San Francisco Hotels, and Entertainment in October
 

Is it better to stay near Union Square or in the Fisherman's Wharf area if we won't have a car?

Can anyone suggest a nice hotel in the $250.00 (or less) range?

Where can I find shows that will be open in October? And with only three days to spend in S.F. can someone suggest not-to-be- missed restaurants that won't break the bank? I'm not looking for cheap, just not over-the-top prices.

Thanks.

Hello Elaine, I personally prefer Union Square. I usually stay at the Villa Florence Hotel which is just a few doors south of Union Square
http://www.villaflorence.com/

A restaurant I always enjoy is Scala's Bistro which is just one half block north of Union Square
http://www.scalasbistro.com/

There are so many restaurants in SF that are not over-the-top. You will probably be overwhelmed with the selection and I am sure you will receive a lot of recommendations from other Fodorites.

As far as Entertainment and also Restaurants may I suggest the SF Chronical website which is
www.sfgate.com

On the left hand side you can click on Entertainment for shows and Food and Dining for restaurant reviews.

October is one of my favorite months in SF..enjoy!!!

As far as hotels, try the Courtyard by Marriott.

I recommend Union Square. October is prime season for conventions so it is often difficult to get a hotel near the Moscone center. (I think courtyard is near there.) Once we were on a budget and it was Oct., we stayed on Lombardy, I can't remeber the name of the place. It was basic but clean and an easy walk to Fisherman's Wharf.

Dear Elaine22,
The Union Square/Fisherman's Wharf question comes up quite frequently. IMO, without a car, you are better staying in and around Union Square, as the transportation choices are so much better.

As to restaurants, I like Cortez, which is on Geary Street a few blocks east of Union Square. They have many "small plate" items on the menu, which means you can sample more things at will.
http://www.cortezrestaurant.com/

If you want to have dinner in the Marina, A16 should please you. I took a small group here recently - we were seated in the lovely little "garden" room in back and ordered several of their stellar pizzas and side dishes. Reservations VERY necessary.
http://www.a16sf.com/

Thanks for the hotel location opinions and the web sites.
I was able to get a good rate at the Sir Frances Drake. No one mentioned that one. Is it a good choice?

Sir Francis Drakes' location is great for Union Square. I think it's been recently renovated so you might request a renovated room.

Hello Elaine, here is an article written by our local newspapers food reporter about their stay in SF, their time at the Sir Francis Drake and their dinner at Scala's (which is part of the Sir Francis Drake hotel). This article will no doubt be of interest to you.
http://www.thereporter.com/garvey/ci_6185176