julie

For Christmas, my husband gave me a trip to the west coast (I've always want to go)that included three nights in San Francisco. He has us staying at the San Remo Hotel in the penthouse. I have found some information about this place but, which sounds alright, but I'm not sure about the location (good or bad?). My husband told me that if I am not comfortable with it, that we can stay somewhere else. Should I have doubts? Would we be better off staying somewhere else? The place looks rather charming from its website and the penthouse looks like it might be a different experience. Advice?

Susan

I've heard great reports on the penthouse at the San Remo and I know if fills up very early, but I don't have first hand experience. The location is in North Beach which is an area of town with many restaurants and bars so it will likely be hopping until the late hours. If you want to be near the action it's a great location, and you can take the cable cars to Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square.

don

I also don't have any first hand experience with the San Remo, but North Beach is probably my favorite neighborhood in San Francisco. I find it very centrally located to most of the touristy areas (Fishermans Wharf, Chinatown, Lombard Street and Union Square), yet without the touristy feel.

SF resident

Julie,

North Beach is a decent quiet neighborhood. I would recommend to stay clear of Union Square especially at night. It does get a little intimidating.

lindy

The neighborhood is wonderful, but I don't know the San Remo. Check out their website to be sure they have in-room bathrooms. If they do, TAKE IT. Rooms (per website) look small, but again, the neighborhood is great--walk , bus, or cable car to everything in San Francisco. SF is only approx. 7 mi. by 7 mi. so it is easy to get around. Be sure to take the ferry trip from Pier 39 to Alcatraz -- well worth it!

lizbeth

Julie,
I don't have first-hand experience with staying at the San Remo, since I live in S.F. However, the neighborhood would be, in my opinion, an excellent place for a first-timer to stay in S.F. From North Beach, you are within walking distance or a short bus ride from the Financial District, Chinatown,Union Square and the Embarcadero. There will be no shortage of places to eat or have coffee footsteps from your hotel door. For cafes, my favorites are the Puccini and the Trieste ( try to be there on Sunday afternoons when they have singers trying out opera arias). Hope this helps.

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TTT