My husband and I are planning to spend up to 4 days in San Francisco. I'd appreciate any comments, hints and suggestions about places to see and things to do, fine restaurants and nice hotels. Thanks very much in advance

When we stay in San Francisco we always stay at
the Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf. It's a five minute
walk to the areas along the bay. It's also located
between the ends of two different cable car runs.
The people at the Hyatt have always given us
fantastic service. It's a newer place, built in
1992 I believe. If you would like more info about
the area just e-mail me.

Good Luck
EDF

Hello
I'm from Perth in Western Australia and visited San Fran last year. What a place! I'm heading over there again in 2 weeks. I stayed at the Handlery Union Square Hotel a 4 star hotel which is fantastic. You couldn't get a hotel in a better location as far as I'm concerned. Right on the cable car line, shopping and restaurants abound. I liked it so much I'm staying there again. You even get a coffee machine beside your bed!!! There are restaurants everywhere and about three doors up is a fantastic and inexpensive Japanese restaurant if you like the food. I suggest that you try Macy's foodhall as well very cheap and great food.

Take the cable car to Pier 39 (Fisherman's Wharf) and have a wander. Catch a bay ferry and cruise under the Golden Gate and around Alcatraz. You can get clam chwoder in a hollowed out loaf of bread which is a local specialty. Some of the freshest seafood you can imagine as well. Visit the Gray Line bus on Union Square they are very helpful and can organise loads of sidetrips.

One downside of San Fran is the number of beggars and homeless people asking for money. It gets you down.

Overall San Fran is the nicest city I have visited in the US and hope to visit many more times. If would liek any other tips just ask. Regards Glen.

There's so much to do in S.F. it's mindboggling. The downtown Hilton is a nice place, and so is the St. Francis. The Fairmont is great but quite expensive. There's also the Parc 55 which is reasonable. I agree with Glen about the sites...take the Alcatraz tour, visit Fisherman's Wharf (especially Pier 39), see Ghirardelli Square, go down Lombard Street (the most crooked street in the world!) and take a city tour. There's a good restaurant called The Waterfront on the wharf. One of the best views of the city can be seen from the restaurant atop the Hilton. Scott's Seafood Bar and Grill is good and so is the Washington Street Bar and Grill. There's also the Carnelian Room atop the Bank of America building in the financial district. Drop by Lefty O'Douls bar downtown if you're a sports nut. And if you love good desserts, you must stop by Max's Opera House cafe. As far as directions go, it's an easy city to explore on foot. No matter what interests you have, S.F. is loaded with things to do!

Last time I was in SF I stayed at the Mark Hopkins which I really don't reccommend there are other much better hotels for similar price. There are so many great restaurants--one to go is Stars owned by Jeremiah Tower who is an icon in American cuisine, also Silks at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is lovely. Visit the great Museum of Modern Art- the building itself is spectacular and the park across the street is a great place to "sit a spell." We enjoyed Golden Gate Park- in particular the Japanese Garden where you can have tea.