San Francisco-which area to stay?
 

Hi, I am driving to San Francisco this summer with my husband & teen daughter, and I don't know which area we should stay in. We will go to Alcatraz, The Exploratorium, shopping, and out to eat. I assume we can use public transportation to get around & just leave the car parked. Which area would you recommend?

What's your budget like for a hotel room?

I'm definitely no expert, but I was there a few weeks ago with ds and stayed near Union Square. We stayed at the Orchard Garden Hotel - a boutique property that is absolutely pristine with upscale amenities - booked late and got a rate of $111 for a room with two double beds. Stayed at Campton Place nearby last fall with dh - lovely property, but much more expensive. There is a garage down the block near both hotels. I really liked the USq area - very convenient.

I've stayed in Union Square at the Sir Francis Drake and in Fisherman's Wharf at the Sheraton. Both were convenient and quite nice.

Our budget is 150 per night or so. We would like to walk to restaurants and use the public transportation to get around.

I was able to get the Sheraton fisherman's wharf(3 or 3.5 star hotel) for only $65/night on priceline. It was really nice; updated with hip, cool contemporary vibe. You could spend the money you save on cabs if needed. We walked everywhere but it is right on the F streetcar line if you needed to take public transportation. It is also convenient for your Alcatraz cruise. It was one of the best hotel deals I've had, ever....and I try only to travel with good hotel deals.

Thanks for everyones input. So it's between Fisherman's Wharf & Union Square. Does anyone recommend the city pass?

NoCo..we also got the FW Sheraton for $65 about 2 weeks ago.
Agree on the remodel. Very hip, cool, contemp.
Free WiFi in the lobby but weak signal in the rooms.

Janig....parking charges may killyah.

Type in Stu Dudley and NeoPatrick in the "search" box because they have some good ideas for parking in various areas.

I think parking at the FW Sher was $43/day!
Priceline giveth-Parking taketh away!:`(

Just scored the St Francis for $70/night for our next SF trip.

wow, Kal....you are master of the killah deals! Best I've seen the stfrancis is $95. I'd love to do the Palace for $99; I had to cancel those reservations a year ago.

I would absolutely not do a car rental till you leave SF and have to. No need to pay for all that parking and deal with the hassles. Lots of car rental agencies in town you can pick up from when ready.

ncounty

It seems like they'll already have a car when they arrive. It may be their own car - perhaps not a rental.

Stu Dudley

We live in the North San Diego area, and are doing a road trip to Sequoia, San Francisco, Carmel & San Luis Obispo(my niece is getting married here) & back home. Since I have not been to San Francisco, I am clueless. I will find a cheap parking garage, as I have read all the posts I could find on SF. Thanks, everyone!

Columbus Motor Inn is in the comfortable North Beach neighborhood a short walk to Fisherman's wharf. Rooms are large and clean, and parking is included in the rate. Often recommended here by fodorites.

I love the Marina/Cow Hollow area. Check out the Chelsea Motor Inn. Hardly luxury, but great location and parking is FREE.