My wife & I are taking my college-age daughter to San Francisco while she's on break from school in LAX. Any suggestions for a moderate hotel in the City? We're considering Petite Auberge, Archbishop's Masion, Best Western Americana. I'm pretty sure the rates are going to be pretty attractive during this down time in our nation. We'd like to spend our travel dollars in the good old U.S.A!!!

If you can get a deal,the Grand Hyatt Union Square is right near shopping and the cable car track to Fishermans Wharf. Nice location and accommodations.

Nice hotel with rates less than Petite Auberge and Archbishop's Mansion is Tuscan Inn, very close to Fisherman's Wharf. It's supposed to be the best hotel near the Wharf and I believe it. It's a Best Western, I believe.

Petite Auberge and the Archbishop's Mansion are both wonderful hotels, but in my mind they are the romantic types to go as a couple for a special weekend or anniversary rather than one to take your college age daughter. She might enjoy the old hotels of SF such as the St. Francis, Fairmont, Mark Hopkins, Sir Francis Drake. The Tuscan Inn is a nice choice near Fisherman's Wharf. Another good solid choice is the Cartwright Hotel near Union Square. Good location, comfortable rooms and afternoon tea is served. You'll want to take her shopping/browsing on Union Street and also on Fillmore Street.

I have a similar question. My wife and I have never been to San Francisco so we're looking to stay somewhere that'll give us a good flavor of the city. I've found what seemed like good rates at a few of mid-range hotels but I can't get a sense from websites/guidebooks of how good they are. Can anyone help me figure out what might be the best for the price?

Diva, $122/night
Cartwright, $110/
Serrano, $99/
Sir Francis Drake, $129/
Hyatt Fisherman's Wharf, $139/

Thanks, and sorry Milton for piggy-backing on your question.

Don't overlook the Hotel Nikko! It is sophisticated, hip, but not too hip, and if you call the hotel directly you might get a very attractive rate! Perfect location, wonderful service.

EPerez---Go with the Cartwright or the Sir Francis Drake. Good Rates and good location.

In reference to post several above this, we stayed at Tuscan Inn (Fisherman's Wharf) a year ago. It is a Best Western. The rooms were a little smallish but the place had lots of character and the service was good. Street noise was a minor problem but we were on a lower floor facing street over July 4th weekend, so that accounts for some of it. While I know Fisherman's Wharf is touristy, it made for some pleasant early morning walks to see the crab and fish sellers set up.

Mahalo!

Thanks for the info. I guess i'll be cancelling my Petite Auberge & Archbishops Mansion reservations and saving them for a trip just with the wife. My daughter & I encountered the romanic hideaway issue when we went skiing in San Bernandino Mountains. Beautiful B & B, great hosts but not quite right for a college-aged kid & her pops. Wonderful guests & ono food tho. I'll check out the Cartwright, Tuscan Inn & Hotel Nikko. Diva sounds interesting but might be in same class as Auberge & Archbishop's Mansion. Mahalo again, folks. I alway get great advice from this site and try to reciprocate when there's a question in my neck of the woods...

Spent the last weekend at the Tuscan Inn and HIGHLY recommend it. Though the rooms are a bit on the smallish size, they are adequate and nicely decorated. The staff was wonderful and there are quite a few amenities. Its location near Fisherman's Wharf is excellent. But the best part was the restaurant, Cafe Pescatore--wonderful food and impeccible service. I'd definitely eat there again and will stay at the Tuscan my next trip to SF.