Hello-

We are looking to do the impossible, find a great San Francisco Hotel for under $150/night for 2 people. We currently have a reservation for the Chancellor for $140/night, which has great trip advisor reviews. I have also taken a look at the San Remos Hotel and the Mosser, both in our price range. We also looked at the Intercontinental, which we could get for $180/night and might be worth the extra money?

The most important things to us are a safe, friendly hotel and location that is convenient to exploring via public transportation. We aren't shoppers, or bar hoppers but outdoorsey types. At the same time, we would like to get the most possible for our money!

Any suggestions for alternative hotels or which out of those listed would be best?

Thanks

Are you comfortable using Priceline? Bidding would get you a lot more bang for your (limited) buck.

This is where we stay about 4-5 times a year for the last decade, it's not fancy by any means, but it's $99 a night with free parking. You can't beat the location especially if you're a walker and not into shopping!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...rnia.html#TOPC

I would also suggest bidding on priceline. I just got the Westin St. Francis for $122. If you know what location you want you can get a much better price this way.

If Chancellor is affordable, there is no need to look for something else, IMO. You will be on the bus lines on Sutter, Post, Stockton, Geary.

Close to restaurants - even if you are not a foodie, you have to eat. Safe area to walk at night.

I would put Mosser distant second location-wise, and take San Remo off the list.

We almost always use Priceline - 4 Stars USE or USW gets a great hotel for just over or under $100 most times...

One other good service I have used is www.hotelres.com (connected to the SF Visitors Bureau)

If I do priceline, should I just bid on USE, USW and Fisherman's Wharf or are there any other neighborhoods you would recommend bidding on? If I can't get a 4 star for around $125, sounds like I will keep the Chancellor.

Thanks all for the quick replies!

I'd bid USE, but that's just my opinion. USW can get a little dicey, and the Wharf is way too touristy, IMHO. We live in the Bay Area but try to overnight in SF a couple of times a year. I usually get the Hyatt at Embarcadero Center (USE) for less than $100/night. Be sure you know how to do a free rebid.

We stayed at The Mosser for a week in March and were very pleased with the hotel and the room.

The location is great [near BART, Market Trolly, Union Square etc.] and we got a special price since we stayed for a week - $75 a night for a deluxe queen. Mind you, deluxe gets you a private bathroom and not a big room but it worked for us.

It is hard to find the place on the reservation form for the special weekly price, but it's there.

We would stay there again in a heartbeat.

Deb

I'd bid USE. USW has some properties too close to the Tenderloin for me to be at all comfortable w/ that zone. I'd be happy anywhere in USE.

The Wharf would be my 2nd choice - but only if I wasn't having any luck w/ USE.

If neither worked - I'd just book someplace like your quote of the Chancellor @ $140.

My friends just stayed at the Carlton on Sutter St, last week. It was approx. 5 blocks from Union Square, so easy transportation. They thought the staff was quite friendly and thought the bed extremely comfortable. The room was small and not at all luxurious but they said it was clean. I'm fairly certain it was under $150, as she remarked that it was one of the cheapest she'd found.

Hi, travelnewbie: Have you ever used Priceline before?

If not, come back and ask questions.

First check out biddingfortravel.com which has plenty of good information for you, not the least is what price you can bid to be successful.

At the moment you can get a 4* Union Square East (USE) for $88 (Marriott) on up to $100 (Intercontinental). Fisherman's Wharf is 3* tops and the Hilton at FW is at $80.

Add in tax, fees, and parking and you're looking at about $120 on up for very nice hotels.

Come back and ask. I'm certain the Fodorites will walk you through a successful Priceline bid.

This guy just got the Westin St. Francis for 122 on Priceline by bidding USE. You might try it.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35142268

We just returned from SFO. Stayed at the (Kimpton) Hotel Triton on Bush and Grant (at the gate to Chinatown) for $104 per night (king room). I found the rate on Expedia, but booked directly with the hotel. They matched the Expedia rate. This is a good hotel in an excellent location near Union Square. Easy access to all things. Good restaurant next door for breakfast and Starbucks across the street. Free coffee and evening wine in the hotel.

http://www.kimptonhotels.com/hotels/...francisco.aspx

Ditto P'line if you know how to use it.