Hi, I just booked a trip to SF for April 28 - May 3. Now the hard part - a hotel.

I've used priceline quite a bit and love it. However, I am afraid of getting a very small room with 1 bed since it is a friend and I who will be traveling. We would like to stay in the Union Square East - Embarcadaro (sp?) or Fisherman's Wharf areas.

Do these two areas have a lot of these older hotels?

Has anyone recently gotten a room like this?

Just trying to figure my odds!

Any recommendations, advice, comments would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Celiaanne:
Not sure how much help it will be but, last year end of May I used priceline for a hotel in San Francisco I checked Union Square at $74.00 per night and got the Hilton in Union Square it was three of us and we did not have any problems, the rooms were a good size, I did not have a problem getting two queen beds. Not sure if you are renting a car or not (I did have one) at the hotel they charged $40.00 per night but, I had done my homework and right across the street I got a public garage for $20.00 per day. Have a great time and hope this helps you.
GIna

forgot to mention I did request a 4 star hotel.

Gina, Thank you. That is exactlyh the kind of feedback I am looking for.

I usually bid a 4* if available, but I am wondering if I should bid a 3* or even a 2.5* based on the hotels I'm seeing on biddingfortravel in those categories...

I haven't rented a car and am a little undecided if I should o not.

Celiaanne:
I live in Miami, Florida so not having a car for me was not an option I read and read reports and comments here and also TP and everyone said a car was not necessary, honestly the only bad thing about having a car is the parking fees but, again we were friends traveling together so all was split. Besides I had rented my car through priceline (a minivan) for 12 days and got it at $402.00 all included. I am not sure if you will be moving around alot of if you are staying close by, I can tell you there are great stores within walking distance from their, the best thing about it for every budget, I did a trip report for my vacation if you want to take a look, just click my name. I would not go to a 3 star I would keep it at 4 remember you have a little play time if you don't get it today try again in 72 hours. Any questions please let me know will be glad to help.

Celiaanne:
forgot to mention someting else not sure what your plans are or if you have visited before but, if you are going to Alcatraz do the night tour, it is amazing!

I have done Priceline 3 times in SF - gotten Sheraton FW, Marriot FW, and Hyatt Grand Union Square. The Sheraton room had 2 beds, the others were quite small with 1 bed. We didn't request any specific configuration though, so I don't know if 2 beds in a room were availible in the other hotels or not.

On the car issue - I would only rent a car if you are leaving SF for day trips. While you are in SF, get a MUNI pass and just take buses, lightrail, and street cars. There is a MUNI pass that is also valid on cable cars, which are definitely fun.

Thank you for the replies. I think we will have to bid on 2 rooms as so many of the hotels that I checked on through expedia, etc., have just one bed. I'm amazed. I thought it would be just a few old ones. I just don't think it's worth the risk.

I just bid $60 and $70 (low, I know) for a 4* in the USE area with no luck. Might wait until tomorrow (PS you are only locked out for 24 hous now) instead of using all the free rebids... I am thinking 2 rooms for 5 nights isn't going to be easy anywhere.

I don't want to go too much over $80 as I think I would be able to get a room through the "traditional" methods that I could be sure would have 2 beds for $175 or so (not a 4*!).

Thanks for the car info too. We are probably not going to get on.

I've been to Alcatraz (in the day), but my traveling companion has not, so maybe the nighttime one would suit us both.

I bid $90 and picked up a great room at the Omni...which is on California, between Union Sq and the Embarcadero... Easy walk to either.

Wherenow, did you room have 1 bed or 2?

Thanks,

Stay with a brand you know (like Marriott or Best Western, but go with any major brand) and you can't go wrong. also, try to book your hotel with something like Hotels.com, because they can get you a good rate.

Celianne, just fyi, Travelzoo has a deal going for the Harbor Court (3*, I think) in the Embarcadero area for $79, and the Maxwell for $84. www.travelzoo.com

lvk,

Thanks for the info. I tried the Harbor Court, but I am getting a rate of $199/room plus, and it looks like it is for a room with only one bed...

You can get a queen/queen junior suite at the Beresford Arms for around $150: http://www.beresford.com/arms/default.htm

Have you checked Kimpton.com, St. Andrews, Donatello, Orchard?

Regarding Priceline, go to www.biddingfortravel.com to research the going rates.

Just a follow-up: I got the 4* Marriott Downtown (Union Square East) for $90.

Thanks for all you help.

TTess, I am a fan of biddingfortravel too. Great resource!

Yahoo! Good shopping - congrats!

Hi, I'm considering using Priceline for San Francisco. I've never done this before. Could I get some help on this?

I think I'll try 4*.

I checked BFT and I'm thinking the USQ-East and USQ-West are probably ok, but USQ-West has a couple of hotels, and I haven't checked each one yet. But it looks like Parc55 is a possibility if I bid in USQ-West based on recent winning bids.

What are good zones to bid and are there zones I should avoid?

I'm aware of the free rebids.

Thanks!

111op: start another thread and you'll get much better response.

Don't bid until you've gotten the entire scoop from Fodorites!

Well I try not to start too many threads. Maybe people will respond to this one if we start topping it more often. Or feel free to respond to my SF planning thread.

I'm nice. I try not to monopolize.

The SOMA/Moscone center is good too. The 4*s in that zone are excellent. Embarcadero is fine as well.