www.travelodgepresidio.com/

Avoid any other Travelodge - just this specific one. It is next door to the Presidio and close to the Marina, Bay and Ft Mason.

Columbus Motor Inn is usually full but you could try one of their sister properties the Chelsea Motor Inn. Not as well located but much better than the airport. The Queen Anne is fine, and the Carlton can sometimes be a great bargain. The Cartwright is fine too. Marina Motel will do in a pinch.

The BART ride from the airport hotels is about 30 minutes, but that dies not include getting to the station and waiting for the train. Stay in the city if you can.

Look into staying at the Hotel del Sol. This is the Marina/Cow-Hollow area. Great location.
http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/sanfrancisco/del_sol
It's part of the Joie de Vivre hotel chain. I know people who have stayed there and they were pleased. They have parking on site, if you have a car.

Hotel del Sol is in a great location (close to two upscale residential neighborhoods, which means great shopping and eating). It's a motel (pool in the parking lot kind) that has been upgraded by the new ownership. It's painted in bright colors, making it very attractive. I've never seen a room, though.

There are some motels along the ocean, one near the N-Judah line and others on the L-Taraval line; just a MUNI ride to downtown.

It would take longer to get downtown via Muni from the motels along the ocean than from the motels near the airport via BART.