Ok, I've already written about possibly taking my sister to FLA on a quick suprise 50th. (Fort Myers area). In looking at other options, I'm seeing it's about the same cost (Expedia) to go to California. We'd have to go in mid-April (New England school teacher) and will only do 4 nites max. I'd prefer not renting a car and doing a lot of sight seeing (i.e., getting lost). I'd prefer a decent hotel where we can veg by a pool and something within walking distance to fun shops, restaurants and attractions.

Given that, would readers suggest San Francisco or San Diego. The Best Western Tuscan Inn at Fisherman's Wharf sounds nice.

>>>We'd have to go in mid-April. I'd prefer not renting a car and doing a lot of sight seeing (i.e., getting lost). I'd prefer a decent hotel where we can veg by a pool and something within walking distance to fun shops, restaurants and attractions.<<

San Francisco is perfect for that, except for the veg by the pool part. It will most likely be cool in mid April, although we sometimes get a heat-wave then (but don't count on it).

Stu Dudley
San Mateo (San Francisco), Ca.

Given that, would readers suggest San Francisco or San Diego. The Best Western Tuscan Inn at Fisherman's Wharf sounds nice.



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Sorry, but it's WAY too cold to be hanging around a pool in San Fran in April!!! Besides that it has what you're looking for (no car needed, lots of sites in walking distance and on the trolley cars).

When I hear the words <veg by the pool>, are you sure you couldn't find a 5 day package somewhere into the Caribbean?

We just got The Tuscan Inn for approx $95/night in March for Mrs K's run. Stayed there 4-5 times before and really like it. I believe it was the 3 hotel on Hotwire.com in the FW area.

The restaurant, Cafe Pescatore, is a nice place to dine....B/L&D. Good wine list, too. Far enuff away from most of the noises/hoopla of FW. If you get an interior room, very quiet.

Agree mid-April is not the best time to do pool lounging in either SF or SD.

But, we go to SF each year on the 3rd Sat in April for "family stuff" C and the past few years has been unseasonably warm.

Thank you thus far for the responses. I guess I didn't think about the "veg by the pool" thing...I realize now that it won't likely be warm enough. I am however interested in the SF responses as it sounds like a do-able place to hoof around and/or grab public transportation. Is this Best Western Tuscan Inn at Fisherman's Wharf within decent walking distance to things or is there a better area to stay in other than FW? Many thanks folks!

PS: No desire to hit a Carribean island, sort of been there done that but have never see SF (nor has the birthday girl).

The main drawback to staying at a hotel in Fisherman's Wharf, is that it's close to Fisherman's Wharf. Kid's might like the t-shirt shops, cheap trinket stores, the wax museum with a display of Brittany Spears out front, Ripley's Believe It or Not with the toasted cheese sandwich that looks like the Virgin Mother (new addition to the museum last week), Hooters, and many fast food places.

Adults will probably enjoy the surroundings of Union Square, or Lombard St Hotels more.

We have pretty good public transportation. Cable Cars can shuttle you between the Wharf & Union Sq, but lines can get long at time.

Here is a description of our main hotel areas, that I posted on AOL last year

It seems that about once every week, there is a discussion about “where to stay” while visiting San Francisco – especially for first timers. Most people ask about either the Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, or the Marina hotel areas. Here are some thoughts, with a little of my bias thrown in:

1. Union Square - This is downtown’s fashionable shopping/dining/hotel area. The “Grand” hotels are here, and a few blocks north on Nob Hill (very steep to walk there, however) The big department stores are close by, along with many smaller shops and “boutique” hotels. It is also next to the theater district. Perhaps our most “elegant” restaurants are in this area (Fleur de Lys, Farallon, Masa’s, Ritz Carlton, Postrio, etc). There are fewer “simple”, “Mom-n-Pop”, or ethnic restaurants than you will find in other parts of the City. The Cable Cars run by Union Square, so you can get to the Wharf area quickly. You can get off the Hyde St C.C. line at Union St for a walk downhill to Union St/Chestnut St (Cow Hollow/Marina). The major drawback is it’s proximity to the gritty Tenderloin, which is immediately west & south of Union Square. I don’t know if crime rates are higher, but you will feel a little more threatened than you will in the other two districts I’ll describe. There are many high-rise buildings, so there’s a little less sunlight than you will find elsewhere. Union Sq. is perhaps not as “family oriented” as the other two hotel areas. It gets more business travelers, and people who want a little more “luxury” in their hotel. Union Square is a bit “dead” on Sundays, and not as lively as the other places in the evening. I don’t enjoy strolling after dinner in this area as much as I do on Union St/Chestnut St. If you have a car, you will regret it. Parking is very expensive ($50 per night or so), and driving is difficult.

