Visiting SF on a weekday in July and trying to decide whether to stay in the city or out in Sausalito and driving into SF for the day. Would like to take in the sights in SF during the day, but prefer a quite night scene. Any advice on this? Would like to stay in a reasonably priced hotel. Anyone ever stayed at the Hotel Boheme on Columbus Ave in SF? What about good places in Sausalito?

I can't offer advice on Sausalito lodging, but if you do stay on the Marin County side, don't drive into the city, take the ferry. It will save you traffic and parking headaches, and you'll have no problem getting around SF via public transit.

...agree with above poster. How about staying at the Inn Above the Tide and taking the ferry into the city? Dock is at your door in Sausalito. It is quiet and calming to watch the ferries and kayakers paddling at night from your deck.

Another vote for the ferry! Inn Above the Tide is quite posh but lovely. Others are Gables Inn and Casa Madrona but they are also quite expensive. Personally, I would look for something in the city in a relatively quiet part of town--maybe over off Union Street or in Pacific Heights. Hotel Boheme is in North Beach and is decorated with 50s and 60s memorabilia. It certainly isn't a quiet night scene, although it's great fun. Quiet might be the Bed and Breakfast Inn.

TG:

You really should consider staying at the Casa Madrona in Sausalito (http://www.casamadrona.com/). My wife & I stayed there our last time out. A beautiful place that's built into the hillside w/ a spectacular view of the Bay. It's also within walking distance of the Ferry so you can get into SF & out w/ ease. We had a wonderful time there. Can't say enough good things about. It might be a bit more than you wanted to pay but is worth it. Have a great trip!

I think you should decide where you want to spend the greater part of your time and stay there. If you don't, you will probably spend most of your time admiring how beautiful the Golden Gate Bridge is.

Just beware the trolls under the GG bridge!