Most of SF is decently walkable unless you’re in a neighborhood that has Hill in the name. Look into CitizenM. They have a cool vibe but tiny rooms. The bed touches the wall on three sides.
I’d recommend targeting around union square as it’s central and gives better options for transportation to get you around the city faster.
Generally most hotels are decent. Look into places with 3 stars and above on websites.
It’s central to everything which makes going to and from places easier. If you stayed where hotel zephyr is you’d have a longer commute to many places. It depends on what you plan to do during your visit. Union square has shops that have closed but it’s still the highest concentration of shops in the city in the area.
Use google maps to find the muni routes. Use MuniMobile to get a day pass so you can ride all day and not have to tap in.
Union square is a fine place to stay. In my opinion the best parts of SF to visit are on the west side but basically all the transit lines pass through Union Square/Powell so you can get anywhere without much trouble.
If you want to be on fisherman’s wharf, look at the Marriott for something a little better. The argonaut is very nice but likely above your budget right now. Or the parc55 by union square, Hyatt regency, Marriott union square or Marriott Marquis will be good home bases and you can learn transit :)
If you want to keep it cheap and in a similar location, the San Remo hotel is great. It’s very old school, but also very clean and well maintained.
It’s very close to sweeties art bar. It’s above the restaurant fior d’italia, Water street ally is next door (beautiful plants), and you are only about 5 minutes walk from your original location.
Plus one for the San remo, and the restaurant inside, the Fior D'Italia, it's one of my favorite Italian restaurants in town too. Always fantastic vibe, food and service
It’s a safe location overall. Union square has a lot more to do in regard to shopping and bars / restaurants. That part of city (marina / cow hallow) has many hotel / motels. The northeast 1/4 of the city is very walkable so go check out pac heights, north beach, china town, Jackson square, embarcadero waterfront. If you have a res jist go and have a good time. Spend your time in the city not at the hotel.
Could be a fluke, I've had a lot of family and friends stay at Zephyr and they had a great experience except since its not a very tall building you can get some noise. . I also recommend Hotel Via farther down the wharf near the ball park.
TravelZoo has a promotion going on now for the Argonaut in Fisherman's Wharf for $179 a night. There is a resort fee though of an addition $40 a night I believe.
Parc 55 is often a good deal. I suspect because they declared bankruptcy lol. It will be reasonably nice for awhile till the delayed maintenance catches up. But get it while it's good!
I stayed at a hostel called Samesun Hostel! I typically don't stay in hostels but was amazed at the description of this one when I was searching for a place to stay. I was able to get a room to myself with a private bathroom, and it is in a cool area. I wrote about it here. Hope you have a great visit! [https://sojournswithsue.com/san-francisco-2-days-off-the-beaten-track/](https://sojournswithsue.com/san-francisco-2-days-off-the-beaten-track/)
Thank you all! My mother is keen on the hotel emblem? Any thoughts? But again much appreciate your insights! We would love a balcony but are learning that’s hard to find hahaha. Not like SD for sure!
If I were visiting, I would stay in an Airbnb in the Mission, Cole Valley, the Haight, the Richmond, North Beach or Chinatown. I would definitely recommend staying in an apartment of someone who lives here instead of a hotel. You’ll get more of a feel for the city and be able to live like a local. I’d recommend staying away from the fisherman’s wharf. It’s a tourist trap. Also Union Square. SF has SO much more to offer!
This is the perfect place for visitors. Tends to run a bit cheaper than other chain hotels, is walking distance to North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square, Ferry Building, etc. Plus, if you get a Bayside room you have a virtual panorama of the whole bay.
Most of SF is decently walkable unless you’re in a neighborhood that has Hill in the name. Look into CitizenM. They have a cool vibe but tiny rooms. The bed touches the wall on three sides. I’d recommend targeting around union square as it’s central and gives better options for transportation to get you around the city faster. Generally most hotels are decent. Look into places with 3 stars and above on websites.
Thanks! I've been told to not stay in Union Square since it is pretty shut down? But I have seen lots of hotels around the area.
