I am thinking of taking my husband to San Francisco for his birthday. Location-wise is there much difference among these: White Swan Inn, Petite Auberge, Hotel Juliana? Or does anyone have a suggestion for a small hotel with a stunning view of the bay? I would prefer to keep the rate under $220 a night if possible. We won't have a car so a convenient location is important.

Anybody?

Not familiar with the ones you mention. You might try looking for reviews on tripadvisor.com

Also have a look at the Hotel Majestic considered very romantic.

I think I know where Juliana is - is it on Bush? If yes, then you may be able to get a view as it's on a hill. And close to China-town. I don't think this location is convenient to anything except maybe going to the Legion of Honor takes only 1 bus. I don't think you can hop on a cable car in that area - they are all packed. And by the way is Juliana a small hotel? Doesn't seem so, but I may be mistaken - never been inside.

We stayed at the White Swan several years ago and the room was lovely - decorated w/ Laura Ashley type prints, a gas fireplace w/ remote control - they place a darling stuffed bear on each bed (and you may buy it as a rememberance of your stay). The continental breakfast was nice - there was an afternoon "tea" w/ wine, chees & crackers, cookies. It had a pretty good location as I recall - just up the street from the Fairmont which had a neat bar and lobby (we had a drink there). I believe the Fairmont is where we caught the trolley also. The White Swan is not going to give you any great views of the city - it's not one of your tall high rise bldgs.

FainaAgain,
Yes, all three are on Bush St. Juliana is in the 500 block, other two are in the 800 block. You're right! The Juliana is not so small with 107 guestrooms. The other two have 26.

What do you mean by the cable cars are all packed - can one never get on? Is there another area of town that you would recommend? We would like to be convenient to sights and restaurants but feel relatively safe walking around. Art is one of our interests, by the way.

dolciani,
Thanks for the review. It sounds nice. I think I'd rather give up the view than stay in a chain-type tower hotel.

In the summer and on weekends, the cable cars are full but you can get on. However, if you are trying to get on at one of the turn arounds, expect to wait. The turn arounds at Ghirardelli Sq. (Hyde St) and Market are always long. The one at Bay (by wharf) a little shorter. It is an easy walk from Ghirardelli Sq.

The lesser used line is the California St. line and usually easy to get on but doesn't run to the wharf area. (runs from China town, to Nobb Hill, to Van Ness).

I don't know the proper name but there are some actique trolleys (not cable) that run up and down Market and along the Embarcadero. If you are at the Market Trolley turn around and the line is too long and you need to get to the wharf, you could hop on one of these antique trolleys and get over there in a round about way. You could also return from the wharf via this route as well. You would see some different scenery, too.

That last paragraph should have said Cable Car turn around instead of Trolley turn around.

Thanks, Ronda. Obviously I need a map. Although I've been to San Francisco, it's been a while and I barely remember where anything is.

Small Hotel with view of Bay, try Harbour Court on the Embarcadero.

April-

Both the Swan Inn and the Petite Auberge are owned by the same people--- where Swan Inn is english in feeling and decor, the Petite Auberge is French..Both are gorgeous and romantic and are BnB's ==not regular hotels..
They are also a very high walk UPHILL from Union Sq....

To get a view of the Bay, try the Nob Hill area-- ie the Fairmont or the Mark Hopkins.....

But if you want another wild romantic and funky place, you can also try the Monaco Hotel just off Union Sq...very neat decor.....much closer and less of an uphill climb to get to your hotel....

Also another nice Boutique hotel is The Prescott- just off Union Sq. with the restaurant Postrio by Wolfgang Puck-- we have stayed there numerous times on the concierge level- rooms are way small but pretty- but the concierge level provides a full continental bkfst and a happy hour with free alcohol and appetizers from Postrio...

Another neat hotel is the PALOMAR- with the restaurant the FIFTH FLOOR in it..
This restaurant is one of the finest in the city....

You can't go wrong with any of them....

Thank you very much SAAB and Andy. I will check these out. While I know San Francisco is hilly, walking up very steep ones could be a bit difficult for my husband. Is Union Sq. creepy - I mean is it better to be further away from it?