San Francisco. Anyone been there?

[Stardrifter_WA]

Hi All,

I will be staying in San Francisco for 4 days in July and haven't yet booked accommodation.

Anyone on IIS been to San Francisco in recent times and can recommend any reasonably priced hotels?

There are a lot on bookings.com, but I was hoping to get some recommendation based on recent experience.

Thanks Peter

[PCH (Paul)]

Hey Peter,

SF is a beaut place to stay. I can't remember the names of hotels/motels, - but all I wanted to mention is that they have a little booklet that you pick up from gas stations, delis etc - and they offer as much as 50% off rooms.

We tested calling these places with and without mentioning that we had the coupons from this booklet - and they did actually give the huge discounts once you mention the coupons. We stayed at a couple of motels right on Van Ness (busy central road through down town SF), and for the 5 of us (all in one room mind you!), it was only $60 in total per night. And one of them threw in brekkie for that too!

If we were going again, I'd be happy just to do that. There's usually plenty of spare capacity, unless there's some big event on. But if you wanna book ahead, google motels on Van Ness and you'll be fine.

Cheers,

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

What do you consider to be "reasonable" Peter?

Is July 4 one of your days? That could be good or bad depending on what's on in SF. In October we ran up against Oracle World and got bumped from our chosen and paid for hotel. There were very few vacancies around and certainly no cheap ones. Marriott gave us a free upgrade to another of their properties one block from Union Square. That area is convenient to shops and touristy stuff.

Van Ness is OK. I reckon the closer to Geary St the better. We stayed there the previous time we were there, but it doesn't have the same ambience.

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by PCH

Hey Peter,

SF is a beaut place to stay. I can't remember the names of hotels/motels, - but all I wanted to mention is that they have a little booklet that you pick up from gas stations, delis etc - and they offer as much as 50% off rooms.

We tested calling these places with and without mentioning that we had the coupons from this booklet - and they did actually give the huge discounts once you mention the coupons. We stayed at a couple of motels right on Van Ness (busy central road through down town SF), and for the 5 of us (all in one room mind you!), it was only $60 in total per night. And one of them threw in brekkie for that too!

If we were going again, I'd be happy just to do that. There's usually plenty of spare capacity, unless there's some big event on. But if you wanna book ahead, google motels on Van Ness and you'll be fine.

Cheers,

Thanks for the tip Paul. I have already booked for Washington, New York and Chester (for Stellafane) but haven't booked anything for LA and SF yet? I arrive in LA and leave from LA six weeks later.

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by mithrandir

What do you consider to be "reasonable" Peter?

Is July 4 one of your days? That could be good or bad depending on what's on in SF. In October we ran up against Oracle World and got bumped from our chosen and paid for hotel. There were very few vacancies around and certainly no cheap ones. Marriott gave us a free upgrade to another of their properties one block from Union Square. That area is convenient to shops and touristy stuff.

Van Ness is OK. I reckon the closer to Geary St the better. We stayed there the previous time we were there, but it doesn't have the same ambience.

I am there 20 - 24th July and then I head to Chicago and Washington, New York via train. Most of the quotes I have from the travel agent have been over a grand for the four days. Since I only want the room to sleep for 8 hours, I don't like the idea of paying that much for a room. Also, I am not that cheap that I would want to stay in a hostel either. And, it's not like I need the room for a naughty weekend.....I wish

There are a lot of places cheaper, but I am not sure what they are like, hence the thread. I have budgeted $150 / night. Frankly, the more money I save, the more astro goodies I can bring back.

SF appears to be the dearest place to stay so far. New York is dear too, but I came in around $800 for 5 days, which isn't too bad. The big surprise was Las Vegas. It is only costing me around $35 / night to stay at good hotel. Probably think they will get the rest off me at the gambling tables.

Cheers Peter

[PCH (Paul)]

Hey Peter,

there are so many great things to see in and around SF that it's a real shame to only have 4 days there.

Not just in SF, but the USA in general - just a reminder to be sure to allow a pretty generous tip whenever you eat out. The wait-staff rely on it for their take home pay

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

NYC and SF are the two most expensive cities in the US. We tried shopping around but in the end just bowed to inevitable.
Lots to do in SF. Muir Woods is the nearest redwood reserve and is stunning. Lunch by the boat harbor in Suasalito looking back at the city is very nice, pricey though! Sausalito is the most expensive part of SF!

Malcolm

[Baddad (Marty)]

Hi Peter,

I spent New Year's Eve in SF some years ago.
On arrival I asked the cabbie to take me to a motel, a good budget type.
One that was near a train station. Easy access "Downtown".
It was excellent. $70 US.

Alcatraz is almost a full day tour. Boat under the Golden Gate and then the island tour through the old jail cells. Get there early.

SF itself is like stepping into a movie scene. Particularly if you remember seeing the movie, "Bullitt" (Steve McQueen)

Enjoy your trip Peter

Cheers

[astroron (Ron)]

The Youth Hostel at Fort Mason is good and cheap,but that maybe just a bit down market for you
Cheers

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by astroron

The Youth Hostel at Fort Mason is good and cheap,but that maybe just a bit down market for you
Cheers

Thanks Ron. I have stayed in a lot of crumby and really cheap places over the years. It isn't a case of being too down market Ron, it is just that I prefer my privacy these days. I could write a book of funny tales about all the crumby places I have stayed. Some of the stories I can tell, people would just not believe me.

However, I will check out the place you mention. Although I can afford to stay in better places, I am trying to stay within my budget.

Cheers Peter

[Stardrifter_WA]

Thanks Marty, Malcolm and Paul.

