violetm

Thanks for your responses. Tabernash I did see your comment but wasn't sure what it was you didn't like, thanks for clarifying.

Thanks Stu, that's exactly what I needed to know, I don't think Nob Hill will work given the walking and lack of things nearby, I love the idea of staying in an area like you suggested, but we tend to walk the legs off ourselves when we travel and end up exhausted - we live very hectic lives anyway and due to significant health issues we need to make sure we have a gym and also to make sure we get some down-time, hence the requirement for a nice hotel with good public areas/amenities so a motel wouldn't work for us. This is also the reason I was slightly favouring the JW Marriott over the Monaco (perhaps wrongly) assuming that the Marriott will have better facilities, albeit not quite as funky. It's not that the hotel is more important than seeing the city, but without the comfort of a good hotel we won't be fit and well enough to enjoy the city.

If there are any good hotels in more "local" areas I would definitely be keen on that, but I know we can't have everything and I think finding the most comfortable hotel in the best area is really what we're after - I know we may have to compromise but I don't want to sacrifice one for the other.

Thanks again

StuDudley

>>we need to make sure we have a gym and also to make sure we get some down-time, hence the requirement for a nice hotel with good public areas/amenities so a motel wouldn't work for us

violetm

Thanks for the advice Stu but as I mentioned earlier there are a number of serious health issues to consider and that is why we must have a gym - not a bike or a run but a gym. This is not about a generic exercise plan it is about managing a number of chronic illnesses and following a strict routine. It is not a choice, it is essential. It would be wonderful if we had the freedom to just exercise however and whenever we feel like it (like you do in Paris or Rome) but we don't. There may be days when my husband does not feel well enough to venture outside at all, that is why we want a luxurious comfortable hotel room. I should not have to explain my reasons for wanting that, I only asked for advice on where to stay which meets our needs.

Many people like to holiday in different ways for different reasons. For some people staying in a motel and going to a local gym would be perfect for them but it would not work in our situation. I do not wish to be judged on our style of travelling as "not experiencing San Francisco". We will experience San Francisco, perhaps not the way you would, but that doesn't mean its not right and that we won't have an amazing time.

If anyone has any advice to offer on san Francisco which does suit our needs, then it would be very gratefully received.

Thank you

StuDudley

I was just trying to help.

Many people visit San Francisco and spend all their time at the Wharf. That's not San Francisco, IMO. Others just huddle around Union Square and never get out and explore the Noe Valley, Pacific Heights, Cole Valley, Castro, and the neighborhoods that really make SF a wonderful place to live. They also don't drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and through the wonderful Golden Gate National Recreation Area with the best views of San Francisco in the Bay Area. The GG Bridge is within 1 to 5 mins from Lombard St. If you were "up" for staying in the Lombard St area, I was going to suggest that you keep your car and do this latter trip (see my link for details). You could also use the car to drive on El Camino Del Mar/Lincoln Blvd (see my link) which is where I always take my visitors when I want to "show off" San Francisco (I did this last week).

Now that you have explained your health issues much better, I understand you apprehension about leaving the nice hotel/gym environment (are you sure there are not any nice hotels/motels around Lombard that have gyms?).

Stu Dudley

Tabernash2

Stu, I agree with your comments on Union Square. We were there just 3 nights, for a conference, and we stayed at the wonderful Monaco, but I was less than enchanted with the vibe outside in the 'hood. The Monaco was a wonderful retreat from the busy streets. If that was all a tourist saw of SF, they might be disappointed. There are so many other charming areas to stay.

DebitNM

I can understand the OP's point and also Stu's. I think the average first time visitor to San Francisco does want to stay in the Union Square [or even FW] area and do all the typical tourist things. And they may have their very own set of needs/criteria that greatly influences their ultimate decisions as to where to stay, eat and what to do. Typically, they aren't looking for the neighborhood vibe, or wanting to feel like a local. I think that comes with repeated visits.

It is also true that the Union Sq area has become much more unpleasant to walk around, especially the Powell St BART/metro station. I was uncomfortable this most recent trip where I had not really felt that way on previous trips. What really did it for me was a "street person" actually reaching out as he approached me and touch my shoulder as he asked for money. That was over the line for me.

