Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [32]
After all this adventuring, it’s time to reenergize your body and soul with another Irish whiskey at the Buena Vista Café (2765 Hyde St.; 415/474-5044, across from the cable car turnaround), a short walk from the bike rental shop. After libations, take the cable car back to your hotel for some rest and a shower; then spend the rest of the evening enjoying dinner.
If this isn’t one of the best days you’ve had on your vacation, send me this book, and I’ll eat it.
4
WHERE TO STAY
A lounge area at the Clift Hotel.
Whether you want a room with a view or just a room, San Francisco is more than accommodating to its 15.7 million annual guests. Most of the city’s 200-plus hotels cluster near Union Square, but some smaller independent gems are scattered around town. It’s the savvy San Francisco traveler who avoids the heavily touristed areas such as Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, and instead hangs his or her hat at the city’s outlying (and quieter) districts such as the Marina and walks or takes a bus into city central.
WHAT YOU’LL REALLY PAY
When reading over your options, keep in mind that prices listed are “rack” (published) rates. At big, upscale hotels, almost no one actually pays them, and there are always deals to be had. Therefore, you should always ask for special discounts or, even better, vacation packages. It’s often possible to get the room you want for $100 less than what is quoted here, except when the hotels are packed (usually during summer and due to conventions) and bargaining is close to impossible. Use the rates listed here for the big hotels as guidelines for comparison only; prices for inexpensive choices and smaller B&Bs are closer to reality, however.
THE BEST HOTEL BETS
• Best for Families: Kids like the Westin St. Francis because upon arrival, children 11 and under get the travel-themed Westin Kids Club backpack filled with a make-your-own postcard kit, colored pencils, a travelogue, a map of the world, and a safari hat. Parents with babies get a rubber duck, a night light, and an emergency kit. At the nautically themed Argonaut kids get to pick a toy out of the “treasure chest,” and parents will appreciate the free cribs and strollers. But the place kids will probably love the most is the Hotel del Sol with its “Kids are VIPs” program that includes a lending library of books, toys, and videos; evening cookies and milk; and a plethora of toys to use by the heated outdoor pool. Parents will love the bonded babysitting services and the three baby-proofed rooms, among many other perks for families.
• Best Bang for Your Buck: We’re received nothing but glowing reviews from readers who’ve stayed at the Golden Gate Hotel. The hotel offers individually decorated rooms with handsome antique furnishings, quilted bedspreads, fresh flowers, afternoon tea, and free Wi-Fi, and it’s only 2 blocks north of Union Square—starting at $95 a night.
• Best Splurge: Custom-made mattresses and pillows, beautiful works of art, and huge luxury marble bathrooms with deep tubs and L’Occitane toiletries: If only we could afford to live in an Executive Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco.
Price Categories
Very Expensive: $250 and up
Expensive: $200–$250
Moderate: $150–$200
Inexpensive: Under $150
• Best Elevator Ride: Sometimes getting there is half the fun. No need for Disneyland: Take a ride in a glass elevator at the Westin St. Francis to get your thrills.
• Best City Views: Preview heaven on the 48th floor of the Mandarin Oriental, particularly when the fog rolls in . . . below you. Enjoy the best views of the city from your Japanese soaking tub.
• Best for Business Travelers: If you have to do business, why not do it in a centrally located replica of Giorgio Armani’s villa in Milan, complete with double-paned soundproof windows, private screening room, work desks, and spa tubs? That would be the Hotel Milano.