I would love to stay longer in SF, however, time constraints dictate otherwise. I would have liked to tour the US for 3 months, however, I could only get six weeks off work, and even that is stretching it.

This all started because I wanted to go to the RTMC or Stellafane. The RTMC was out, as it is in May and I just could not take time off then, too busy. So, Stellafane it is.

There is so much that I wanted to fit in, it was simply not possible due to time constraints. I am visiting SF, Washington (for the air and space museums), NYC, Springfield (for Stellafane) Albuquerque (drive up into the San Juan Mountains in Colorado), Flagstaff (to visit Lowell Obs. Grand Canyon and Barringer Crate), Las Vegas, Oceanside (to visit Mt Palomar and OPT, if I have any money left over ), LA and then home. There are a few things in between these places as well. There are quite a few astronomy related places too.

The one thing that I had to drop from my list that disappoints me is Yellowstone. However, you would need a few days for Yellowstone alone, to do it justice. I simply didn't have the time.

If time and money were no object, I would see it all. But, I am happy to be able to see what I can in the time given. Better than seeing nothing at all.

Cheers Peter

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

If you cannot make Yellowstone, a trip up to Yosemite is very nice. Can get crowded at peak times but it is stunning. It is a fair drive from SF, but well worth it.

Malcolm

[astroron (Ron)]

Originally Posted by Stardrifter_WA

Thanks Ron. I have stayed in a lot of crumby and really cheap places over the years. It isn't a case of being too down market Ron, it is just that I prefer my privacy these days. I could write a book of funny tales about all the crumby places I have stayed. Some of the stories I can tell, people would just not believe me.

However, I will check out the place you mention. Although I can afford to stay in better places, I am trying to stay within my budget.

Cheers Peter

Not meant to belittle you Peter, just meant on this trip it might be a bit down market.
I too have stayed in some questionable places, which would make your hair curl
Have a Great Trip
Cheers

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by astroron

Not meant to belittle you Peter, just meant on this trip it might be a bit down market.
I too have stayed in some questionable places, which would make your hair curl
Have a Great Trip
Cheers

That's ok Ron, I didn't take it that way, at all. Sorry if my reply gave you that impression.

Actually, I very much appreciate your input. I am looking into your suggestion, as it may allow me to stay within my budget.

Cheers Peter

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by barx1963

If you cannot make Yellowstone, a trip up to Yosemite is very nice. Can get crowded at peak times but it is stunning. It is a fair drive from SF, but well worth it.

Malcolm

Thanks Malcolm.

Actually, I am already considering taking a tour bus from San Francisco to Yosemite , but have yet to work out if I can fit it in. It is a 14 hour round trip, so it would wipe out a day. I am only considering accommodation, at this point. I will research the points of interest later and see what I can fit into the 4 days.

Trying to organise this trip within the given time frame has been an absolute nightmare really. What do I include, what do I drop off, etc.

"So much to see, so little time", the mantra of travellers, I think?

Cheers Peter

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

It is the hardest part of travelling. The last few trips we have made up little itineries to plan out each day. The week in Hawaii I spent a week or so making it all out and ended up with only one afternoon free! It was worth it because I had a plan and maximised my time.

Malcolm

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by barx1963

It is the hardest part of travelling. The last few trips we have made up little itineries to plan out each day. The week in Hawaii I spent a week or so making it all out and ended up with only one afternoon free! It was worth it because I had a plan and maximised my time.

Malcolm

That is what I am doing Malcolm. I just love google maps! I am plotting out everything in order to not waste any time going to and fro. Even though this has been a nightmare to plan, it has also been fun.

Cheers Peter

[Boggy (Barry)]

Hi Peter,

I stayed at the Wharf Inn right at Fisherman's Wharf about 6 months ago. Not too flash as far as hotels go but reasonable at $170 per night and has the very best location in San Fran, good parking for your hire car, which you won't need as you can walk everywhere.

If you are considering seeing Alcatraz you will have to book and pay for the tour before leaving home as you can't buy a ticket at the wharf as tours are almost always sold out everyday.

I also noticed you going to Las Vegas. Make sure you book a hotel on the south end of the strip. The hotels at the north end are very old and there are some dodgy characters about. My favourite is Bill's Gamblin' Hall (been twice), about $40 a night and is opposite the Bellagio and Cesar's, fantastic location.

Cheers Barry

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by Boggy

Hi Peter,

I stayed at the Wharf Inn right at Fisherman's Wharf about 6 months ago. Not too flash as far as hotels go but reasonable at $170 per night and has the very best location in San Fran, good parking for your hire car, which you won't need as you can walk everywhere.

If you are considering seeing Alcatraz you will have to book and pay for the tour before leaving home as you can't buy a ticket at the wharf as tours are almost always sold out everyday.

I also noticed you going to Las Vegas. Make sure you book a hotel on the south end of the strip. The hotels at the north end are very old and there are some dodgy characters about. My favourite is Bill's Gamblin' Hall (been twice), about $40 a night and is opposite the Bellagio and Cesar's, fantastic location.

Cheers Barry

Thanks so much Barry, that information is great. I will check that out. I haven't yet booked LV, as I am not entirely sure whether I go to LV or Tuscon, from Flagstaff. It all depends on whether I can book a NASCAR drive at LV, as that is the only reason I have to go there, but I haven't heard back from the travel agent on that, at this time. It isn't looking good as they don't seem to want to reply. Actually, I have found that with a few things I wanted to do, they just don't reply, sadly.

Thanks for the tip on booking Alcatraz early, I hadn't thought about that.

Cheers Peter

[Boggy (Barry)]

Hi Peter,

No problems, happy to help.

As I work in the industry I don't use travel agents, so you get used to organising things yourself.

Cheers Barry