Thank you so much for your help everyone.... really appreciate it. Off topic but easytraveler suggested Priceline... and bidding suggestions to a newbie?

The first thing to do if you want to use Priceline is to go into biddingfortraveldotcom.

However, the best thing to do is to start a new thread and specify that you need help with bidding on Priceline for San Francisco. This way you'll get more responses from Fodorites.

Please don't make a bid until you know how to navigate through Priceline.

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I really like Slanted Door, but I prefer lunch, because I like the daytime view of the bay. Of course, if it's summer, it'll be light late enough to still enjoy the view at dinnertime!

I think the Omni is a good choice. Ncie hotel, with good servcie, in a safe location. The California cable car line goes right past the hotel-and you can transfer to the other cable lines. You can walk to Chinatown, Union Square, and the Ferry Building (great if you are there when the Farmer's Market is open). Just my opinion

I think the Omni is a good choice. Ncie hotel, with good servcie, in a safe location. The California cable car line goes right past the hotel-and you can transfer to the other cable lines. You can walk to Chinatown, Union Square, and the Ferry Building (great if you are there when the Farmer's Market is open). Just my opinion

According to me you have to check its cost once a time because I think that you will be more comfortable with van rental San-Fransisco..........

Cow Hollow might suit you. Google "cow hollow hotels."

HTTY

We keep threatening to stay in the Cow Hollow/Marina area. Stumbling distance to A16, Tipsy Pig etc...

I was also very pleased with the Galleria Park.

Kal... I would like stumbling distance to A16! My stepdaughter wants to go back again for her 17th birthday (we went last year) working hard on trying to pull it together...

The Palace is a beautiful, old-world choice, with very comfortable beds. Brunch in the Garden Court was a treat.

MomDD....we better get a heads up!

We stayed at the Palace for the Bay to Breakers. First time since they reopened years ago. Yes. VERY nice place.

I will I will ~ Hopefully we can make it work out this time.

I think we will stay @ the Hyatt this time. I liked that location right across from the Ferry Building.

We have been to San Francisco twice, for 10 days each time, so I can give you a good "tourist" point of view. I would avoid fisherman's wharf for sure unless you have young kids, love a carnival atmosphere, or are in need of 100 t-shirts for $50! We have stayed at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, and the Vitale. Hands down (price aside) the Vitale is the one. The Hyatt is ok too, but they nickel and dime you for every little thing, so if the price is similar i'm sure you will LOVE the Vitale.The rooftop patios alone are priceless. It's our favourite hotel anywhere.

You would be right across from the Ferry Building (i could live quite happily inside it's walls). Great food, and great views. Nice area to walk around too. We always take home some olive oil from Stonehouse. The saturday farmers market outside is a must if you're there that day.

The f-line stops all along the embarcadero from fisherman's wharf and goes up market street to the castro area. For most things except the golden gate bridge and the painted ladies it's pretty much the only transportation you'd need. It's very simple and only $2.00.

If there are 2 people or less, BART is a good option to get in from the airport. There is a station stop right between the Hyatt and Vitale. If there are more than 2 people, it may be more economical to cab it.

Book Alcatraz tours in advance. I loved it, and my wife was kind of bored. I still think it's a must for a tourist. Cool views back to San Francisco from there.

Union square is basically a huge upscale shopping district, lots of hotels, not much else for the tourist in my opinion. Maybe a 15 minute walk from Hyatt/ Vitale. Some great local restaurants in the general area like Tommy's joynt and Dotties true blue cafe.

We rode the f-line to the Castro and strolled around what is one of the most unique neighbourhoods we've ever been to. We then walked over to Tangerine and had a great dinner. Try the spicy corn fritters.... you'll be intrigued at what shows up at the table... not at all what i was expecting (in a very good way)

You can catch a bus from union square on sundays that takes you directly to the golden gate bridge... just ask a concierge where to catch it. It's the best way to get there without expensive cab fare.

There is a cable car stop outside the Hyatt, but it is the most unpopular leg and i'd recommend the other 2. They are way more of what you'd be expecting with the rolling hills and packed full of people. Again, only 15 minute walk from the Hyatt/ Vitale. (assuming you're capable of a little uphill walking... it's really not that bad in that location, don't worry. )


Hope this helps.

Just one clarification -- Tommy's Joynt is nowhere near Union Square!

The cable car stop in front of the Hyatt is the California line, you can take it up California to Powell to catch the more popular Powell Street cars.

Thanks again everyone for your amazing help and advice... much appreciated.