My teen daughter and I want to go for a long weekend of shopping, eating, etc...which area should we stay in to be close to the new Westfield mall and/or Union Square? Any nice hotel recomendations within walking distance? Thanks!

sorry, I meant San Francisco!!!!

Hi breathe, check out the Kimpton Group Villa Florence Hotel which is on Powell St., just one half block south from Union Sq going toward Market and 5th (where the SF Centre/Wesfield is). That would be a great location for the two of you

In the New York Times on line today in the travel section, there is a review of 5 or 6 hotels. Maybe you can check it out.

i would say the Union square area, (i just like that area personlly)
you might find a san francisco hotel
at this site, you can see on the map if it's in the area you want to stay at
http://www.tripcart.com/usa-regions/...html&Att=Hotel
have a great time

I just got back from San Francisco and stayed at Campton Place, a small hotel near the new mall and right in the heart of Union Square. It was a beautiful hotel with fabulous service and a great location. I got a good Internet rate from the hotel site.

I have been very lucky with a boutique inn chain called Joie De Vivre Hospitality -

http://jdvhospitality.com/

They have a nice price spread, and many inns in the downtown area. There amenities are generally good in each, but make sure you read the individual list of amemnities for the one you like, since each offers something a little different. Also, try to choose one that offers free parking or parking on site.

We stayed last year in Marin at the Acqua and the Mill Valley Inn - the Acqua was newer and nicer, but both were pleasant.

the New York Times has an article today on "Affordable San Francisco."
http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/10/1...tml?ref=travel

Hotel Milano and the Pickwick on 5th street are just a few minute walk to SF Westfield. They are budget to moderate in price ($100.- to 130.- ish).

I just checked the Milano and the Pickwick. More like $145 - 160.- these days. Must be the expansion of SF Westfield that made those two places more popular.

Hi trippinpkj, from the research I did yesterday it appears all the hotels have really increased their room rates. Or at least the ones in and around Union Sq. I had read due to high occupancy rates this was happening but no doubt Bloomingdale's opening up has contributed to the increase also.

One note of warning; the Kimpton Hotel The Sir Francis Drake is under renovation so probably not a great place to stay right now.

Hmmmmm, so I may have trouble for my birthday weekend in November getting a hotel bargain I guess, LOL.

Hi trippinpkj, I don't "think" you will find any bargains as we are use to getting these last years..or at least that was my experience. I would sure start looking and reserving now as it seems like hotels are really filling up during November. Maybe a lot of conventions?

We liked a boutique hotel, a Joie de Vivre property, near Union Square, called the Hotel Rex.

I saw some availability for my weekend including at Hotel Diva (a Personality hotel), in the 120 a night range.

I've stayed at Hotel Diva 2x. It's on Geary Street and a block from Union Square for shopping, shopping, shopping.

http://www.hoteldiva.com/

I just love the room decor! Each room is different.

Sunday's NY Times travel section had a great article on ten affordable (under $200) hotels in San Francisco. Diva was on their list; others sound interesting too. Maybe you can read the article on-line?

There are many hotels around that area. Personally, I would recommend Washington Square Inn, which is nice little place. The inn is right next to the beautiful Washington Square Park and famous St. Peter and Paul Church. Coit Tower is 2 blocks away; Chinatown is 3 blocks away; Fisherman Wharf is 5 blocks away.

Try looking at travelzoo.com -Lodging Specials-California. They always seem to have pretty good SF hotel deals. Hotel Diva is on it now for $99

That's a great deal on Hotel Diva, starting Oct. 29th Kwil.
Breathe- I would suggest not to go to the city until Oct. 29th or after. My impression is with this Oracle convention on, it's pretty tough to find rooms, let alone good deals.