Where to stay in San Francisco
 

I'll be traveling in October with three kids (ages 5-13). I'm looking for some place we can leave the car and just take public transportation for our three days there, something not too expensive and some place safe. And I didn't really want to drive too much in the city, but I've also read it's not to fun to stay outside the city. Thank you for any ideas.

There are several very decent motels along the Lombard Street corridor and nearby that have family rooms and free parking.

Cow Hollow Inn, San Francisco - Sister Properties - several sister properties.

Or the Presidio Travelodge (NOT the other Travelodges in the area). Hotels in San Francisco CA | Travelodge Presidio Golden Gate | San Francisco, California Hotel

There are others but these will get you started.

Lombard Street.



The farther I get from Union Square - the more I enjoy San Francisco.


Some ideas:
https://www.fodors.com/community/uni...ations-356478/


Stu Dudley

I have been there too and I stayed in the Chancellor hotel on Union Square. It offered more than what I expected. you can also check their reviews on Google as well.

We stayed at Chelsea Inn and left our car there (free parking). It's one of seven (I think) sister properties in the Marina District. We loved that part of SF...felt more like a neighborhood.

>>I'm looking for some place we can leave the car and just take public transportation for our three days there, something not too expensive and some place safe.<<


IMO, the Chancellor only satisfies one of the OP's four requirements - the "public transportation" one.



I've lived in San Francisco or nearby since 1975, and I feel a tad unsafe around Union Square. If the "kids" don't visit big cities often, they might feel threatened - especially at night. I didn't look up any hotel prices, but I'm pretty sure the motels along Lombard St are generally less expensive than Union Square hotels. And where can you park the car for 3 days around Union Square and not pay around $150 for doing so?


Also, Lombard St is close to the Golden Gate Bridge, and a trip across the bridge by car and up into the GGNRA along Conzulman Ave with the breathtaking views of the Bridge and The City - plus the many WWII Batteries you can visit, might be the highlight of their trip - especially for the kids & the Batteries.


Stu Dudley



Stu Dudley

The motel AustinTraveler mentions is one of the group I linked up top.

Sorry emiliaparker, but the chancellor does not meet the OP's criteria - it is often pretty expensive (rates are very date specific) and parking is about $55 per night ($49 + tax)

I wish we had some idea of what the OP feels is "not too expensive."

Stu, really, you feel "a tad unsafe" around Union Square? I am in the vicinity almost every weekend (my apartment is exactly 1 mile from the Apple Store) and while there's lot's not to like (homelessness and general grime - that's "grime" not "crime") I do not feel unsafe there, ever.

That said, Lombard Street is a MUCH better choice for the OP.

SF


I wrote a long response to your question. When I tried to post it -Fodors crashed - which it does all to often.


I'm appalled with the homeless more than anything else. I've encountered them in situations where I didn't want to, and have been yelled at.


I had more details in the failed post - but I'm too frustrated to re-enter my thoughts again on Fodors.


Stu Dudley

Colombus Motor inn is another good option, especially with kids because it is with walking distance of a cable car line, and near the Wharf. Whether we locals like it or not, kids like the Wharf!

>> Whether we locals like it or not, kids like the Wharf!<<


Yep. My cousin & his 10 year old daughter from Copenhagen visited us about 2 1/2 years ago. They were "disturbed" with all the vagrants around Union Square - but loved the Wharf. I think the Columbus Inn has parking too!!! Close to North Beach (little Italy) Chinatown, Wharf, and downtown. Popular with Fodorites.


Stu Dudley

yes - the Columbus Motor Inn is part of the same group - along with the Chelsea, Cow Hollow, Coventry, and Lombard. One problems is all are VERY popular and often book up far in advance.

We usually stay in the Union Square area when visiting the City and have never felt unsafe. However over the years, increased homelessness, drug abuse (needle users in particular), loud disturbed ravers wandering the streets and grime (not crime as sf mentioned) is very noticeable.

One very distasteful incident happened across the street from our hotel in broad daylight with traffic and pedestrians flowing by. A homeless person dropped their pants, squatted down and relieved themself in front of everyone. I’m not trying to discourage you from visiting but just be aware. San Francisco is great and I’ve been there many times, but does have major issues it needs to address.

curious explains why I enjoy the city where I was born more & more the farther & farther I get from Union Square. Noe Valley, West Portal, Marina, Cow Hollow, Cole Valley, Upper & Lower Haight, Mission, Pacific Heights/Fillmore, Sacramento St west of Divisadero, Fort Point, Crissy Field, Russian Hill, North Beach, Ocean Beach, Inner/Mid Sunset (where I was born), Golden Gate Park, Castro, Dubose Triangle, Presidio, Hayes Valley. Lots of other ways to spend time & avoid Union Square.


Stu Dudley