JigEuro

Ok, flying up from socal for the weekend next week to SF with the wife and kind of got it narrowed down what area wanna stay in, can anyone help with choosing? Its just me and the wife she's never been (so we will obviously be doing the touristy stuff). Any help would be great and btw I'm thinking of doing bid at Priceline . so far have Fishermans wharf , union square east and the financial district. should I check all three or just one or 2 if Im doing priceline.

MmePerdu

If there's a place to check "free parking" for your bid, that may be the deciding factor, if budget matters. And it must, if bidding is your first choice.

JigEuro

wont have a car. pure walking and public trans.

november_moon

I would choose Union Sq East or Financial District. Fisherman's Wharf would only be my choice if I completely struck out with the other 2 neighborhoods.

Regarding strategy, in order to maximize the number of "rebids" that you have, check only 1 neighborhood first and give it a try. If you don't get a successful bid with 1 neighborhood, then check the other neighborhood as well.

If you aren't familiar with the strategy for maximizing your re-bids, check out www.biddingfortravel.com - there are some good explanations there on how to do it.

There is a list of the SF hotels people have gotten with Priceline, so you can see what you are likely to get at each star level.

http://biddingfortravel.yuku.com/top...T#.VIs0qXvGOpQ

You could also consider SOMA-Moscone Center neighborhood with 4* and above.

DebitNM

Have you ever used Priceline before? There are bidding strategies that enable you to rebid if your first attempt fails to be accepted. Or do express Priceline or Hotwire. Realize these are all no refund, so if you don't get the one you want ,you're stuck.

What dates? What price per night?

http://www.betterbidding.com

Kimpton hotels has several hotels in SF and they are really nice. You can join their free loyalty club and get minute deals, whic are for the next 7nights, on a rolling basis.
Kimptonhotels.com

This is likely an expensive time in SF, so you may not get great deals.

DebitNM

https://www.kimptonhotels.com/karma-rewards/overview

https://www.kimptonhotels.com/karma-...t-minute-deals

Too soon for next weekend, check on Sat for next Friday and Sat, or Sun for Sat and Sunday.

MmePerdu

Sorry, Jig, somehow transposed "flying" to "driving".

"Financial District" in hotelier terms can translate to near Chinatown and North Beach, my favorite area of all. For instance, the Hilton Financial District is less than a block from Chinatown and 2 or 3 from the beginnings of North Beach. That's the one I'd choose. Unless Fisherman's Wharf appeals. It can be pleasantly less dense, architecturally speaking.

Tabernash2

I've never used Priceline, because I've never spent the time to figure it out.

I agree with Deb that the Kimpton properties are wonderful. We love the Monaco there.

I would not choose Fisherman's Wharf. It gets so crowded, and is kind of tacky IMHO.

The Joie de Vivre properties are nice, too. We stayed once at the Hotel Rex, Union Square. Great location.

clarkgriswold

booking.com has lots of choices in the $150-$175 per night range next weekend...so you should find something easily with priceline.
Hotwire has Hotel Vitale @ $169, you might call the hotel directly to see if you can get an even better deal.

janisj

What is your actual budget? If you can afford a straight booking w/ one of the hotel chains like Kimpton - several have holiday packages that are 'bargains'. Or as much of a bargain as you ever get in SF.

But Priceline can be great for SF. Only bid the USE and FD zones -- Fisherman's Wharf only if your other bids are unsuccessful. Don't bid any other zones -- all have serious pitfalls.

november_moon

janis - For the SOMA-Moscone zone, with 4* and above, which hotels would you consider as pitfalls? I was thinking that the Intercontinental on Howard might be a little too far south of Market/close to 6th for comfort, but still not bad.

WillTravel

Have you taken a look at Priceline Express and Hotwire? Bidding on Priceline may be a little cheaper, but with those services you can usually figure out the hotel in advance.

JigEuro

I dunno if it's good but got the Hilton in financial district for 115/pn , opinions on hotel, location, and price??

janisj

I haven't stayed there but the location is fine. It is right across from the Transamerica Pyramid and near the corner of Columbus Avenue. 3 blocks from the Calif. Street cable car and good bus connections. Close to Chinatown.

MmePerdu

JigEuro - where did you find that price? It's about half the going rate. I've been checking recently, love the location.

janisj

Priceline or Hotwire?

JigEuro

Did priceline choose your price

janisj

Terrific - I love PL for SF . . . as long as you are careful w/ the zones. BTW it is also very good for SFO hotels.

DebitNM

Kimptons we're going for around $100 a night for those nights, if you had signed up. I find Financial district a bit too quiet on weekend. I am sure you'll do fine. Enjoy.

sf7307

I was thinking that the Intercontinental on Howard might be a little too far south of Market/close to 6th for comfort, but still not bad

Friends stayed there - I was concerned but it turned out the location is absolutely fine (just turn left out the front door, not right).