I am planning a family vacation for July 2016 to San Francisco. We will be traveling with kiddos in tow, ages 13 and 10. I would love advice on where to stay. I have seen so much conflicting advice on Union Square vs Fisherman's Wharf. I am mainly concerned with the hotel being near public transit (other than cable cars as I hear they are crowded and the wait can be long), safety, clean, and quiet as possible. I understand Fisherman's Wharf is touristy but we are not shoppers or foodies so I am concerned staying in Union Square would not have much to offer for us. However we would like to see the Union Square architecture. Are there any other up sides to staying in Union Square vs Fisherman's Wharf? We do not get to vacation often and work hard and save for a long time to afford vacations so we just want to make sure we pick the right location. I am not necessarily looking for a cheap hotel but not the most expensive either. Would love advice. Thanks!

With kids Fisherman's Wharf hands down.

prettykitty, I agree with Stewbear (although there are other neighborhoods to consider), but you really must give us an approximate budget--how much per night? Because "not cheap but not expensive either" is meaningless.

Sorry NewbE, budget anywhere from $200-400 a night. I realize Fisherman's Wharf is Russian Hill or is adjacent to RH so anything in that area or an area or hotel you would recommend, would be appreciated.

Columbus Motor Inn is a stones throw to FW and No Beach. Bit of a walk to Union Sq.
Their sister properties are also inexpensive and are a short walk to FW, Aquatic Park, Marina Green etc.

We'v always used Priceline ot Hotwire for good prices in FW area.

www.columbusmotorinn.com/

www.columbusmotorinn.com/sister_properties.html

>> I am mainly concerned with the hotel being near public transit (other than cable cars