Good for Families and other San Francisco, CA Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

Although we live in the Bay Area, we had a family tradition when our kids were growing up: once a year we'd have a mini-vacation in San Francisco for three or four days, playing tourist. We stayed at the Cow Hollow Inn on Lombard Street several times.

Unique Qualities: The rooms are clean, comfortable, and suitable for families. It's Triple A approved: 3 diamonds. Be advised that if noise bothers you, it would be best to request a room that does not face Lombard Street.

To be frank, it was not the people at the Cow Hollow Inn who prompted a return visit (I once witnessed the manager loudly criticizing one of his staff in front of the guests) or the underground garage, which is extremely small and hair-raising to park in. Instead, it was the location. Chestnut Street is right around the corner and has shops, restaurants, and a movie theater, so you have the feeling of living in a neighborhood. Young singles also meet on Chestnut Street for a drink and a quick bite to eat after work.

The Inn is close to several Muni bus lines and is right across the street from Mel's Diner.

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Theme: Motel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: 415-921-5800
Address: 2190 Lombard St., between Steiner and Fillmore Sts
Website: http://www.cowhollowmotorinn.com/

Big convention hotels are usually not my style -- I prefer small hotels with personalized service. But I stayed at the Hilton San Francisco as part of my sister-in-law's birthday celebration and found it interesting, a change of pace. I enjoyed sitting in the chandeliered lobby and watching the people go by.

The room was comfortable and tasteful but smaller than I would have expected for $159 per night.

Unique Qualities: The Hilton offers a spa, swimming pool, and exercise room, although I didn't have a chance to check them out. The bar on the top floor has an amazing view of the city, absolutely gorgeous at night, but was so crowded that we weren't able to find a seat. We had to be content with walking through, ooh-ing and ah-ing at the cityscape, and taking the elevator back down.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: 415-771-1400
Address: 333 O'Farrell St., San Francisco, CA 94102
Website: http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=SFOFHHH