2. Fisherman’s Wharf. The Wharf is mostly inhabited by tourists. Plenty of souvenir shops selling T-shirts & other things to remind you of your visit to SF. Local entertainment includes a wax museum, Ripley’s Believe-it-or-Not, and now a Hooters – things kids might enjoy (except for the Hooters). You won’t find many locals in this area (and if you did – they wouldn’t admit it). Most restaurants are tourist oriented, and most locals feel they are mediocre at best. Good proximity to the Cable Cars, which is a plus. Nice views out into the Bay. It’s also within walking distance of North Beach, which should be on everyone’s agenda for at least one Italian dinner and “people watching” evening. With the Cable Cars, it’s quick to get downtown, but you might have to wait in line for 30 mins or so at peak times. It’s about a 30 min walk to the Union St/Chestnut St areas (see 3rd option for description). The Wharf is a perfectly safe area (from crime, vagrants, etc). Hotels usually charge $25-$40 per day for parking. Lively (with tourists) every day. If you want to stay in a typical un-San Francisco environment, this is a good choice.

3. Marina. There are many motels along Lombard St, which are (in general) cheaper and much more simple than the ones you will find in the other two districts. The main advantage to this area, in my opinion, is that it has more typical SF “flavor” than the other spots. Lombard St is one block from Chestnut St, and two blocks from Union St. Both these streets are loaded with boutiques, restaurants, and buildings with unique architecture (Victorians on Union, Art Deco on Chestnut). When we first moved to San Francisco almost 30 years ago, I remember a poster that said “If you left your heart in San Francisco, you will probably find it on Union St”. This is a residential area and you will find many locals doing their daily “stuff.” On a Sunday morning (especially if it’s sunny) you will see many folks going to the exercise studio, having breakfast at one of the many outdoor café’s, and standing on the street with their “lattes” and chatting with friends. There are no “elegant” restaurants in this area, but many of the type that locals enjoy (Isa, Betelnut, Pane e Vino, PlumpJack, Balboa Café,). This is a good area for strolling during the day, before dinner, and after dinner – it is quite lively, especially on weekends. It’s about a 30 min walk to the Wharf, where you can catch a Cable Car (or walk up Union St to catch the CC). East of the Union St shopping area, (just past Van Ness) is Polk St, where there are more nice shops & restaurants. Also on Polk St is La Folie, which is one of my favorite restaurants (if someone else is buying) and also one of the highest “rated” in the City. This is a perfectly safe area. One of it’s best advantages, is that you can park a car free at many of the Motels. Also, it is an easy area to drive in (although there are steep hills just south), and it’s a quick trip across the Golden Gate bridge to my favorite view in all the Bay Area (GGNRA, just north and to the west of the Bridge).

Stu Dudley

I agree. Fisherman's Wharf is a good place to visit once for 15-30 minutes early one morning before the crowds and junk hawkers arrive, but I wouldn't want to stay there.

Anywhere else would be preferable.

You've gotten advice from some of the best!

Kal's recommendation of the Tuscan Inn is great! Also at Fisherman's Wharf is the Argonaut, a favorite almost from the day it opened. Fisherman's Wharf is the number one hotel destination in SF. Union Square is number two.

Another area that has not been mentioned is the "waterfront" along the Bay, just a few hotels - the Hyatt Embarcadero and the Harbor Court Hotel. You might want to check into these as well. They have their guests using the adjacent YMCA sports facilities which include an olympic size pool. Despite it's "YMCA" connections, these facilities have been described as "chi chi" - and that's why chi chi boutique hotels such as the Harbor Court and chi chi chain hotels such as the Hyatt are "proud" to share those facilities. Don't know if you will be able to "lounge" beside the pool, but you sure will feel chi chi.

If you really want to be pampered and want to pay the high prices, try the Mandarin Oriental, with its olympic sized marble bathtubs.

San Diego is a car town, so SF is better.

Have fun!

Um, not all that many SF hotels HAVE pools. If it's a pool you want, head for San Diego--but the weather might not yet be too warm there either.

We stayed at Tuscan Inn - great hotel (without pool, but you would need a wetsuit to swim in SF almost any time of the year).

San Francisco's an excellent choice is you don't mind cooler weather. Definitely a walking city with great energy.

Or since you're on a plane anyway, Mexico would give you a sunny resort vacation someplace like Puerto Vallarta or Playa del Carmen.

I just don't think any part of California is warm enough for beaching in mid-April.

I have also stayed at the Tuscan Inn a few times and liked the hotel. It has somewhat of a European feel, rooms are smaller but not too bad. It's right in the middle of Fisherman's Wharf so you will have to deal with the touristy stuff. I don't think it's a bad location for your first visit to SF as long as you are aware of the tourist environment. If you are into more upscale shopping then Union Square might be better. Villa Florence gets good recommendations.

San Diego would be warmer than SF but unless we are having a heat wave, you wouldn't be sitting out by the pool in April.

I thought I posted another note here last nite but maybe I didn't hit the "post" button. Anyway, we plan to do SF and not SD.

My head is swimming after reading the replies here, plus reading elsewhere regarding the neighborhoods in SF. I don't think I'd like to stay in FW based upon what I've read about it being a tourist trap. (though I'm sure we'll visit it). Union Square sounds ok, but again sorta congested with major chain store after store. We would rather explore and take in the sights though we'll do a little shopping too. Now is Union Street different than Union Square? Is the Marina/Cow Hollow one area or separate?

