The Castle Inn in the Russian Hill area has a nice suite that should go for well under $150. We chose it because it also has free parking and wanted to stay in a neighborhood type area that was near the cable cars and within walking distance to Fisherman's Wharf (it was about a 20 minute walk). The suite is quite large and has a seperate bedroom so it works well when traveling with a teenager. The Inn itself resembles an urban motel. We found it a good choice as did a neighbor who recently came back and stayed there on our recommendation.

I agree that Monterey/Carmel should be done as an overnight trip. Otherwise, you'll be spending more time commuting there and back, most likely in traffic, than there.

As always you guys are on the ball.
Yes Stu, it is a"canned" deal. I think you spend 2hrs in Monterey and 1 in Carmel.
Last year I did a similar thing from Paris to see the chateaux along the Loire=big day bad traffic but loved it.
But I think you are right and stick to places you have all mentioned around SF,
We have booked the Hyatt Regency ,thanks for all the suggestions.
Cindy, the Boston dates suited us and he has 2 concerts there. My husband's words "We are travelling all this way, we may as well see him twice"
Will check out all the trip reports.
Travel from airport to Hyatt Regency for 3 people-shuttle, taxi or public transport. What do you think?

>>Yes Stu, it is a"canned" deal. I think you spend 2hrs in Monterey and 1 in Carmel.<<

You're kidding - that's a "rip-off". What are they doing the other 3-4 hours - stoping at some roadside eatery so the bus driver can get a piece of the "take" (that's a very common thing to do here).

BART will take you directly from the airport to the Hyatt - $5 per person. Don't know what a tax would cost.

Stu Dudley

"BART" = Bay Area Rapid Transit. Here's a small photo sample.

http://sfphototour.tripod.com/bart.html

The BART station at San Francisco Airport is on the third level, international terminal.

The stop where you get off is the Powell Street Station.

When you emerge from the Powell Street Station, go down Market Street to Stockton Street. Go up Stockton, the Grand Hyatt is at 345 Stockton Street. It's about a three block walk from the station.

Check out google maps or mapquest.

BART is convenient if you can manage with your baggage. If you are staying at the Hyatt Regency, exit at the Embarcadero Station. The Powell Street Station is closest to the Grand Hyatt, two different hotels. If baggage is an issue, a taxi would probably be your next best option.

Thanks again for the advice, will probably give Monterey/Carmel a miss.
Thanks curiousgeo, knowing my husband he will say (in good old aussie slang, don't worry not bad language)
"stuff, the BART. We'll catch a cab"

Can I catch the BART to Berkeley? There's a scrapbook shop there I'd like to visit if it's not too far from the Hyatt Regency. Is there something in the area we can visit as an excuse to go there?

We found the BART to be very convenient, and saving maybe $30 on cab fare allowed us at least 3 more nice glasses of wine!

I should be checking the Mass posts for your questions on Boston, I gurss?

<i>Can I catch the BART to Berkeley? </i>

Yes you can. Where is the shop you want to visit? Berkeley is a great university town (home of the free speech movement of the 60s).

The store is on 4th St there is also a Michaels in Emeryville that I will try to get to if I can.
Crazy running around town looking for scrapbook supplies considering I work in the industry but U.S.A is the home of scrapbooking and I have to see at least one store.

BART does not stop near 4th street in Berkeley.

&lt;BART does not stop near 4th street in Berkeley. &gt;

So then if I took a cab from around the Embarcadero Centre, how much would it cost me?

It's a 10-15 minute drive that can easily turn into 45 if there is traffic. The BART DOES go to Berkeley, just not right at 4th st. So just take the BART and take a bus or a cab from the BART station to 4th st.

Hello suedownunder, here is the website for BART
http://www.bart.gov/index.asp

I hope this helps you plan your time in SF and Berkeley etc.

We took the BART from San Fran to Berkeley and was so much better than had we taken a cab -- traffic was terrible. From Berkeley station, there were cabs waiting outside so no worries about lots of walking if you don't want to. BART was clean, cheap and much better than had we taken a cab!!

We took the BART from San Fran to Berkeley and was so much better than had we taken a cab -- traffic was terrible. From Berkeley station, there were cabs waiting outside so no worries about lots of walking if you don't want to. BART was clean, cheap and much better than had we taken a cab!!

Hotel Vitale across from the Ferry Building was a great hotel -- modern, comfortable and convenient. Highly recommend it.

(sorry for the double post)

Thanks guys.
The system map on the Bart web site really clarified things.
It's the Bart for me

suedownunder: sorry, my bad!

curiousgeo is absolutely correct. The stop you want is EMBARCADERO.

With all the talk of choosing between Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square, I thought you had chosen the Hyatt at Union Square. Wrong Hyatt!

The Hyatt at the Embarcadero is about a block away from the BART station. You'll be fine.

Good choice! :)

The Hyatt at the Embarcadero is AT the BART station, like 10 steps.

Thanks guys. I thought it looked close on the maps. We will take the BART and save a bit of money. LOL ridiculous saying that after the money we've already forked out.