We also were waiting for the F street car one night after seeing a jazz concert on Market near Franklin. Another "street person" came up to the platform; stood next to us and made some comments to us; the last one being "nice diamond earrings." Made us VERY uncomfortable. He left after a few minutes and we were both glad to get on the bus [we didn't want to wait for the streetcar any longer].

starrs

Check the gym at the Monaco to see if it meets with your expectations.

starrs

If your budget allows, consider the Mandarin Oriental.

DebitNM

Mandarin Oriental? Not likely. First dates $400+ a night ; $500 a night (before taxes).

starrs

I am aware of what the rates at the Mandarin Oriental are like. The more the OP posted, the more it appeared that hotel amenities are very important to them. Thus the recommendation of a very high end property "if your budget allows".

Tabernash2

violet, if you're still looking, the Monaco has a special price listed for your 4 nights, 12/23- 12/27, @$215 for a King deluxe or a Double Double deluxe:

http://www.expedia.com/San-Francisco...21187-1&mctc=9

There are other deals on hotels with fitness centers:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g6...ia-Hotels.html

Kal

Big Harbor Court fan. Get a Bay View room and watch the Bay Bridge lights.
Plus they have a deal with the pretty modern YMCA located next door.

DebitNM

You are right about the Harbor Court, Kal! Great views and guests do have privileges at the Y! Good thought.

Kal

I used to stay there for business but always got the "interior" room to save the Co some $$$...but now.

Plus, same 'hood as the Vitale and Hyatt at less $$$.
Perry's is right there for breakfast as well as L&D.

Street/cable cars nearby too.

Connie

violetm, I'm just going to step in and let you know that StuDudley is one of the most knowledgeable about SF on this board. On top of that, he goes way beyond the norm in taking time to help anyone who asks for SF recommendations. No one on this board takes any more time than he does to help travelers.

Connie

I have been in SF the past week on my first trip here and have made many choices based on his suggestions. Nothing has been a disappointment.

Thank you StuDudley.

mjs

I agree with StuDudley. We are in the city about 6-8/year and have stayed in a variety of hotels. Luxury would be out of your price range unless you can get a special deal. My favorite lux hotels would be the Fairmont Ghirardelli SQ > Ritz Carlton Residences > Ritz Carlton > Four Seasons > Mandarin. Have not stayed at the St Regis. I think most of the Four Stars downtown are fairly similar although I thought that the JW and the Meridien were pretty nice. I like them better than the Nikko. The Hyatt is a generic 4 star but in a slightly better location to me than the Nikko. Do not stay on Nob Hill if you have any mobility issues. I am not sure if any of the hotels has much of a gym as I am unclear as to what facilities you require. The only hotel I have ever stayed at that had a full scale Gym was the Four Seasons Dallas. If you need a gym there are at least two in the Chestnut street area although I do not know of what day use options are available. Do not know of any "upper level" hotels in the Marina area except possibly the Jackson Court which is a B&B in Pacific Heights or possibly the Inn at the Presidio. Neither would seem to suit you. Most hotels in the area are actually motels which are moderately priced but with free parking.

mjs

Try the Jetsetter website. They appear to have the Hotel Vitale and the Omni for $209-239/night for your dates. I have not stayed at either but my sister has and she thoughtb they were nice.

mjs

The 31st may be the only issue for your hotel as the price on new year's eve will be higher than normal. I suspect the motels in the Marina may not increase their prices for that night but you will have to check.

Tomsd

Lived in SF for years - yes - years ago too. Totally agree with Stu - and a friend of mine since grade school - went to Med School in SF - and when he returns for a Neurosurgery convention - he loves the Kimpton hotel group options and I think the Monaco is his favorite.

And do try to spend some time in the Marina area - where you can walk along a classic SF type neighborhood street - Chestnut- or enjoy the restaurants, shops and "pubs" along Union St - where we used to live. Lombard is between these two.

Walking along the Marina Green is also one of the best things you can do to appreciate the Bay, the Golden Gate, Alcatraz and the like. And the Palace of Fine Arts is a treasurer. http://www.palaceoffinearts.org/Welcome.html

There is a newer - nice place at the nearby Presidio - the Presidio Inn is it- which might also have gym facilities. http://www.innatthepresidio.com/?s_k...|p|25182737288

What type of equipment do you need? More cardio and weight resistance machines? Should not be that hard to find - and get guest membership somewhere. There are a couple fitness clubs by the Marina Safeway - or there used to be anyway.