1. Drive in Sat night or Sun afternoon from Monterey to San Francisco?

2. Keep rental car or return while staying downtown?

3. Hotel: Best view?
Best luxury rooms?
Music/entertainment esp.for Mom?
Easy/safe location/tourist?
Considering: Mandanin Oriental
Four Seasons, Hyatts,
Aranaght(sp?)

I suspect your last hotel is the Argonaut, out by Fisherman's Wharf.

Don't keep a rental car while in S.F. Expensive, and no realy need.


The Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, and the Hyatt are all very nice.

Unless you are planning to drive to the wine country, ditch the car. Our public transportation is great. Or, you can always walk, or go by taxi. SF isn't that big, and walking is always a possibility. Plus, parking is very difficult and expensive, so a taxi will probably cost you less than parking with less hassle.

If you are looking for a luxury hotel, don't miss the Huntingdon Hotel on Nob Hill. http://www.huntingtonhotel.com

Here's a clip from their website: (I've been to the spa, and it's listed as one of the top 10 in the country!)

The Landmark Choice Of San Francisco Hotels
Since 1924, the Huntington Hotel & Nob Hill Spa has been ranked consistently as not only the most distinguished choice of San Francisco luxury hotels, but as one of the finest places to stay in the world. Withstanding more than three-quarters of a century in the heart of the community, this family-owned and operated San Francisco hotel property is regarded as one of the last bastions of the city's deep historic roots. Recent honors bestowed upon our downtown San Francisco California hotel include:

• Travel and Leisure's 2005 Award, as one of the world's 500 greatest hotels
• Travel and Leisure's 2004 Award, 100 best hotels in North America.
• Condé Nast Traveler's 2003 Gold List, as one of the best places to stay worldwide.

Nob Hill is very central and safe, however it is on top of a steep hill. Check out a map to be sure it' an area where you want to stay.

As far as driving in Sat Night or Sun afternoon to SF, it's only a 2 hour drive. It depends on what you want to do. If you want to pay for an extra night, arriving Sat night....or mind driving at night. On the other hand, if you drive in Sat, you can start Sunday fresh with the whole day ahead of you. It's really your choice, won't make much difference as far as traffic, etc.

Have a wonderful time!!!
Andiamo

Thanks for your imput. The only thing is I usually prefer the newer hotels. I believe I stayed at the Ritz Carlton about 15 yrs. ago, extremely nice, but this is an example, would prefer newer. Was thinking about Four Seasons maybe-only thing is I heard view not the greatest. Love the rooms. Any thoughts?

I'd check out the Mandarin Oriental. A review I read a few years ago made it sound incredible.