I'm trying to decide between the Columbus Motor Inn and the Castle Inn (on Broadway) for my family's upcoming visit in May. Does anyone have a recommendation for either? Pros or cons for either? I'd appreciate any help anyone can give me in helping me choose!

Go to Tripadvisor.com and put in these two hotels. You will get reviews from people who have stayed there.

Or you might just click on your name here and read the detailed responses to this same question you asked a couple months ago. Several posters covered it pretty well. I don't know anything about the Castle Inn, but Columbus Inn gets consistently good reports here and is often called things like "a cut above" the others of its group.

Neopolitan, yes I asked a similiar question previously, asking specifically about the two neighborhoods of the motels. I would like to know if anyone has any additional recommendations, perhaps about the motels themselves, etc. I didn't think to ask that before. And thanks, tcapp for you tripadvisor suggestion.

We've stayed at the Columbus Motor Inn. Our room was large and quiet, but the furnishings were a little dated. Parking was free. The neighborhood wasn't inspiring, but Fisherman's Wharf and Little Italy were within walking distance.

I can't visualize Castle Inn's neighborhood.

If you want to have fun, book tickets now for Beach Blanket Babylon (also a short walk from Columbus Motor Inn).

Oops, while rereading your post I gather you may live in San Francisco. If so, make the selection based on your knowlege of the neighborhoods. The photo of a room at Castle Inn is more inviting than the room we had at Columbus Motor Inn.

If you go to the motels and tell them about your family's visit and that you would like to see a room, they should show you one.

Happytrails, this motel is for my stay with my kids (you're right, my post is vague and sounds like it's for my visiting family!). We are from Nebraska and will be visiting San Francisco in May. I am so excited, but I am so indecisive about where to stay! Would you stay at the Columbus Motor Inn again, or would you look elsewhere?

The advantage of the motels you list is that they have free parking; the disadvantage is that their locations aren't very inspiring.

When we visit San Francisco, we like to stay near Union Square--in the middle of things. However, parking is about $40 a night in that area.

Many others prefer to stay in the Fisherman Wharf area, which may be a good choice for children. However, parking is costly there too.

We could be of more help if we know how many adults and children will be traveling, whether you will need to park a car, and if you want breakfast included?

There will be me and my 3 kids, girls age 24 and 22, and my 16 year old son. So we need 3 beds. Breakfast would be nice but is optional, parking for our car is necessary, which is why I'm looking at these motels and not Union Square. We're trying to do this trip on a budget, which is also why I'm looking at these particular motels. I'd also consider those on Lombard, but I keep hearing about how noisy that street is. Any suggestions?

Our room at the Columbus Motor Inn was large and it was on the back of the building and, therefore, quiet. If you book there, asking for a large, quiet room I believe that is what they will give you if they promise to do so.

As I mentioned before, it is located in a non-descript neighborhood within walking distance of activities of interest to young people at Fisherman's Wharf and in North Beach.

I have often seen mention here of Cow Hollow Motor Inn and Suites; it seems to be a favorite of many travelers. It is located in a colorful San Francisco neighborhood that I think your children would enjoy. A big change from Nebraska.

Suggestion: Start a new post with this title "Columbus Motor Inn, Cow Hollow Motor Inn, or someplace else" Explain you want a motel with free parking and in a location that will appeal to young people ages 16, 22, and 24.

You will have a great time no matter where you stay, but the right place could boost that up a notch.

I've posted about the Lombard St. places which have free parking: Coventry Motor Inn, Cow Hollow Inn & Suites and Chelsea Motor Inn. All are a good value in the Cow Hollow/ marina area.