San Francisco Hotel Tips by richiecdisc

Motel 6: a good bet if you have a car

Though we had enjoyed the USA hostel and it was a great deal, they did not have parking facilities and being with our car on a six-month camping trip around the Western US National Parks, we needed just that. The Chateau Tivoli was out of our price range too. You can't stay at places like that if you're on a 190 night trip, unless of course, you have lots of money. So, we opted for the Downtown Motel 6. We had stayed at a few on our travels and they are generally one of the least expensive options. Being a chain, you have some kind of albeit low standards.

Unique Qualities: At $120, this was the most expensive room of our whole six-month trip and not the nicest but it was conveniently located and did have secure underground parking. This was important as we had all of our camping gear (and about everything we owned!) in the car. The room was certainly not bad and had everything we needed. We were only there one night so did not spend much time in the room anyway and it was in an area we felt comfortable in walking around at night. It is borderline Tenderloin (one of SF's worst areas) but really not bad as far as we could see. You could walk into Chinatown in 15 minutes up one very steep hill and from there, you have the city at your feet.

We actually, we had two full days in SF by spending the next night in Stockton at another Motel 6 for only $44. It was 90 minutes away and on the way to Yosemite, which is where were were headed next anyway.

Address: 895 Geary Street

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Right in the heart of downtown and within walking distance to most tourist areas.

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Hotel

USA Hostel: save 14%

I was a bit leery when booking a hostel in San Francisco. I had stayed in the Tenderloin ten years ago and though not as dangerous as purported, it was certainly a seedy locale. The first place I reserved was down a one-way street but when I found this place on the Internet, I quickly changed the booking. And was glad I did. It was a very good location, more in Nob Hill than the Loin and a San Franciscan referred to the area as the Tender Nob. It was completely safe and very convenient to everywhere in the city, whether on foot or using the extensive mass transit system.

Unique Qualities: Aside from its great location, the place itself was quite pleasant with helpful staff and clean rooms. We stayed in three different rooms and all were roomy with attached bathrooms, TVs, and comfy beds. There is a lift (elevator) which comes in handy since the place is about seven stories! The kitchen area downstairs is well kept and there is pancake batter for those on a tight budget though we preferred to eat rice porridge in Chinatown for $2.55 a huge heaping bowl. All this for $54 and remember that hostels are exempt from San Fran’s exorbitant 14% tax. You can book online at their useful website or call their toll free number.

Address: 717 Sutter Street

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: Take BART to Powell Street Station, walk north on Powell to Sutter, make a left and it's about four blocks and on your left.

Phone: 1-877-483-2950

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Hostel

Website: http://www.usahostels.com

Chateau Tivoli: maybe next time Chateau Tivoli Review

We didn’t stay here but stumbled across it while walking towards the Painted Ladies to get some photos. It was actually a more striking building than its more famous neighbors up the street. As it turned out, it’s an operating B & B and a very good one evidently, having won the best B & B in San Francisco award this year.

Unique Qualities: From the looks on their website, the rooms are very well appointed and atmospheric. Though it’s far from inexpensive, it does seem to be good value and even I, the savvy budget traveler, would consider staying here. Oh, did I mention, it’s within stumbling distance to the beery shrine, Toronado on Haight Steet?

Address: 1057 Steiner Street

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Steiner is just off Haight Street and the B & B is a couple steep blocks down the street from the Painted Ladies row of Victorian homes everyone wants to capture on film.

Phone: (800) 228-1647

Price: US$80-120

Theme: Bed and Breakfast

Website: http://www.chateautivoli.com/