I'm am planning on visiting SF during Fleet Week this fall. I would like recommendations on where to stay. Most of the activities take place at the municipal pier and aquatic park. I have concerns about crowds and traffic traveling to the area, so was considering staying close to the action, however I have read some negative things about staying at Fisherman's Wharf. I will be traveling with my husband and two teenage daughters. We would like to find a reasonably priced hotel. If there is a suite hotel, that would be ideal, because my Navy son may get liberty and join us for a night. We could always get a rollaway or use our aerobed though. Could you please give me some suggestions and/or opinions on where to stay? Thanks.

You may be eligible for the updated rooms at the "Marines Memorial" Hotel.
M

You will have a GREAT time! (and your kids will love it!) San Francisco is not a very big city, so you don't have to limit your stay to the Wharf area. Even without a car. Our transportation is safe and easy to get around, cabs are easily accessible, and you can even walk from downtown (Union Square area) to the wharf through Chinatown.

I recently found out about the Pacific Heights Inn on Union Street. (I have lived in SF 16 years!) Some friends stayed there with their kids for a week and loved it. The location is incredible, you will be very close to Ghiradelli and the Wharf, the rooms are clean, well sized, and very nice. They offer free parking, a comp breakfast, and even have suites with kitchenettes. I just looked, and the most expensive suites are only $160! Great deal! Here's the web site: http://www.pacificheightsinn.com

When I have friends/family visiting in the future, that's where I'm going to send them. Hope this helps!!!!

Oh, it's on the end of Union Street (not to be confused with Union Square), but it's a very trendy street, very safe, lots of people walking about, lots of stores, cafes, nail salons, restaurants, etc. Something for everyone.

Have a great time!
Andiamo

Thanks for the suggestions. I know there are many other threads on SF lodging. I've been doing a lot of reading. I guess what I was looking for is advice about where to stay in the city during Fleet Week rather than a particular place. Is it extremely congested and hard to get around on public transportation during Fleet Week? If not, I think I would prefer to stay a little away from the wharf, but I don't want it to be a chore to get there every day. What do you think?

I'd say consider either the Marina or the Embarcadero area. You will be "away" from the wharf but right up at the Oakland Bay Bridge.

valleykat - you should stick with public transportation to get to and from the events. They are all down by the Marina Green and waterfront area - and in the air of course.

The rest of the city isn't really affected - except by the sonic booms of the Blue Angels.

If you do stay down by the Embarcardero - the F-line will get you to the events in a straight shot ($1.50 one way).

Thanks for your quick responses. How do I find out which hotels are in the Embarcadero/Marina area? I am not familiar with SF at all. My AAA book doesn't show any hotels along the Embarcadero and I'm not exactly sure what area is considered the Marina.

Not sure of any hotels near the Embarcadero....but the Pacific Heights Inn I mentioned before is in the "Marina district". You may also see it listed as "Cow Hollow" or possibly "Union Street".

Although public trans may be a little more crowded than usual, buses come by about every 5 minutes. So you won't have a problem. You can also catch a cab, the city's not that big, so it won't cost you that much money.

You can also stay around Union Square. Lots of hotels there. Again, it's a small city, and easy to get around no matter where you stay.

Andiamo

Take a look at the Cow Hollow Motor Inn and Suites - www.cowhollowmotorinn.com

Lee Ann

Thanks again for your replies. I think I would like to stay at one of the Boutique hotels; several seem quite luxorious and a good value. Two I'm considering for these reasons are the Carlton and Hotel Rex. Any comments on these properties or suggestions of others? I do think we will stay off of the wharf a bit to avoid the big crowds when we want to.

Carlton was remodeled recently, there is a mediterranean restaurant in it, a grill next door, and that's about it. Bus 19 runs farely often to take you to the aquatic area.

Hotel Rex was recently remodeled too. It's in the restaurants, theaters, shopping area. Great location.

Normally I don't recommend Carlton location-wise, the area is rather boring, but if your purpose is the Fleet Week, then it's fine.

You said "luxorious". Carlton is not. Cosmos tour groups stay there, and this is a budget tour.

ttt & good example of a travel thread...

Fainaagain, thank you for your response regarding the Carlton. As for razzledazzle, I'm sorry if it seems that I am not taking the recommendations to heart. It's true that I didn't know just what I wanted to start with. Suggestions here, a change in our plans, and further research has me leaning toward a boutique hotel. My daughters are most likely not going to join us now due to school, so I am thinking of a nicer place for just my husband and I, however I would like it to be roomy enough if my son stays over with us. I appreciate and have looked into each suggestion. It has been especially useful to read about the public transportation and ease of getting to and from the wharf. The king executive at the Hotel Rex seems perfect, but a little pricey. It has a king bed and a sofa sleeper. That's where I'm leaning now. If anyone knows of another property with a nice, upscale room that could accomodate 3 if need be (without 2 doubles) for under $200, I would appreciate hearing about it. That should be specific enough. Thanks again to all who are trying to help.

Razzledazzle, sorry if I misinterpreted your post. I didn't know what TTT meant and thought it was somehow derogatory. I did a search and found that it means "to the top." On other boards I frequent, people typically use "bump." I did think of starting a new thread now that my request is more specific, but I thought that it would be frowned upon. If that is preferred, please let me know. I'm obviously not too familiar with this site. Sorry again if I jumped to the wrong conclusion.