A good guide for SF is www.sfguide.com. It is the online version of &quot;San Francisco Guide&quot; magazine and has information on transportation, accommodations, neighborhoods, attractions,etc. It also has a live webcam.<BR><BR>Another good guide is www.timeout.com/sanfrancisco. This contains excerpts from the hardcover guide &quot;TimeOut:San Francisco.&quot; It is less comprehensive, but has a search function for each of the listed categories.<BR><BR>As for lodging recommendations, I suggest you search these and other guides to determine which areas of San Francisco sound good to you. As you can see from this thread, there are strong opinions regarding locations. It is largely a matter of personal preference as to which would be most suitable for you. Also, it is difficult to recommend a hotel without knowing your price range or whether or not you like chains, B&amp;B's, or boutiques. SF offers a range of accommodation in all categories, so with a little research you should be able to find something you like.<BR> <BR>You say you are first-time visitors to SF with only 3 days to spend and who don't mind walking. If you stayed at Union Square, the Financial District, Fisherman's Wharf, or Nob Hill you could see most tourist attractions pretty easily by foot or public transportion. If you stayed in Pacific Heights, the Marina District, or North Beach, you could still do so, but it would involve a little more walking. <BR><BR>IMO, staying in Sausilito or Mill Valley would be like going to Las Vegas and not staying on the Strip. Some people would never consider this; others would. Again, a matter of personal preference.<BR> <BR>Whichever area and hotel you choose, I hope you have a wonderful stay!

Hi guys. This is barkster99, the original poster. --- Thank you all for your help. You've provided some great information and I do appreciate it. (Not exactly conclusive, but appreciated all the same.) I see there's another thread debating the Union Square thing, though haven't read it yet. I'm off to do that now...