I'm looking for easy access from the hotel to tourist spots via public transportation and/or walking. Any specific suggestions for a cheap and safe place to stay?
2007-06-15 04:01:48 · 7 answers · asked by dontknowwhatiwilldo 1 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ San Francisco
You really have two areas to choose from, either Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf. Both have the largest selection of hotels to choose from and the most to do and see. San Francisco isn't a large city area wise, and you can walk much of it if it wasn't for all the hills. However it doesn't have a great public transit system. There are buses that go most everywhere, but bus systems are slow. The cable cars don't cover much area and are always so packed that you sometimes can't get on.
Union Square is the shopping district, it has all of the nice hotels and is very centrally located. With so many hotels there are always some giving great rates and discount packages. This area is also right next to Chinatown and North Beach (Little Italy). Union Square has the best and most restaurants and night clubs.
Fisherman's wharf is the tourist destination. Meaning it's over run with them. There are plenty of hotels, but they are not as nice as the ones in Union Square. Surprisingly they are often more expensive. Plenty of things to do and see, and lots of nice restaurants. I myself don't like to spend too much time here as it's kind of cheesy and touristy. Still you want to visit at least once and spend part of a day here. It's at the other end of the North Beach area from Union Square.
2007-06-15 04:32:26 · answer #1 · answered by Just a friend. 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Near Fishermans Wharf is good, but try to find a place a few blocks south of the Embarcadero. Some of the hotels close to the wharf are either too expensive, too noisy, or both. Try checking Expedia for deals. The Best Western Tuscan Inn is a really nice Italian themed hotel, walking distance to the piers, less than a block from the cable cars, nice quiet safe area, and tons of atmosphere.
2007-06-15 19:01:18 · answer #2 · answered by nyninchdick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For your first visit Union Square is probably the best place to stay. There are lots of good restaurants, shops, theaters and clubs in the Union Square area. It is centrally located with lots of public transportation options and within walking distance of most of the tourist areas.
Driving in the city can be confusing for visitors and parking is difficult and expensive so forgoing the rental car is a good idea. Muni offers multi day passes that are good for buses, trolley, light rail and the cable cars [unique experience but $5 per ride].
http://www.sfmuni.com
Joie de Vivre http://www.jdvhospitality.com has several hotels in the Union Square area in different price points. Each hotel is unique and they have a cool free program where they match you with a local person, called a Golden Gate Greeter, who shares your interests to spend a few hours with you and familiarize yourself with the city. http://www.goldengategreeter.c...
And for some great ideas of things to do check out these websites:
http://www.jdvhospitality.com/thingstodo...
http://www.mistersf.com
2007-06-16 07:57:32 · answer #3 · answered by ajtheactress 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personality Hotels, they have several hotels in the SF area that is close to the tourist sites. The Union Square hotel is next to the new shopping plaza and the famous Union Square. The trolly cars are right there and they will take you down to the warf. The hotels go by your personality, so chose the one that fits you best. They also have packages.
2007-06-15 04:28:00 · answer #4 · answered by shelbsyd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I stayed at the Green Tortoise which is right between North Beach (Italian neighborhood) and Chinatown. It is basically right next to Coit Tower. It was a great central location, and I would definitely recommend it for that.
The place itself is a hostel, so you have to be willing to share bathrooms and it's a fairly young crowd, but they provide 3 dinners a week and breakfast every day. Even if you aren't interested in staying in a hostel, I still recommend staying in the area. Hope this helps.
2007-06-15 04:09:24 · answer #5 · answered by Mel 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"personality Hotels" on the web are small boutique hotels in the heart of S.F. Some a short walk to cable cars as well as shopping and theaters. Reasonably priced.
2007-06-17 19:37:09 · answer #6 · answered by Buzzy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you want tourist..near pier 39 you might have a veiw of alcatraz ...if you want shopping union square many many stores..then we have china town..japan town ....these are all good palces..
2007-06-16 03:56:48 · answer #7 · answered by gelica_11 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