cherylhil

I am one of 4 women who are going to San Fran Oct 20=25. We need to know what area to book a hotel. We want to be in a safe. Also, what are some must sees for people who have never visited there?

sf7307

For must-sees, do a search on here for "StuDudley's Recommendations" or something like that. It'll give you everything you need to know.

As for where to stay, I'd recommend Union Square (the main shopping district), Nob Hill (high-end residential and hotels - not where I would stay because it's not in the "middle of the action", but it's very upscale and loads of people like staying there), or the Embarcadero (near the Bay, office buildings, the Ferry Bldg., etc. -- it's where I work and its a great neighborhood to stay in -- walking distance to many neighborhoods, easy public transportation to others).

cherylhil

Thank you.

Suzie

sf7307 is right. Here's the link:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm

elnap29

Agree with sf7307.

suze

i agree with Union Square area (but know that it bumps up against the Tenderloin district on one side, so when you're out walking around pay attention to which way you're headed) or the Embarcadero

PeaceOut

We like the Hotel Rex in Union Square. It is a Joie de Vivre property.

clarkgriswold

Check the reviews for the Columbus Motor Inn..one of the most often-recommended motels here on the board. Nice neighborhood walking distance to the wharf and with good bus and trolley transportation nearby. Parking is included if you will have a car for your stay. Lots of casual dining not far away.

Mahya2

I'm reading along, and its funny cause I;m going to San Francisco from the 26 to 30.

I've also been looking at hotels...but am confused about the areas.

going for siteseeing not shopping so really dont want to be in the Union square thing which seems far away from Fisherman's wharf area...but the hotels there either have bad reviews or are out of site expensive...Charter Club is booked up, and Harbor House seems to be also. Closest I could get to Embarcadero. There are big conventions in town during that time period.

I'd like North Beach area maybe....Can anyone reccomend a good B &B in the Wharf area or North Beaach area..?

There seem to be a lot of hotels on Sutter Street but is that a safe area ? and is it too far away from the Fisherman's Wharf area and trams?

Any help will be appreciated.

SAB

Why do you want to stay at the wharf? Do you have children or teenagers? Just because the Wharf is ground zero for tourism in SF does not mean it is a desirable lodging location. It actually does not have very good public transportation options--the Embarcadero is a better location for transportation and you might actually encounter locals in the area. Right sf?

sf7307

Absolutely!! If you affirmatively want to avoid the Union Square area, then go for the Embarcadero/Financial District. Much nicer for adults. A real San Francisco working neighborhood (in fact, I work in the neighborhood).

Not sure where you're looking on Sutter. What hotels?

Mahya2

Thanks.

UM no. No children with me. It just sounds like a place I'd enjoy. Seals and aren't there a lot of fish restaurants on the pier ? Disney. Wax museum, etc etc. I've never been to San Francisco and really want to do the whole tourist thing, trolley and so on.

If you have any suggestions for a reasonable hotel in the Embarcadero area, I'd be glad for it.

Sutter had Beresford which was noted as a 3 star, but seemed very far away from transportation and the embarcadero and wharf area. Am I right?

Mahya2

oops. I forgot to mention, I'll be there in October. Apparently July is cold..How is October ?

sf7307

July is "iffy" -- the last couple of days have been pretty chilly. Early October can be very nice. It might be raining in late October (although anecdotally, my son's birthday is at the end of October. Every year I planned an indoor birthday party. He is going to be 26 this year and to date, it has rained ONCE on his birthday).

Mahya2

LOL SF

that's good to know...but I'll brimg an umbrella just in case.

Diamantina

If you were interested in staying at the Embarcadero, you might check out the Harbor Court or Hyatt Regency. Neither are hotels for those on a budget, but you did not say you were on a budget.
These are both ideally situated close to public transport with great views of the bay and Bay Bridge. I have been in these hotels, but never spent the night (because I live in the area and don't need to stay in a hotel), so I would just advise you to bring ear plugs, just in case--as it is a city with traffic and all (that being said, the noisier hotels I've stayed at were in rural locations).

sandi

Buy a guidebook (or read Stu's recommendations), along with a good map of SF. See where everything of interest is located and then the hotel area that works best for most of these.

If you happen to be farther away from some, take a taxi. Between the 4/pax... it's not expensive and the easiest way to get around.

suze

I think Union Square is a great area for a tourist in San Francisco, that's where I've always stayed. Not just for shopping. It's got street car connections you can get down to the Wharf easy enough for a visit. I've stayed twice at Andrews Hotel.

Mahya2

Diamantina

Thanks and yes, I am somewhat on a budget since a friend who was to share the trip with me, now cant go.

>>>If you were interested in staying at the Embarcadero, you might check out the Harbor Court or Hyatt Regency.

Mahya2

ClarkGriswold

Thanks

So far ClarkGriswold's sugggestion seems to be the closest to the area, and most reasonable, but if there was a B & B in the North Beach area that anyone knows about which seems to be close to both Embarcadero area and Fisherman's wharf area, I'd love to know about it.

Anyone know of one ?