Planning on spending a couple of nights in SF before heading to Napa/Sonoma and then Tahoe.
Would we need a car in SF?
Should we just wait to rent the car before we head off to wine country?
If yes, how would we get to the hotel from the airport, taxi? And where would we pick up a car in the city?
If I may, another question...
Thinking of staying at the Chancellor Hotel on Powell in Union Square, is that a safe area?
Any other hotel recomendations would be greatly appreciated, moderately priced 150-200.
Thanks so much

Hello Donna, yes the Chancellor Hotel on Powell is a very safe location.

From the airport (be it SFO or Oakland) you can take BART if you wish to save money on transporation. Here is the BART website.
http://www.bart.gov/

Or you can of course take a taxi or a shuttle.

As far as a car in SF due to SF being quite a walkable city plus the public transportation (which will be easy to take from the location of the Chancellor Hotel) I wouldn't bother with a car (parking is very expensive) until you are ready to leave SF. Regarding car rentals at Union Sq., being from this area I have never rented a car in SF but know there are car rental agencies at Union Square.

Wishing you a beautiful time in SF and in the wine country!

Would you need a car in SF? I would say so. You must drive through the Golden Gate Park, stop off at the de Young Museum, Botanical Gardens and the Japanese Tee Rooms.

Then going to the city’s hills, Buena vista Hill, Potrero Hill, Bernal Hill are great just to see the city’s views; and a car drive around SF’s neighborhoods is amazing. The city is so beautiful... the Sunset area, the Mission and Noe Valley...

And usually 2 days on a car rental will not change much the reservation price. Though parking is indeed a hassel.

We stayed at the Orchard hotel which was wonderful, close location to where you are looking. The Orchard’s a little up the hill from Union Square, though really nice location, staff and amenities. Check it out too though it’s a little more expensive. When I’ve gone back to SF I’ve always stayed there. And always rented a car if only just to drive around the city.

I've never gotten a car for a few days in San Francisco. But then I'm happy just doing the things I can do on foot, street car, or BART.

I think there was another post about a car rental place, maybe on O'Farrell. You can do a search. I personally would do the BART/ public transit thing from the airport and for the two days. Then rent a car in the city the day you are leaving for wine country. Even if you can get a decent deal ($20.- ish instead of the typical $35.-) on parking near your hotel, you usually need to pay for parking in other parts of city. Muni runs throughout most of the city.

There is a car rental place on O'Farrell near Union Square, but I don't remember its exact location.

There is also a Hertz on Mason between Geary and Post, next door to the Donatello Hotel. One block from Unin Square.