This is a little long - pls bear with me!

Planning a trip with hubby about 4/17-4/23/05. We wanted to be able to hit the Italian restaurants, etc., in North Beach without having to walk too far. (Oh, okay, we're beer geeks and there seem to be some nice beer bars and "beer friendly" restaurants in that area.)

Anyway, was looking at the Hotel Boheme, seems a bit pricey, but would be willing to stay there. Are the rooms teeny-tiny? Hubby's not a small guy, and I want at least a little room to do a small morning workout - I know my legs will probably be killing me from all the walking ;-), but I still need to do a little yoga or Tai Chi to get my system going!

What about the SW Hotel on Broadway? Is that any good? Is it true there are strip joints on Broadway? (I read about that on another site).

Comments/ideas on any other B&Bs or inns in that general vicinity (up to and including Washingon Sq.) is appreciated!

Would also like to take a day trip up 101 or the Pacific Coast Hwy. (sorry if I'm not calling it the right name). From what I've read, parking in North Beach is esp. tough - if it's not easy to rent a car from this part of SF, is there a tour of at least part of 101 that can be taken?

Thanks for any help! This will be our first time to SF!

We stayed at the San Remo several years ago. It is located on the fringe of the North Beach area, and a short walk to Fisherman's Wharf. The cable car stop is about a block away. Since it was a few years ago I can't remember the size of the rooms ,but I think they were fairly small, and the bathrooms were in the hall. However, this place oozes charm, with lots of potted plants, oriental rugs, etc and it is fairly inexpensive.

Thanks - I'll keep that one in mind!

On Washington Square is the Washington Square Inn. I have never stayed there; just went in last week to get a rate sheet (I am having some family here next year). May be worth checking out. There are strip clubs on Broadway...I am not sure if this is a negative or positive for you, but the area is not scuzzy or unsafe if that was your concern.

Parking in North Beach is death. You can rent a car from Fisherman's Wharf (most of the agencies have offices there) which is walking distance from North Beach.

Kikahead,

Yes - I was concerned about Broadway being an unsafe area. At least you've put my mind to rest about that!

Thanks for the other suggestions as well. Although I'm leaning toward the Hotel Boheme, I'm still keeping an open mind about what hotel or whatever we'll stay at. And I'll remember to rent a car at Fisherman's Wharf.

Everything is much appreciated!

I will second the recommendation for the Washington Square Inn. While I've never stayed there (we live about 2 blocks away), that's where we are putting my BF's parents when they visit.

Hi, JG1962.

I often advise people to go to HotelRes.com when booking rooms in SF. Unlike ANY of the other big web sites, they've cultivated personal relationships with their local businesses for over a decade. They usually beat any rate I can find, and their "Value Index" is pretty trustworthy.

I plugged in your dates, and came up with the SW Hotel with above-average value, and prices between $109-$139.

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You asked about the room sizes in the Hotel Bohème. I Googled relentlessly, because this is exactly the kind of thing I like to know.

Here are some things of interest (note: TinyURL.com links expand to larger links too unwieldy to post here):

http://tinyurl.com/49vwl (from Concierge.com)

Sunset, in a cached link from Google, says, "(Another good choice in North Beach is the Hotel Bohème; though rooms are pricier, they have a funky Beat-era charm.)"

Northwest Airlines lists it as one of the best for romance here:
http://www.nwa.com/travel/world/from...029020002.html

Interesting link here:
http://www.shermanstravel.com/sanfrancisco/lodging.asp
Mentions "girly décor" (duvet covers and canopy beds). Ahem. I believe that the more apt term would call that QVC Channel décor. More middle-aged persons have stuffed animals on their beds than any teens I know today, male or female.

None of this speaks to the size of the rooms. I'd love to help you.

I do know this. For about $175 a night, you could get a 500sf suite in the Hotel Majestic, and you could do capoeira on the floor.

Um, last bit here about the Hotel Bohème:

http://www.frommers.com/destinations...articleid=1696
"Rooms are small but truly sweet..."

Worse yet, they only have showers.

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At this point, I would Google "Washington Square Inn" and see what popped up. Add these terms: review, "room size" and any others you can think of.

You mention a day trip north. What are you seeking? Or are you only seeking car rental information?

We stayed at a very nice Victorian B&B type place years ago, called Stamford Court. I think it is in the location you're looking for.

