Stu - Like I keep hearing "You're the Best". Thank you so much. Actually, the Hidden Cottage was one of the Homeaway properties that I had checked, but was unavailable on the dates I would need. I hope I have better luck with the others.

Soon as it's a decent hour PST, I'll be calling them.

On the B&B list I sent you, I recall that some are really outside the Noe Valley area a bit. If you can send me the addresses of the ones you are intrested in, I can tell you if some are in better locations to others.

Stu Dudley

Stu, I checked a few of them and a number of them have no vacancies. I am still waiting to hear back from a few of the others. There is one at 1257 Guerrero Street near 24th Street with a vacancy, and also another I found located on 20th Street, between Dolores & Guerrero, looks like a block or so away from that park.

>>There is one at 1257 Guerrero Street near 24th Street with a vacancy,>>

That's an Ok area - but not really in the Noe Valley. The walk west up 24th or 25th from Guerrero to Dolores to the Noe Valley & the J-Church is up a VERY steep hill - but it's only 1 block. Then it is flat all the way west on 24th & a tad downhill on 25th. Mission St is just 2 blocks east where there is lots of public transportation - but it is all above ground and therefore not nearly as fast downtown as the J-Church (which is below ground just past Market St.)

>and also another I found located on 20th Street, between Dolores & Guerrero, looks like a block or so away from that park

I think I would be more inclined toward the 20th Street property. You will be close to the Castro and in close proximity to some great places on Guerrero (Bi-Rite, Delfina,Tartine)

>>great places on Guerrero (Bi-Rite, Delfina,Tartine)

So Pam & Stu, you would say that the place on 20th is in a safe neighborhood - cause I read in one of the books to beware of the park after dark due to drugs, etc.

Re: being close to the Castro - why do I want that proximity? transportation? Restaurants? Just a fun area?

It's a safe neighborhood - we'll be near there for dinner tonight. You'll really have little need to walk through Dolores park at night. Both 20th & 18th streets border the park & both are stops on the J-Church line. We've frequently gotten off the J-Church at 18th or 20th at night & walked to the Mission for dinner. I've never thought it to be an unsafe area. Many of the homes/apts on 3 sides are upper-end places. (1 side is a Church/school). It may have been un-safer 20 years ago - but not now. Many books may tell you about being aware of your surroundings in ANY park in anycity US.

The Castro, of course, is our heavily gay neighborhood. Perfectly safe. Lots of activity on Castro St between Market & 19th st, & a block or two both east & west. Many restaurants, shops, bars, etc. Since you're close to the J-Church trolly around Dolores park, you'll take that downtown - so no need to go over to Castro to pick up a trolly heading downtown from there. The 33 line goes past Dolores Park on 18th & heads west to the Haight/Ashbury and then along Golden Gate Park. There is a BART station at 16th & Mission - which is a short walk away. Lots of buses on Mission too.

Stu Dudley

bookmarking. unbelievable amount of good info on SF & SonomaV

Stu is right~Bi-rite and Delfina are on 18th just off Guerrero. Delores Park is surrounded by many upscale homes.

And the Castro does have some good restaurants, is safe and has a fabulous movie theater-The Castro Theater where you can see many old films in Art Deco splendor. This is also a neighborhood that knows how to "do brunch".

>>

Does anybody remember the brunch place that was down a little alley that you entered on Castro, (in the back of a building on the east side of the street) that served unreal cinnamon buns? We used to go there often when we lived on Twin Peaks and then in Noe Valley. I think it's not there anymore, but I'd sure love to find out if anyone is making similar buns!

Stu~I think you are referring to "The Patio".

So far, I have been unsuccessful in getting accommodations at ANY of the B & B's on that listing. I'm almost ready to throw in the towel and replan this trip for next Fall, but do so WAY in advance. There is a large convention, I believe orthopedic, going on during the time I am trying to find a place. I have another few days to continue looking, but it isn't looking too optimistic.

Susie~I doubt the orthos are staying in the B&Bs. Keep trying.

Pam, I'm sure the orthos aren't, but somebody sure is! Travelzoo just sent me an offer for The Suites at Fisherman's Wharf - I didn't want to stay in that area, but may end up doing so. At least it's only for a few nights. What do you think?

I know nothing about that place. BUT~if it fits with what you are looking for(includes kitchenette?)check out TA on see what they say. You will be in close proximity to Ferry Plaza and can pick up all sorts of treats for heating up or eating on site.Besides, you can come this year vs next.

I am going to try and check it out on line and get back to you.

Susie~The reviews on TA are very good. I agree, the best thing about this place is location,location,location. You will be close to the water, public transportation and the wharf,NorthBeach and North Point.

Have you looked @Cow Hollow Suites?

Is being close to the Wharf a plus????? Sure different from the Noe Valley.

Stu Dudley

The wharf would not be my pick, Stu but she is looking for a place to stay and got an offer.