...and I've seen one of those fingers many-a-time. O

We're just back from three days in San Francisco, certainly not our first or last visit. Three impressions based on this short stay: First, we chose the Embarcadero area on Priceline and received the boutique Harbor Court Hotel at $80 plus taxes on our first bid. Wonderful, quiet, well-mannered place just steps from the Ferry Building and every form of transportation (including the F Line to the Wharf and Muni subway). We bought the 3-day transit Passport in the Ferry Building, a sales location we hadn't found in guidebooks. Second, we were not taken with what the Wharf has become. Third, we spent time in the bustling Union Square area and Chinatown but, thank you, loved being able to leave. From the Embarcadero, it was really nothing to travel anywhere by public transportation. Oh, and BTW, we arrived from Denver by Amtrak (what a nightmare). Speaking of the Ferry Building, it has a sophisticated array of shops and the Slanted Door restaurant, which we enjoyed very much.

Jaybee- What star rating did you put in Priceline to get the Harbor Court? Thanks!

Trippinkpj: That Priceline 4-star answer didn't feel right. I don't think "Boutique" hotels have stars.

Stay away from Fisherman's Wharf..unless you like to get ripped off..
I live in SF and think you should look for a place to say south of market in the "hip" part of town. There are small boutique places all over and you really don't get the flavor of SF if you don't get to the neighborhoods
Check out the Mission and Noe Valley while you're here - and definitely go to Chinatown for dinner.
The Potrero area is fun too

...and when you're in Europe stay away from the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Leaning Tower, Coliseum because you'll get ripped off there too.

The last time we stayed in San Francisco we stayed at the Inn at Union Square. It's a small, European like hotel - the opposite of something like the Hyatt. The room was comfortable and clean, although a bit shabby. The staff however, was terrific. Breakfast was included. The location was great - 1/2 block off Union Square and so was the price - about $160/night last fall.