San Francisco Help Needed
 

I will be attending a conference at the Mascone Center and plan to stay at the Intercontinental on Howard St. I need feedback on the hotel and it's proximity to the convention center. Other than public transit, what is the most economical ground transportation. What are some not to miss restaurants in the area? I prefer burgers, Italian, Mexican, steak, and seafood. I'll be on a per diem so restaurants with a local fare that won't break the bank are preferred.

The Intercontinental is less than a block from Moscone. Taxis for short downtown locations are not too expensive; other locations like say Golden Gate Park can get expensive.

I really like Espetus Churrascaria, a Brazilian steakhouse. Here's a link to a map of a local food critic's list of the top 100 Bay Area restaurants. The Moscone area is right above the word "San Francisco".

It's an expensive city, so you might need to spell out what would break the bank. Here's another map of the "Bargain Bites." For me, the best bargain bite in San Francisco is always chinese food, especially Good Luck Dim Sum in Chinatown. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/maps/google/2010bbsf

As far as ground transportation, that really depends. If you rent a car, parking can be expensive -- or not too bad if you hunt for a cheap lot. Driving around and finding a place to park isn't fun, though. But BART doesn't go to some of the more charming neighborhoods. Considering it would cost at least $20-$30 to park your car with the hotel, you may as well pay for a taxi for the least headache. (or bus, or BART)

Public transit is THE most economical and easy way to get around the city -- along with walking. It is a very walkable city.

Depending on how long you will be in town and how much transport you need, the street car, bus, light rail and feet will get you everywhere you need/want to go.

http://www.sfmta.com/cms/mfares/passports.htm

Thanks everyone. What are the least expensive options other than public transportation to get to the hotel from SFO? Also, my food budget is $50 per day. Restaurant recs are appreciated!! Can public transit be used for example to go see the painted ladies, the pier, and shopping at Union Square? Any suggestions on a guided bus tour, etc. with on-off privileges?

Thanks everyone. What are the least expensive options other than public transportation to get to the hotel from SFO? Also, my food budget is $50 per day. Restaurant recs are appreciated!! Can public transit be used for example to go see the painted ladies, the pier, and shopping at Union Square? Any suggestions on a guided bus tour, etc. with on-off privileges?

Sorry for the duplicate response. Website is doing weird things.

BART will be the least expensive way to get from SFO to hotel. Get off at the Powell St station and you can walk to your hotel.

We are heading to SF in January for our 4th annual winter visit. We walk all over, from Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square [it's a ways, but can be done and its a great way to see sites along the way]

We also use the F street car [trolley] which will take you from Ferry Bldg all the way to the Castro. We used bus as needed, or even the light rail. I suggest your get a bit acquainted with SF so that you can see for yourself all that is there and where it is in terms of where you will be staying. There the cable cars too. If you are going to be in SF long enough, buy a 3 day or 7 day Passport which gives you unlimited rides on all but BART. See above link

http://www.fodors.com/world/north-am...san-francisco/

>>What are the least expensive options other than public transportation to get to the hotel from SFO?<<

Walk !!!

Seriously, what do you have against public transportation??? BART will take you from the international terminal at SFO to any BART station along Market St - close to your hotel.
www.BART.gov for schedules & fares.

>>Also, my food budget is $50 per day. Restaurant recs are appreciated!!<<

Italian Restaurants in North Beach (along Columbus St) might be your best bet. Tropisueno - www.tropisueno.com - near where you are staying is OK for Mexican. You did not mention Asian food in your "fevorites" list - they are our best bargains. Steak houses tend to be expensive. Burgers are not our "forte" here (at least not mine!!)

>>>Can public transit be used for example to go see the painted ladies<<

yep - take the 21 Hayes, which runs down Market St from the Ferry Bldg. When you reach Alamo Sq, get of the bus at Pierce st, walk about 5 yards into Alamo Sq & then 10 yds east (towards downtown) for the view of "Postcard Row". Painted Ladies refers to any Victorian with multiple colors - about 10,000 in the City. Better still, take a SF City Guides free tour of "Landmark Victorians of Alamo Sq". If you are lucky, you'll get to go inside of one of the most outrageous Victorians in San Francisco.
http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=46

See the web site for City Guides (sponsored by the public library) for info on their other 40 or so free walking tours. www.SFCityGuides.org

>>the pier<<

Which one??? We have dozens of them.,

>>and shopping at Union Square?<<

About a 10 min walk away.

Here are some other ideas
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm

Stu Dudley

I have nothing against public transit. I've used it from the airport in other cities and it tends to be a pain with luggage. Is there steps or escalators to maneuver in SF? If not, then BART sounds like a good option.

There are escalators from the BART stop to the streets. There are probably elevators too, because San Francisco is very handicapped conscious (actually, it is probably a Federal "Americans with Disabilities Act" requirement).

I've never taken BART from the airport - I live near the airport.

Stu Dudley

Again, we use BART and while it would be better if there were no escalators, there are elevators and it is quite doable.

BART is very easy from the airport. As long as you have only one bag to lug around, it shouldn't be a problem.

I appreciate the information!! Any other not to miss restaurants in my price range?

Thanks DebitNM. Great info!!

Debit, you are on of the greatest resources
for info about SF !

Keep up the terrific work !

R5

I just love that city by the bay! 5 weeks and counting!

The Slanted Door at The Ferry Building is good-But if you want the same type food-right behind is is Behind the Slanted Door? It has wooden stools and great food. The Ferry Building is a sight in itself.
Also you can take a Ferry from there to Sausilito-enjoy

If you're talking about the takeout parr of Slanted Door, it's called Out the Door. It only has a couple of stools; Also, the menu is much much more limited than Slanted Door. It is all good though!