San Francisco Hotels?

[TXHookem]

Any good suggestions for a hotel in the city (not too picky on location) that is in a walkable area and is good for 2 of us and 1 baby.

 

[SabreHorn]

I only stay at The Fairmont, and then only if I can have a suite in the tower facing north. The hotel is atop Nob Hill and the trolley stops at the corner going all four directions. Worth the price and witht he best view in SFO.

Everything in SFO is a very short cab ride of only a few dollars.

If you don't want a luxury hotel, there are several along Fishermans' Wharf that are chains.

Less expensive motels are located along Lombard, and while not walking distance, the area has both good public transit and cheap cab rides. A good friend of mine stayed over there at a Travel Lodge and loved the area and location, not to mention the $89 rate.

There are a couple of European style hotels (very small rooms) in the new South of Market (SOM) area. There is one that backs up to Bay Street and is across from the Bay basically under the Bay Area Bridge.

Restaurant musts:

1) Allegro
2) Johns (home of Dashiell Hamet and featured in both the book and movie "The Maltese Falcon".
3) Scoma's in Saulsalito (not confued with Fishermans' Wharf)

Avoid Pier 39 on Saturday or Sunday with a child - it is too crowded and a nightmare. Do visit there on a weekday.

 

[TXHookem]

Thanks for the initial insight. I'm up for paying up to $250/$300 night so the Fairmont may be out of the price range. Not sure. I've heard Fisherman's Wharf is extremely touristy so I may avoid that area.

 

[schnarkle]

I've stayed at the Triton, definitely in walking distance to cool stuff. it was nice. Pretty trendy though.
Also stayed at the W. It was very nice as well.

 

[SabreHorn]

While they are not worth the cash, try the Holiday Inn, Sheraton, or Marriott Fisherman's Wharf. Another, possibility is the Hyatt Embarcadarro. That Marriottt is grossly overpriced and has small rooms.

Had friends that stayed in Marina District at Cow Hollow Inn and The Coventry. Haven't been to either other than they appear clean and neat from the outside. They were about half your budget.

 

[TXHookem]

In reply to:

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[SabreHorn]

I recommended the "chains" only because some people like the "tourist trap" environment.

Grosvenor is a nice property or was when I met some people there about 4-5 years ago. Their website says that every room "has a view". If you are not familiar with SFO, the proerty is on the downside of Knob Hill in hte shadows of the Mark Hopkins and Huntingdon. It is also a couple of blocks off the trolley lines. This is not a criticism, just not knowing how old the youngster is, you will be walking a couple of blocks "sideways" to Powell to the trolley or one straight up (about 60 degrees) to California. The walk up to California is a real *****.

 

[marghorn]

I used to live in SF and visit frequently. I always try to stay at the Palace on Market Street. It is a Starwood Luxury Collection, and usually around $230-$280 a night. The location is great, and I think it is a really nice, older hotel.

 

[auntiem]

I went over the 4th and stayed at the Hyatt on Embarcadero. It is near the Ferry Station and Farmer's Market. If you can get a room with concierge club rights- awesome view, good food!!

Found it was a good location- not touristy. It is in the heart of the financial district.

 

[rgvfirm]

Was just there and spent a week at the new Intercontinental.

Intercontinental Hotel

Found a great deal on Priceline for it. It's only about 5 months old, and the room was great. It's also only two blocks from Market and within walking distance of the ballpark.

 

[TXHookem]

How is Japantown?

 

[SabreHorn]

Japantown is a concrete and glass salute to 1970s lack of architecutral design. I don't care for it at all and find it to be in the middle of nothing. It is walking distance to absolutely nothing of interest, unless you want a small "hike" to The Fillmore. As I recall, it is on Geary on your way out to San Francisco Beach, Haight Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, Cliff House, and/or Lincoln Park, all of which can be reched by more scenic routes. There are also a couple of less desirable housing projects within 4-5 blocks.

As a tourist attraction, it left me indifferent. It seemed to be the Japanese saying that since Chinatown is so junkie, Japantown will be just the opposite. Everyone is different so try it, but I think you should have another option in case you want to cut that part of you day short. If you have a car, Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Cliff House, and driving Lincoln Park West to east back into The Presidio are excellent options.