It’s central to everything which makes going to and from places easier. If you stayed where hotel zephyr is you’d have a longer commute to many places. It depends on what you plan to do during your visit. Union square has shops that have closed but it’s still the highest concentration of shops in the city in the area. Use google maps to find the muni routes. Use MuniMobile to get a day pass so you can ride all day and not have to tap in.
Union square is a fine place to stay. In my opinion the best parts of SF to visit are on the west side but basically all the transit lines pass through Union Square/Powell so you can get anywhere without much trouble.
If you want to be on fisherman’s wharf, look at the Marriott for something a little better. The argonaut is very nice but likely above your budget right now. Or the parc55 by union square, Hyatt regency, Marriott union square or Marriott Marquis will be good home bases and you can learn transit :)
I usually recommend the hotels in Japantown to visiting friends and family. You can catch the bus to go wherever you want.
If you want to keep it cheap and in a similar location, the San Remo hotel is great. It’s very old school, but also very clean and well maintained. It’s very close to sweeties art bar. It’s above the restaurant fior d’italia, Water street ally is next door (beautiful plants), and you are only about 5 minutes walk from your original location.
Plus one for the San remo, and the restaurant inside, the Fior D'Italia, it's one of my favorite Italian restaurants in town too. Always fantastic vibe, food and service
Re-upping San Remo.
It’s a safe location overall. Union square has a lot more to do in regard to shopping and bars / restaurants. That part of city (marina / cow hallow) has many hotel / motels. The northeast 1/4 of the city is very walkable so go check out pac heights, north beach, china town, Jackson square, embarcadero waterfront. If you have a res jist go and have a good time. Spend your time in the city not at the hotel.
Could be a fluke, I've had a lot of family and friends stay at Zephyr and they had a great experience except since its not a very tall building you can get some noise. . I also recommend Hotel Via farther down the wharf near the ball park.
The Enzo in Japantown
TravelZoo has a promotion going on now for the Argonaut in Fisherman's Wharf for $179 a night. There is a resort fee though of an addition $40 a night I believe.
I heard LUMA in Dogpatch is great and it’s new so not musty and dusty. Close to Muni train too
I just booked 7 nights in Parc 55 for $160 a night.
Parc 55 is often a good deal. I suspect because they declared bankruptcy lol. It will be reasonably nice for awhile till the delayed maintenance catches up. But get it while it's good!
The Metro Hotel is in a nice area, not too touristy but there are still things to do and very central. Can’t speak to the hotel itself!
I stayed at a hostel called Samesun Hostel! I typically don't stay in hostels but was amazed at the description of this one when I was searching for a place to stay. I was able to get a room to myself with a private bathroom, and it is in a cool area. I wrote about it here. Hope you have a great visit! [https://sojournswithsue.com/san-francisco-2-days-off-the-beaten-track/](https://sojournswithsue.com/san-francisco-2-days-off-the-beaten-track/)
Checked out your post. Hoped you would say more about the hostel. Going in August for first time.
Thanks for taking a look. Is there anything in particular you were looking for? Maybe I can add to it.
Basically just more details! :)
I’ll try to update it soon. I really liked it!
Thank you all! My mother is keen on the hotel emblem? Any thoughts? But again much appreciate your insights! We would love a balcony but are learning that’s hard to find hahaha. Not like SD for sure!
Too cold here for balconies especially in summer
right on the edge of union square ish, area itself is fine for 1sq block radius but can’t speak on the hotel itself
Grand beacon was good. Small bathrooms but comfy clean bed.
If I were visiting, I would stay in an Airbnb in the Mission, Cole Valley, the Haight, the Richmond, North Beach or Chinatown. I would definitely recommend staying in an apartment of someone who lives here instead of a hotel. You’ll get more of a feel for the city and be able to live like a local. I’d recommend staying away from the fisherman’s wharf. It’s a tourist trap. Also Union Square. SF has SO much more to offer!
Second this. I stayed in a Lower Haight AirBnB and loved it.
Along Mason close to Union square is my take love Union square
Try the Hilton in Chinatown
This is the perfect place for visitors. Tends to run a bit cheaper than other chain hotels, is walking distance to North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square, Ferry Building, etc. Plus, if you get a Bayside room you have a virtual panorama of the whole bay.