Chele60

I am planning to go to San Francisco sometime around mid- to late January and would like to get input/help from folks here. While I've been to San Fran quite a few times in the past, my S/O has not been there and I would like to share my favorite city with him. I'm thinking of 4 days (arriving mid-afternoon, 2 complete days, leaving in the morning of the 4th day). I want to explore the City, but have no intention of renting a car. I'm also looking for a little romance. I am in my 40s, he's 50. Neither of us are into nightlife, but we do enjoy a good meal. I'm familiar with the City, so I've got the sites figured out. I need help with the rest.

For hotel: which area is best to stay in? I'm thinking of using Priceline (have never used before), and was wondering if Union Square or Fisherman's Warf would be best. The only time I've actually stayed in San Fran, I stayed at the Westin St Francis - loved the hotel, but was hoping for someplace I've never been before. I was thinking about the Juliana, but the responses from here when I searched didn't seem to favor the hotel much. I did notice several folks recommended something along the Embarcadero - any specifics? Pricewise, I would like to spend between $60 - 80 per night, if possible. I realize that Fisherman's Warf is touristy, but hey, we will be tourists so that isn't a problem. Also, I hope to be seeing more of the City than where we will be staying. That brings to mind: a hotel where ease of public transportation is a must. (I can - and have - easily walked from Market St to Fisherman's Warf and back, but my S/O cannot walk for more than a few blocks)

The second dilemma: we will be flying into Oakland and taking the BART into the City. I've never done this with luggage (have stayed on the east Bay and made day trips into the city previously). I feel very comfortable with the BART, but once in the city how to get to the hotel? I've heard busses will allow luggage? (Both of us pack light) Or should we just spring for a taxi? Or is the best bet to do the airport shuttle thing?

Also, any recommendations on restaurants would be welcomed! Our favorites include Italian, Mexican, and seafood, but we are always interested in trying new things!

Sorry for the length, but any help/opinions are appreciated!

pdxgirl

I flew in to Oakland Halloween weekend, took the BART to SF, got off at the Powell St. station and walked a block to my hotel. If you're staying on or near Union Square, the BART stop is quite close. Luggage (rolling carryon size) was no problem on the BART even though the train was PACKED with Halloween revelers.
Check out the hotel reviews on this site, and also on www.TripAdvisor.com. Have fun!

Treck

Hi Chele60,

As far as the best areas in SF to stay, I would recommend the following: Fisherman's Wharf (Sheraton or Hilton), Embarcadero (Hyatt), Cow Hollow (Cow Hollow Motor Inn), or the Marina (Columbus Motor Inn). As an SF bnative my adice would be to not stay in the downtown area (Union Sqaure) as it is kind of a grimy area. Hopefully the new mayor will clean it up.

Oakland would be the most convenient airport to fly into. From there either a shuttle service or BART would be good option to get to the Peninsula from Oakland. Busses do allow luggage, but at times they can be crowded. If you don't have much luggage, go with BART, otherwise I would take a shuttle.

Have a nice trip.

internetwiz

I stayed at the Hotel Juliana in August. We got our room upgraded and it was very nice, as was the service (if you book directly through them, they'll upgrade your room depending on availability). One of the things I liked about it was that it was close to Union Square but quieter and you didn't have to walk up a steep hill to get there since the tunnel steps are right by the hotel. It's also right by Chinatown.As for BART, the hotel offers car service so they took us to the BART station when we left. It's also on a main bus/cable car route.

There were a couple of good restaurants we went to (we're about the same age). Boulevard, Kokkari and Yank Sing for dim sum. Also check chowhound.com for the SF foodies. Don't miss the farmer's market at Ferry Plaza either.

kikahead

San Francisco is a great city to use priceline in! Check out biddingfortravel.com for ideas of what hotels are in what zones. You can definitly get a 4* for $60-$80. I would look first at USW and SOMA (priceline zones). USE would be a good third choice but runs you the risk of the Hilton which is a great property--it is just not romantic. Fisherman's Wharf is too touristy for me, but is a great location if you plan to spend time there (and walking distance to Chinatown & North Beach). Mostly 3* in FW.

What is your budget for meals? Right off the bat I can suggest Momma's (in North Beach) for a fantastic brunch (casual, inexpensive). If you want to spend a lot Gary Danko's is still one of the best meals I have ever had!

Although you are not into night life, if your S/O has not been to San Francisco, you may want to think about Beach Blanket Babylon--great show!

BART from Oakland is a breeze. You can get to most Union Square hotels right from the station and hotels in the Wharf/Nob Hill are a short cab ride away.

Have a great trip!

Chele60

Thank you all for the replies!! I went out to Priceline and was able to get a room at the Hyatt at Fisherman's Warf for $60 a night. Couple that with some great airfare, and I'm just a happy little camper right now!

Thanks for the restaurant suggestions as well! Normally, we try to get a good, hearty (and cheap!) breakfast, a quick, light lunch, and spend a little more at dinner. Budget for dinner would be around $50 (neither of us really drink), but there would probably be one night that would be a "splurge" night. Thanks for the ideas - I'll certainly look into them!

Kal

Chele, Great price. Great location. we've stayed there 2-3 times but never at that price.
I think the Hyatt has an inexpensive breakfast buffet.

There's also a little hole in the wall breakfast place right across the street. Serves "breakfast sandwiches": croissants, sourdough or bagels w/ scrambled eggs and your choice of protien.
Good luck