San Francisco neighborhoods
 

We are planning to stay in one of two possible places, the Castle Inn at 1565 Broadway or the Columbus Motor Inn at 1075 Columbus Ave. Can anyone tell me if either neighborhood would be more desirable than the other? What is in the vicinity of either? Other insights? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Both neighborhoods are good because there is a lot going on nearby.

The Castle Inn is on somewhat of a busy street (get a room in the back), but you are half a block from Polk Street which has many cute restaurants and shops. You are also walking distance to Chestnut and Union streets for more restaurants and shopping, as well as Fisherman's Wharf. You are close to transportation that can take you downtown or other places in the city.

Columbus Motor Inn is closer to the water and is closer walking distance to Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach.

You can't go wrong with either, IMHO, but I might actually direct you to the Castle Inn because it's not in Fisherman's Wharf (too touristy for a whole visit) and you will have access to the many different neighborhoods and get a feel where locals spend their time.

Diane, I would select the Castle Inn for the reasons SanFranciscoNative listed. I really enjoy window shopping along Union. I would recommend getting a room in back, as Van Ness Avenue is one of the city's busier thoroughfares.

You could breakfast somewhere along Union Street in the a.m., hop a convenient 45-Union Muni bus and take that up and over into North Beach for a bit of people-watching in Washington Square Park before taking on the hike up Filbert Street to Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill for stunning views of the city from all directions. Grab something wonderful at one of the Italian places along Columbus Avenue (I'd vote for L'Osteria del Forno, at 519 Columbus, which has the best moderately priced Italian food in town; it's popular, so I'd recommend a late lunch, say around 1 or so). Catching a 30-Stockton Muni bus at Columbus and Union will take you through the heart of Chinatown and into Union Square, perfect if you're in the mood for shopping or just window shopping at Macy's or any number of other fancy places.

Walk down Stockton to the F-Line stop directly in front of Old Navy -- these historic streetcars are a treat, and will shortly take you to the delightful Ferry Building. A brief walk up Embarcadero on the Ferry Building side of the street will take you to Pier 7, which is a wonderful place to watch the sunset if it's a nice, clear day. (You'll have a view of the Financial District as well as Telegraph Hill, and behind you will be the majestic Bay Bridge.)

Thanks to both of you for your help! Would you consider these areas equally safe to be out and about walking in the evening?

I may have a different perception of safety since I'm a guy, but I would say personal safety wouldn't be an issue in either neighborhood at night. Especially since you'll be with somebody else. Certainly by day you'll be perfectly fine.

I agree with Doubletee and I'm a woman. You shouldn't have any problems at night in either neighborhood.