Essentially what we want is someplace that won't break the bank and that is either in easy walking distance to some other neighborhoods or is on the bus/cable line. What about The Marina Inn on Octavia Street? Is that a safe area? I know some reviews said it's not much on the outside but the inside is sufficient (plus it has breakfast). I don't necessarily need some luxurious hotel, would rather get a true "feel" for the area.

Many thanks

I don't know the Marina Inn.If it's on Octavia vs Lombard it might be ok. How about Cow Hollow Suites? That area(the Marina) should be fine. There are many great places to eat. You will also be in relatively close proximity to Crissy Field which is a great spot to walk. The GG Bridge will be right up close and personal. You can take the 22 Fillmore bus over the hill to Pacifc Hgts which is also a great place to visit. There are so many really fine restaurants(w/o breaking the bank) in this area. Try A16 for one.

Here's another suggestion. Check out the Queen Ann in SF. It's in close proximity to Japantown and Pacifc Hgts tho' not as closely proximated to restaurants or shops as you would be in the Marina. It is, however, is ready walking distance to my now favorite place to eat in SF, Quince. You can take the 4 Sutter downtown. It is also right across the street from the former home of Mary Ellen Pleasant. She was a major force in SF in the 1800's providing "the fine lifestyle" to the real estate moguls. She amassed a fortune and sent a great deal of her $$ to finance the underground railroad. SF(unbeknownst to many) was a terminus for the railroad.

Tips: hit the Ferry Plaza farmers' market if you are here on a Saturday.

I stayed at the Hyatt Embarcadero in January and loved it. Was there for a Yoga Journal conference. The rooms are nice, though ours didn't have a great view so you might ask to be on the side with the ocean view. Excellent service from all staff.

It's very close to the Ferry building, and you can hop a train there that will take you to Pier 39, FW, & Ghiradelli Square touristy areas. There is a fantastic Mexican place in the Ferry building, and an organic bakery with chocolate cakes to die for.

If you do stay in that area (financial district, which Hyatt is on the edge of), be sure to visit the Tadich Grill. Friendly service and excellent crab cakes. We likes sitting at the counter rather than waiting for a table - could sit & eat faster and since we'd never been it was a nice to have easy access to a local for advice on where to shop/etc. Tadich is a couple of blocks walk from the Hyatt. Near the Tadich (about one block before it) is also a German place that was highly recommended to me. We didn't get there, but I'm looking forward to visiting it the next time I get to SF.

There's also an amazing restaurant you mustn't miss: Zuni Café & Grill
1658 Market St.
San Francisco, California
Phone: 415/552-2522. It is pricey, but honestly it is incredibly worth it. Ask for a table near the wood burning stove.

I'd recommend the oven roasted chicken with stuffing. It is out of this world! They have a good selection of whiskey too . (*Note: If you stay in the financial district & want to go to Zuni's, PLEASE take a cab. We walked there - it was a nice long walk, but unfortunately, it was through some areas two young women really should not have been walking! That cab back was about $7.)

-Sandra

Union Street & Union Square are two different places. Union Sq is the downtown shopping hub. Union St is in a residential neighborhood & has lots of shops & restaurants. Look at a map of SF & start at Union St & Gough. Go west about 6 blocks to Steiner, then turn around & walk 1 block east to Fillmore, then go north 4 blocks to Chestnut, then west to Divisadero. On this route you will pass about 30 restaurants - mostly all very nice & not expensive. There will be scads of boutiques, clothing stores, every coffee place imaginable (Peets, Sarbucks, etc), outdoor cafes, etc. Between Union St & Chestnut St is the Lombard St "Motel Row" area - perhaps 20 motels. The Union St area is known as Cow Hollow, and the Chestnut st area & north is the Marina district. This area is very active on weekends, because it's almost all residential, surrounding the main shopping streets.

Hotels along this "Motel Row" are a lot less expensive than almost all Union Sq hotels.

Stu Dudley

Thanks Stu. Is there a particular hotel or hotels you'd recommend in this area? It sounds like more of what we are looking for.

Ditto Pammer on A16 and Ferry Farmer's Mkt.

Take an appetite to both places.

Also agree somewhat with Bardo...I've seen some great sunrises from FW, esp at the end of Pier 39 before the "locals" really wake up.
Walking around early in FW reminds me a bit of early morning walks in New Orleans' FQ. Lotta cleaning up going on!

EasyT!!! The Harbor Court, Tuscan Inn, Galleria Park and Villa Florence are probably my fave small hotels in SF, in that order.
I'd rate VF higher but for the parking situation.

This may be more than what you want to spend, but The Huntington Hotel on Nob Hill is well located. Should you stay somewhere else you could still go to their spa. They even have a small pool (indoors) by which you can lull around in between treatments or have a spa lunch. They also have a fireplace to one side should you like that. There are also 3 or 4 other large hotels in the area, so it might be possible to get an internet deal. I stayed for part of visit at Fisherman's Wharf 20 years ago and loved it. Is has changed and you couldn't pay me to stay there now.