JerseyGirl,

Since you are admitted "beer geeks" here are a few places you should check out while you're in SF:

Toronado Bar (547 Haight St.): hole in the wall, eclectic clientele--one of the best beer bars in the city with tons of foreign beers on tap!

Frjtz (579 Hayes St.): another hole in the wall teahouse, with great Belgian beers, crepes and french fries to die for--sit on their quaint back patio for a unique experience.

Lefty O'Douls (just off Powell at Union Square): cool piano bar with good polish sausage and oftentimes good German beer on tap--love going here for a break from shopping!

Just a few of my favorite beer places in SF!

First, to alg:

Thanks for seconding the Washington Sq. Inn! I just wonder, though - hubby and I are in our early 40's - is that particular inn more for

Stupid me, I hit "post my reply" by mistake!

Anyway, alg, what was *attempting* to ask before my fingers went crazy - does the Washington Sq. Inn seem to cater more to 50, 60, 70 year olds? Not that there's anything wrong with that ;-), but I just want to get a feel for the place. For instance, if hubby and I leave our local watering hole too early, he rants that it doesn't make him feel young anymore.

Before I go any further, if I've put my foot in my mouth and offended anyone, I apologize.

Although no one can guarantee that this place will be the "perfect" place to stay, I just want to get all the info I can possibly get before any final decisions are made.

Thanks for all your help!

Now on to tanabutler.

Thanks for all the info - interesting and funny stuff about the Hotel Boheme...I didn't realize they only had showers. Might be a big deal, as we'll be doing a lot of walking around, and it would be nice to just flop into a nice, warm bath to soak the tootsies...and everything else, for that matter. ;-)

I'm going to google Washington Sq. Inn with your suggestions and see what I come up with, thanks!

Hubby wanted to take a drive up the Pacific Coast Hwy. or Rt. 101 - not sure if that's the same thing or not, as I've only come somewhat close to California once (took a 2 week drive out to the Grand Canyon only a year after we were married). It's whatever loopy road that has a lot of scenery. (There, that should narrow it down, eh? ;-))

Sorry if I sound a bit crazy - it's getting near the end of a particularly crazy work day...but I thank you and everyone else who has responded for all the helpful tips and ideas!

MaureenB,

Thanks for the idea - I'll google that and see what I come up with.

AZWildcat,

Ah, beer!

Thanks for the names of these bars - always like to know where the good (and bad) beers are.

Let me ask you about a couple of places - maybe you'll now if they're good, bad, indifferent.

O'Reilly's Irish Pub (622 Green St.). It looks like a cool place on their website.

Rogue Public House (not sure of the address, but it's somewhere in North Beach).

Dag - there were a couple of other places in North Beach, but I can't remember. Anyway, I'll start with those, to see if you know about them and whether they have good pours, etc.

Thanks!!

Hi again JerseyGirl,

I haven't been inside O'Reilly's Irish Pub, but I've driven by and it does look cool.

I've been to the Rogue restaurant for lunch (it's off the main strip--Columbus in North Beach). We were there on a Saturday, and it was eerily deserted (just a few tourists and one guy who was the host, bartender, waitstaff, etc.) I'm a BudLight girl myself, but DH (the reason we're always going out to good beer bars) and my friend were raving about the Rogue ales on tap there (10 or so). Food was good--and maybe the atmosphere livens up a bit at night?

While you're in North Beach, check out XOX Truffle shop if you like chocolate--the little caramel truffles are divine.

Have fun!
AZWildcat

Can't help with the hotel, but I just wanted to say we rented a car from the Hyatt hotel in Fisherman's Wharf (a Budget rental) and it was smooth. Take the 49-Mile drive around SF if you have time!

O'Reillys is awesome!!! They have this giant Irish Wolfhound that is often sleeping in the middle of the floor and make great shepard pie!!

Thanks for the info on Rogue and O'Reilly's!

We don't necessarily mind if a bar is somewhat deserted - I think sometimes that's better because it gives you a chance to take in the place...see if it has a certain flavor or ambiance.

As for the Budget car rental at the Hyatt - can anyone rent a car from there or do you have to be a guest at the hotel?

Again, many thanks to all for the suggestions - you people ROCK!

Anyone can rent a car there. . . we stayed at the nearby Sheraton. I rented it through the central Budget reservations.

Tim and Liz,

Great! Thanks for the info!